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. 

Journalists entering Trinamool Bhavan were earlier required to sign a manual register, a system that had been followed for a long time.  However, on Saturday, journalists noticed a new QR code–based entry system ahead of a press conference by Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.  According to Bhaskar English, scanning the code opens an online form asking for basic details such as name, media organisation, beat, and phone number. According to the Trinamool Congress, the move is meant to improve efficiency and security at the party headquarters.  The QR-based registration was developed by the party’s media cell and will be mandatory every day and not limited to special events. 

Image source: Telangana Today; Edited by Dinesh Raj M   Here’s the thing about press accreditation: it’s not a badge of privilege handed out by the state. It’s a functional guarantee. It exists so journalists can do their jobs without begging for access or fearing retribution. Telangana’s G.O. Ms. No. 252 forgets that distinction entirely. What triggered the protests outside the Hyderabad Collectorate wasn’t just a technical tweak to rules. It was the philosophy behind them. By splitting journalists into “field” and “desk,” by setting traffic and circulation thresholds that only large players can clear, the state has quietly turned accreditation into a gatekeeping tool. Access is no longer about journalistic function. It’s about scale, format, and state approval. That’s a dangerous pivot. When desk journalists are told they don’t deserve full accreditation, the state is effectively saying editing, veri

Veteran journalist Mathew A. Thomas (60), former bureau chief of The New Indian Express (TNIE), Thiruvananthapuram, passed away on Friday night. He began his journalism career with Malayala Manorama and joined The New Indian Express in 2000, where he went on to serve as bureau chief in the state capital. According to Kaumudi Online, Mathew returned alone to his residence in Punalur, Kollam district, on Friday night. On Saturday morning, when he did not respond to repeated phone calls from his wife, neighbours checked on him and found him unresponsive, seated on a chair in the hall. He is believed to have suffered a heart attack. Following the inquest, the body was shifted to Punalur Taluk Hospital. Funeral details will be announced later. He is survived by his wife, Joby Mathew.