Lifestyle journalism is no longer competing only with hard news, it is now competing with Instagram Reels, viral recommendations, YouTube vlogs, and creators who can shape trends within minutes. From fashion and food to travel and wellness, influencers have increasingly become the first point of reference for audiences looking for recommendations, reviews, and lifestyle trends. Their content is quick, visually engaging, conversational, and designed for platforms where attention spans are shrinking rapidly. The shift has sparked growing debate within media circles over whether influencers are slowly replacing lifestyle journalists — or simply forcing journalism itself to evolve. Audience behaviour has changed dramatically over the past few years, particularly after the rise of short-form video platforms and post-pandemic digital consumption habits. Long editorial reads and magazine-style reviews are increasingly competing with creators who document experiences instantly and p

Friday, 22 May 2026 #1  ·  Times City  ·  In-depth feature Grasping At Straws: 45°C Outside, A Bubble Of Relief In Walled City By Mriganka Mishra   ·   The Times of India  ·  Page 5 A ground-level feature report on Delhi government's 'Cooling Zone' near Jama Masjid Metro Station, where residents of the historic Walled City neighbourhood are seeking relief from 45°C heat. The story documents the practical experience of people using the facility, examines infrastructure gaps and questions about sustainability, and captures voices of residents and local officials on the ground. The story goes beyond announcement journalism to test the on-ground reality of a government heat-relief initiative, using shoe-leather reporting in a high-vulnerability urban pocket and raising pointed infrastructure questions that official press releases would not surface. #2  ·  Number Theory  &mi

An honest and forthright Grant Arnott has opened up about the pain and challenges of running Click Frenzy and Power Retail during its last few years, while it was mired in financial challenges that ultimately led to both companies being placed in receivership.  As Influencing first reported last month, Click Frenzy and Power Retail entered receivership in late March, with Click Frenzy having since been acquired by Gabbi and Hezi Leibovich. Meanwhile, Power Retail has been acquired by Retail Media. Speaking on the Add to Cart podcast with host Nathan Bush, Arnott said the trouble began with a decision to take on private equity.  “Nothing's hurt me more personally and financially, and that I think will be my greatest regret in life,” Arnott said.  The 12 months before Receivership  Arnott explained that the companies fought until the end, with events such as its All Star Bash, Click Frenzy Live and the Mayhew event all taking place, but lurking

Three Liberal party ministers have banded together to call for the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion to examine the ABC and SBS over their Middle East coverage. Shadow Attorney-General, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Shadow Minister for Communications and Digital Safety, Senator the Hon Sarah Henderson. and Shadow Minister for Arts, Angie Bell M issued a joint media release this morning, stating the Coaliton has made representations to the Royal Commision asking it "to establish a dedicated block of hearings into Australia’s arts institutions and public broadcasters, including the ABC and Creative Australia". "Publicly funded cultural institutions do not operate outside the national conversation. They shape public debate, influence cultural norms and carry significant responsibilities to foster social cohesion and combat hatred in all its forms," the release says. "Recent events have raised serious questions about whether some ins

The West Australian Budget tax backlash: CGT changes ignite business revolt and investment flight fears Labor’s proposed capital gains tax changes dominate front pages, with warnings they could hit investors far harder than Treasury modelling suggests and push founders and capital offshore. Papers highlight different angles: entrepreneurs relocating to Europe, small business anger in the PM’s seat, miners warning of exploration damage, and the budget’s political risk of being wedged between Greens demands and industry pressure. Covered by: Australian Financial Review, Australian Financial Review, Australian Financial Review, The West Australian, Daily Telegraph, The Australian, The Australian, Courier Mail. Queensland minister stood aside as AFP probe looms over enrolment claims Queensland Sport/Olympics Minister Tim Mander has stepped aside after being referred to the Australian Federal Police over an alleged electoral law breach tied to his enrolled address.

Tanzil Asif, founder of Bihar’s hyperlocal news platform Main Media, has been selected for the prestigious Knight‑Wallace Journalism Fellowship at the University of Michigan for 2026–2027. Asif is only the fourth Indian journalist to join the fellowship’s ranks, following Kashmiri photojournalist Masrat Zahra (2023–24), former CPJ India representative Kunāl Majumder (2024–25), and BBC correspondent Divya Arya, the first Indian fellow in 2014–15. The Wallace House Center for Journalists announced Asif as part of a 19‑member cohort representing eight countries and diverse U.S. newsrooms. Over eight months in residence, he will pursue a research project titled “Building Sustainable Models for Rural, Hyperlocal Journalism in India.” Drawing on his experience running an independent newsroom in Bihar’s Seemanchal‑Kosi belt, Asif will examine the financial, political, and institutional challenges facing hyperlocal media, while studying gl

Thursday, 21 May 2026 #1  ·  Times City  ·  Investigative Monuments Delhi Stopped Noticing By Nishi Verma   ·   The Times of India  ·  Page Unknown An in-depth investigation into Delhi's lesser-known but legally protected heritage sites that have suffered years of illegal occupation, unchecked construction, and administrative neglect. The report documents specific monuments and heritage structures across the city, detailing how encroachments and residential buildings have grown around them, while authorities have failed to act despite existing protection frameworks. The story combines ground reporting with visual documentation, naming specific monuments and providing historical context that elevates it beyond a routine complaint piece into a sustained accountability investigation of governance failure. #2  ·  Times City  ·  In-depth feature 250km in Single Refill, but Here