Comment: Media bargaining code is half-pregnant
By Phil Sim in Media News on Monday, 25th January 2021 at 1:35pmThe problem with the Australian government’s approach to making the tech giants subsidise journalism in Australia is ideologically half-pregnant. It is rampant interventionism trying to pretend it’s not by operating under the auspices of a “free-ish” market agreement.

Clearly, the two opposing sides will never, ever see eye-to-eye on the respective value they bring to the table. As such, any arbitration model is doomed to failure.
The government does have at its disposal traditional levers that it could far more easily deploy, namely taxation.
Let’s call it a copyright tax. With it you could kill two birds with one stone, removing the related issue of ambiguity over copyright and fair use of content. It is a legal minefield that our leg...
To continue reading this article...
More Influencing|Tech
Upfront: $2b forever-chemicals showdown, Housing tax shockwave, PM digs in.
By Staff Writers in Media News on Friday, 29th May 2026 at 5:57am
Commonwealth launches record $2b PFAS lawsuit against 3M
The federal government has filed a landmark $2 billion claim against 3M over PFAS “forever chemicals” contamination linked to firefighting foam, escalating Australia’s biggest legal fight over toxic pollution. Beyond the courtroom, the case raises major questions about corporate accountability, clean-up costs and how affected communities are consulted and compensated. Covered by: Sydney Morning Herald, The Age.
Housing tax fight: warnings rents will rise and supply will fall
Multiple tabloids lead with modelling claims that Labor’s proposed negative gearing and capital gains tax changes would push rents higher and deter new home building, intensifying the housing crunch. The significance is political as well as economic: housing affordability is shaping up as a defining national battleground, with competing claims over who really pays and whether reform helps or hurts supply. Covered by: Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, Th
Mihir Ranjan steps down from Bharat Express, plans short break
By Meena R. Prashant in Media News on Thursday, 28th May 2026 at 6:26pm
Senior journalist Mihir Ranjan has exited Hindi news network Bharat Express, where he had been serving as Managing Editor since July last year. In that role, he oversaw editorial strategy and output operations for the channel.
Speaking to Influencing, Ranjan said: “I will take a month’s break before choosing my next path.”
He added that while he has received a few offers, he has yet to decide on his next assignment.
Ranjan’s career spans more than two decades across leading newsrooms. Before Bharat Express, he was Managing Editor at India Daily Live, where he steered digital platforms and also worked as Consulting Editor for the television channel. He earlier held senior roles at ABP News, joining as Output Head in 2020 and later serving as Associate Vice President. Following his stint there, he pursued a digital media programme at the Indian Institute of Management Indore.
A veteran of television journalism, Ranjan has also been associated with Republic Bharat and was p
Havas Media India secures integrated media mandate for Matrimony
By Staff Writer in Media News on Thursday, 28th May 2026 at 5:06pm
Havas Media India has won the integrated media mandate for Matrimony.com, the online matchmaking platform behind brands such as BharatMatrimony, Elite Matrimony and regional matrimony services. Under the mandate, Havas Media India will manage media strategy, planning and buying across online and offline platforms using its AI-led consumer intelligence and integrated media capabilities.
The partnership strengthens Havas Media India’s growing presence in South India, where it has expanded operations in Bengaluru and Chennai through regional investments and integrated offerings under the Havas Village model. The agency currently works with brands including Swiggy, V-Guard, Joyalukkas and Muthoot FinCorp.
Matrimony.com said the partnership will help strengthen brand growth and consumer engagement, while Havas Media India highlighted the mandate as another milestone in its South India expansion strategy.
TODAY’S TEN: ED raids Pinarayi Vijayan, VFS visa lapses exposed and more
By Staff Writer in Media News on Thursday, 28th May 2026 at 3:39pm
Thursday, 28 May 2026
#1 · My Delhi · In-depth feature
City facing water supply shortfall of more than 90 mn gallons a day
By Paras Singh · Hindustan Times · Page 3
Delhi is facing a water supply shortfall exceeding 90 million gallons per day, with residents relying on tanker arrangements that are described as inadequate and helplines being unresponsive. The story includes a detailed infographic mapping where Delhi gets its water from various sources through the Yamuna river system, and documents ground-level impacts on residents across different parts of the city.
The story combines original ground reporting with data visualization — a detailed supply-source map — and gives voice to multiple affected residents, elevating it beyond a routine civic complaint piece into a documented accountability report.
#2 · Page One Plus · In-depth feature
In post-Na
Senior journalist injured in Navi Mumbai's Palm Beach Road hit-and-run accident
By Meena R. Prashant in Media News on Thursday, 28th May 2026 at 3:18pm
A Navi Mumbai-based senior journalist and women’s rights activist was seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident on Palm Beach Road after a speeding biker allegedly jumped a red signal and rammed into the scooty she was travelling on.
Sandhya Jain, 56, owner and editor-in-chief of the magazines Women Zone and Kanchan Kanika, has been undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital in Seawoods for multiple injuries, including fractures to both hands and her nose, facial injuries and trauma.
According to Jain, the accident took place on May 18 near the NRI Junction on Palm Beach Road while she was travelling to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) headquarters in Belapur.
Speaking to Influencing, Jain said, “I go to NMMC around 4.00 pm every day to meet officials. This was the worst experience ever. Luckily, I was wearing my helmet, which I always do as a responsible motorist”.
“As per CCTV recordings, the biker wearing a maroon shirt jumped the red signal and crashed in
Veteran Kumudam journalist Ramasamy passes away
By Staff Writer in Media News on Thursday, 28th May 2026 at 2:36pm
Ramasamy, a senior journalist who worked with Kumudam weekly magazine, passed away at the age of 58 due to ill health.
The Chennai Press Club conveyed its condolences to his family and fellow journalists through a social media post. His final rites will take place in Mettupalayam near Kilpennathur, his native town.
Upfront: CGT chill warning, EU deal on edge, Defence stocks running low.
By Staff Writers in Media News on Thursday, 28th May 2026 at 5:56am
Business warns Labor’s CGT push could chill investment
A widening rift has opened between the government and major employers over proposed capital gains tax changes, with business groups urging Labor to narrow any reforms to housing and WA’s Premier Roger Cook warning the plan could deter foreign capital in the mining sector. The dispute matters because it goes to the heart of Labor’s economic pitch—balancing revenue and fairness against investment confidence—while setting up a sharper political fight with the Coalition and industry ahead of legislation. Covered by: Australian Financial Review, The West Australian, The Australian.
EU trade deal in jeopardy as Coalition flags climate “lock-in”
The Coalition is warning it may oppose the Australia–EU free-trade agreement, arguing it would entrench Labor’s climate settings and disadvantage agriculture. With trade diversification and farm market access at stake, the standoff raises the prospect of a major international
Media news latest
In Front Page News Today: Government sues 3M over PFAS; Housing tax changes spark rent fears; Albanese holds line on CGT. ... Show more
In Front Page News Today: Business warns on CGT changes; EU trade deal faces Coalition threat; Defence report flags fuel, munitions shortages. ... Show more
Sophie Hanson has a message for journos and PRs hoping to work with Junkee or Punkee – stop sending pitches that could have gone to anyone. ... Show more
Marcoms news latest
IN PR: Via strengthens comms team with senior appointments, Miles Alexander wraps up at Thrive PR and Ana Keltchina steps up at Atlassian ... Show more
IN PR: Dylan Quinnell joins the Global Strategic Communications Council, India S joins The Royal Sydney Golf Club, opportunities at SHK APAC and Commonwealth Bank. ... Show more
IN PR: Alexander Clampett joins Foxtel Group and Sophie Payne steps up at Archetype ... Show more