Influencing Media's Year-End Index 2025 highlights ten pivotal stories shaping Indian journalism amid pressure, precarity, and power dynamics. Key themes include India's press freedom ranking slipping to 151st on the RSF Index, debates over journalist accreditation excluding freelancers and digital reporters (highlighted by attacks in Delhi), gender disparities addressed at the Women Journalists Conclave on pay and safety, rural women breaking barriers, election transparency issues with paid news and PCI interventions, updated PCI advisories bolstering safeguards, tensions between influencers and journalists (with IFTPC warnings on extortion), ignored regional journalism demanding state committee inclusion, and challenges for freelancers and independent media like DIGIPUB's condemnation of government actions.   1. The Year Journalism Learned to Whisper 🔗 India rises to 151 in RSF Press Freedom Index but remains in “very serious” categor

Alpha Lead Academy, a Defence Department training centre in Mysuru, organised a workshop on defence journalism to guide reporters on responsible coverage. Group Captain Abhinav Chaturvedi (Retd.), founder of the academy and former Indian Air Force officer, highlighted the need for accurate reporting while protecting national security. He advised journalists to focus on official briefings, training, leadership, and values, and avoid live coverage of operations or sensitive visuals such as guard posts, runways, or surveillance equipment. He stressed that interviews should centre on service values and motivation, not operational details or weapon systems. Information, he said, must be sourced only from authorised platforms including the Army ADGPI, Air Force and Navy PR Directorates, and relevant ministries. Chaturvedi announced a biannual “Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Best Defence Journalist” award for outstanding articles, featuring a cash prize and citation. Dr Mamata Vishwanat

Vaishnavi Rathore of Scroll has received the International Press Institute (IPI) India Award for Excellence in Journalism for her ground reports on the Great Nicobar Island Development Project. She was the first journalist to report from the island, documenting the project’s environmental and social impact, including risks to its fragile ecosystem and indigenous communities, reported Scroll. Instituted in 2003, the IPI India Award carries a trophy, citation, and a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh. The jury this year was chaired by former Supreme Court judge Madan B. Lokur. The IPI, headquartered in Vienna, promotes press freedom and professional journalism worldwide. Its India chapter comprises senior editors, publishers and media executives.

Image edited by Dinesh Raj M   The first Women Journalists’ Conclave hosted by the Gauhati Press Club sounds, at first glance, like a familiar headline. Panels. Solidarity. A stage full of experienced women naming old problems. But here’s the thing: in Assam’s media ecosystem, even the act of gathering is political. Held on December 27, the conclave titled Let’s Talk brought together nearly 200 women journalists. That number matters. Not because 200 is large, but because it quietly exposes how small women’s representation still is. Across India, women constitute roughly 20–30 per cent of newsroom staff in print, under 25 per cent in editorial leadership, and less than 10 per cent of editors-in-chief, according to multiple newsroom diversity studies and Global Media Monitoring Project data. Assam mirrors this imbalance, often more starkly. So what was the point of the conclave? It wasn’t catharsis. It was record-keeping. For decades,

Former BJP minister Jagannath Patil expressed anger towards journalists covering the Kalyan-Dombivli municipal elections, telling them to “turn off their cameras or he would throw them away,” in an incident that has stirred political reactions in the area.  According to Esakal, Patil angrily asked journalists to turn off their cameras and warned them of consequences if they continued recording.  The incident has drawn attention and concern in local political circles, highlighting tensions not just within the BJP but also between politicians and the media during a heated election period.  While the former minister has not responded publicly, the episode has been widely discussed among journalists and political observers.  The matter has also raised concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists during political events. 

The Sports Journalists Welfare Association, Assam (SJWAA) marked its 13th Foundation Day with a day-long programme at the Kankalata Indoor Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday.  As a part of the event, six sportspersons were honoured for their achievements.  The Sentinel states that cyclist Devi Chabukdhara and archer Sitaditya Das received the Upcoming Player Award, while swimmer Tirthank Pegu and weightlifter Abhinav Gogoi were presented the Promising Player Award along with Rs 25,000 each.  Squash player Ayan Kaushik and boxer Priyakshi Gogoi received the Encouragement Award.  The Coach of the Year Award went to archery coach Somesh Chandra Roy, who received Rs 10,000. A sports-themed painting competition was also organised.

Granting interim relief to journalist and YouTuber Savukku Shankar, the Madras High Court on December 26 ordered his release on bail till March 25, 2026. The court said the decision was based on submissions regarding his medical condition and the repeated curtailment of his liberty.  Shankar was arrested earlier this month following allegations of assault and extortion by a film producer.  According to South First, the Bench of Justices SM Subramaniam and P Dhanabal ordered Shankar's release until March 25, 2026, and sharply criticised the Tamil Nadu Police. The court said targeting journalists for expressing dissent goes against democratic principles.  The case was heard on petitions filed by Shankar’s mother seeking bail for medical treatment and protection from solitary confinement. The court observed that civil remedies, not criminal action, should be used if allegations are baseless.