With less than three months to go for the FIFA World Cup 2026, India is yet to secure a confirmed broadcaster, an unusual situation for one of the world’s largest media markets. The delay stems from commercial hesitation over valuation, prompting attention towards Prasar Bharati, which has already held discussions with FIFA to evaluate cost structures, a senior government official confirmed. This follows precedent: in 2023, Doordarshan aired the FIFA Women’s World Cup via a sub‑licensing deal with 1Stadia, reaching mass audiences through DD Sports. Prasar Bharati described that move as part of its public service role. Prasar Bharati’s expanding infrastructure including DD Free Dish and WAVES OTT, offers a hybrid broadcast model combining reach and digital scale. Under mandatory sharing rules, key matches such as the semi‑finals and final will still air on Doordarshan, Best Media Info reported. Despite Prasar Bharati’s interest, industry sources suggest

Prasar Bharati has introduced a new structured sourcing framework that allows independent content creators, production houses, and rights holders to contribute programming to Akashvani (All India Radio). The move marks a major shift in how the public broadcaster sources content across its radio network. The initiative has been rolled out through a Notice Inviting Programme Proposals issued by Akashvani’s Content Sourcing Division. It aims to expand programming diversity, strengthen regional and local language content, and enhance collaboration with external partners. The framework also introduces a monetisation‑oriented model, enabling Prasar Bharati to generate new revenue streams through structured partnerships. Implementation will be carried out via regional clusters and Akashvani Kendras nationwide. Three commercial models have been defined, including a revenue‑sharing model where creators bear production costs and share advertising or sponsorship revenue with Prasar

Krishna Kant Jena, a journalist with Nav Bharat and founder of Green Rayagada, passed away at the age of 58 while undergoing treatment. His demise has cast a shadow of grief over the media fraternity in Rayagada. Jena was an active environmentalist and undertook tree plantation drives across the city, encouraging youth to contribute through Green Rayagada. He was also a founding member of the Rayagada Press Club, reported Orissa Diary. Several prominent individuals and organisations, including political leaders, officials, journalists, and members of local associations, paid tributes and gathered to express their condolences and honour his contributions. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

The Supreme Court of India on Friday confirmed the interim bail granted to journalist Mahesh Langa in a money laundering case linked to allegations of fraud. A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant clarified that the order should not be seen as a comment on the merits of the case. The decision came after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Gujarat government and the Enforcement Directorate, updated the court on trial developments. The top court had granted interim bail to Langa in December 2025, while directing the trial court to proceed on a day-to-day basis for framing charges and recording witness statements. It also asked both Langa and the Enforcement Directorate to cooperate and avoid adjournments. The case is based on FIRs registered by the Gujarat Police in Rajkot and Ahmedabad, following complaints from officials of the Central GST anti-evasion wing. The allegations relate to fraudulent GST registrations and bogus input tax credit claims, The Hindu reported

Nintendo’s Claire Corbel says storytelling and a focus on the human element of PR are central to her approach. That approach saw her take out the David Hellaby Best Media Relations award at this year’s Australian IT Journalism Awards.  “I love the gaming industry. I love video games, and I think building relationships with journalists who share that passion has been a really special thing,” she told Influencing. “I always approach with kindness, with full intention to support, no matter what brand or company I represent and help journalists in every way that I can”. She described the win as “mind-blowing”. “My initial reaction was shock, but I feel so incredibly grateful. “It was just such an amazing night – to see so many amazing people there and to celebrate the industry in general. Being acknowledged with that award was definitely a career highlight. To be nominated by the people that you work with was just such an incredible honour.” Corbel said the

$53b defence boost — but the numbers are under fire The Albanese government is flagging an extra $53 billion for defence over the next decade, arguing it will lift spending to 3% of GDP by 2033 under a revised NATO-style accounting method. Several papers question whether the uplift is real (or repackaged) and whether off-budget borrowing and private-sector financing masks the true fiscal and capability position at a time of heightened strategic risk. Covered by: Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Australian Financial Review, The Australian, The Australian. Fuel security anxiety deepens as states move to go it alone NSW is weighing an emergency diesel stockpile as the fuel crunch bites the trucking sector, with the Daily Telegraph framing it as a state-led challenge to Canberra’s national fuel-security approach. The Australian adds pressure by highlighting Australia’s low oil production and growing import dependence as conflict-driven shocks threaten prices and suppl

Around 150 journalists gathered at the Guwahati Press Club to protest alleged attacks on the media during the recent Assam Assembly elections. They resolved to escalate the matter to the highest authorities. At the meeting, journalists decided to submit memorandums to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Election Commission of India. Participants expressed concern over remarks attributed to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who reportedly said he would “politically and intellectually” finish two media groups if re‑elected. They also referred to an alleged attack on the North Lakhimpur office of Asomiya Pratidin, which took place hours after polling ended on April 9. Journalists described these incidents as signs of growing threats to press freedom and called for urgent safeguards, especially during elections. They demanded the formation of an independent media commission with retired judges, legal experts, and civil society members to address