The first 100 days of a government are usually measured by its policies, promises and political decisions. For the media, the period offers another test: how willing is the new administration to face scrutiny? In 2026, governments led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Tamil Nadu have completed 100 days in office, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala is nearing the milestone at 92 days. Journalists in all three states describe markedly different experiences of access and scrutiny under the new administrations. West Bengal: "No remarkable change" In West Bengal, senior journalist Anomitra Chatterjee, Assistant Editor at Ei Samay, sees little change in the press freedom environment following the change in government. "The euphoria that comes with a new government is still there. They are still in their teething period. However, there has been no remarkable change in the situation of p

Tuesday, 18 August 2026 #1  ·  Times City  ·  Investigative Fingerprints Blow Cover Of Man On Run For 26 Yrs By Staff Reporter   ·   Times of India, Delhi  ·  Page Unknown A kidnap convict who had been evading arrest for 26 years was identified and apprehended after fingerprint analysis blew his cover. The man had been living under a new identity as a builder after jumping interim bail. The story traces his journey from a 1990s ransom case to his eventual capture through forensic identification. The story demonstrates strong original ground reporting, weaving together a decades-long fugitive narrative with forensic detail and court records that suggest exclusive access to case files. The chronological reconstruction of the convict's dual life adds genuine narrative depth beyond routine crime reporting. #2  ·  Front Page  ·  Data story 1 in 3 Registered Voters to Be Out of

  The All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) raised concerns over the unauthorised reproduction and distortion of news reports, photographs, videos and newspaper content by social media pages, YouTube channels and other digital platforms.  In a joint appeal, they urged digital platforms to share original links, provide proper credit and avoid editing or substantially reproducing media content without permission or meaningful commentary. They also cautioned against re-uploading television programmes and reproducing newspaper content in ways that could affect circulation.  The organisations said the appeal aimed to protect the credibility and economic sustainability of professional journalism while allowing legitimate news sharing, criticism and discussion.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha urged journalists to maintain unity, reject groupism and avoid becoming partisan supporters of political parties or leaders while speaking at a programme at the Agartala Press Club on Saturday.  Saha said journalism carries public trust and stressed the need for accurate and verified reporting. He also urged journalists to present their common concerns collectively, saying unity would help the government address issues affecting the media fraternity more effectively.  Calling the Tripura government journalist-friendly, Saha said several media-related issues had been resolved while efforts were underway to address others. He cautioned that political bias could affect the public’s access to credible information and urged journalists to protect the independence and credibility of the profession.

Rolling Stone ANZ Editor-in-Chief Neil Griffiths has described working at the masthead as his dream job. “Ten years ago, or even when I started doing community radio, working at a publication like Rolling Stone is something that you only dream of,” Griffiths shared on Influencing Insider last Wednesday.  “Getting to play a part in this brand's iconic legacy is something I don't take for granted at all.”  Griffiths joined Rolling Stone in January 2025, after spending time at Mumbrella, Momentum Media, theMusic.com.au and Daily Mail in addition to a 10-month stint in New York across 2022 and 2023. He said the masthead’s content pillars are film, music, TV, comedy, theatre, culture and politics, delivered through its UnCut podcast, daily newsletter and print edition. For the masthead, a story must have a clear and defining hook.  “The story of whoever you’re interviewing is really key because, often, you have to remember if you interview a band or an artist who i

Swans rocked by alleged hotel sexual assault investigation Victoria Police have questioned several Sydney Swans players over an alleged sexual assault at a Melbourne hotel, plunging the club into crisis on the eve of finals. The story has major sporting and reputational stakes, with the AFL and club weighing whether players should be stood down and what sanctions may follow. Covered by: Herald Sun, The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Daily Telegraph, The Advertiser, Courier Mail, The Mercury, The Australian. Housing tax changes spark rent-rise warnings and mortgage slump claims National Australia Bank is warning rents could jump sharply over the next two years, linking the pressure to the federal government’s removal of key property investor tax concessions. In Queensland, the debate is being framed as a “housing tax crash”, with claims the changes are already hitting mortgage demand—setting up a politically charged fight over affordability, supply and who bears the costs. Cover

A 32-year-old reporter associated with YouTube channel SNZ News was arrested by Mehdipatnam police in Hyderabad in connection with an alleged assault and intimidation of a minor, Hyderabad Mail reported. The accused, identified by police as Arif Hussain, a resident of Tolichowki, allegedly used his position as a media reporter to intimidate the minor before the incident escalated into an assault. Based on a complaint, police registered a case against Hussain under Sections 64(2)(m) and 123 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 7 and 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Hussain was produced before a court and remanded in judicial custody. Mehdipatnam Inspector S. Mallesh urged the public not to be intimidated by individuals who misuse their positions or titles. He also appealed to people to report such incidents immediately by calling Dial-112.     Image credits: Hyderabad Mail