It’s not every day that a global press freedom watchdog writes directly to politicians asking for promises. But that’s exactly what the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has done. Ahead of elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry, the organisation has urged major political parties to include explicit commitments to protect journalists and uphold press freedom in their election manifestos (CPJ, 2026). While on paper it sounds like a routine advocacy exercise, in reality, it’s quite alarming because when press freedom has to be negotiated through campaign promises, it means something deeper is shifting in the media ecosystem. The CPJ letters were sent to leaders, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and BJP state president Nainar Nagendran and they outline a familiar but growing list of threats. Journalists across India face legal intimidation, online harassment, physical attacks an

The All Assam Journalists’ Union (AJU), along with the Bongaigaon District Journalists’ Association, organised a memorial journalism award ceremony at Bezbaruah Bhawan in Abhayapuri, Bongaigaon district. During the programme, three prominent journalists from Assam’s media fraternity were felicitated. Nitumoni Saikia, Editor-in-Chief of Pratidin Time, received the Radhika Mohan Bhagawati Memorial Journalism Award. Imran Hussain, Executive Editor of Prantik, was presented the Hari Barman Memorial Journalism Award. Veteran journalist Narendra Bora was honoured with the Prafulla Chandra Baruah Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism, The Sentinel reported.    

TechAU’s Jason Cartwright has released his third album, titled Automation, which explores the topics of AI, automation and efficiency.  Cartwright told Influencing, the album was reflective of the current state of the technology industry.  “I think a lot about the application of AI in its many forms, and perhaps the most impactful on the horizon is the embodiment of AI in humanoid robotics. “AI is being expressed in many forms,” he added; before remarking that the album also focuses on the spectrum of human responses in efforts to constrain AI as detailed in songs, ‘The Three Laws’ and ‘Full System Access.’  Automation had the target to be hard and aggressive with a strong mix of Electronic music, Dubstep, Rock, and Heavy Metal included. “The hard music is intentionally overlaid with elegant, passionate vocals that work well as a contrast.”  Automation shares vocal style similarities to his previous

National and metropolitan front pages for Friday 13 March 2026   National The Australian   From ‘don’t panic’, to a genuine Chris Crisis, Matthew Cranston; Thomas Henry A dispute over Energy Minister Chris Bowen’s handling of fuel reserves and transparency has escalated into a political crisis for the government. Bondi debacle: Increasing threat, decreasing answers and silent PM, Noah Yim, Noel Towell; Thomas Henry Senior police criticism and resignations over port management are intensifying pressure as questions mount and the PM remains quiet. Taylor vows no more sneaky creeps into tax rises, Matthew Cranston Angus Taylor says the Coalition will introduce fiscal rules to prevent stealth tax increases via bracket creep and to cap spending. One Nation warning as Mali defends patriotism, David Penberthy; Scott Morrison Pauline Hanson’s comments about patriotism have drawn scrutiny after appearing alongside content linked to anti-migrant and extremist-leani

Mongabay-India, in partnership with Alt Eff, has opened applications for the Video Reporting Opportunity 2026, inviting journalists and storytellers across India to produce environmental video stories.  The programme aims to support field-based environmental journalism through funding, mentorship, and editorial guidance, with selected stories to be published on Mongabay-India’s platform.  The opportunity is open to Indian journalists, filmmakers, and multimedia storytellers working on themes such as climate change, biodiversity, conservation, and community-led environmental initiatives. The application deadline is March 16, 2026.  To apply: https://studysustainabilityhub.com/events/preview/69ae8f0c55a70f82c1a6330c  

Kajaria Ceramics has appointed Innocean India as its creative partner following a multi-agency pitch process, according to exchange4media. The mandate will include brand strategy and campaign development across platforms. The account was previously handled by 82.5 Communications, which confirmed it is no longer associated with the brand and did not participate in the recent pitch.  

Prashant Kulkarni, a cameraman with TV9, has passed away in Karnataka. The Karnataka Working Journalists’ Association (KUWJ) expressed condolences on his sudden demise, remembering him for his contributions to journalism.       Image:  KUWJ