View from the press rooms The INDIA bloc, heralded as the opposition’s united front against the BJP, is showing cracks as AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and Congress’ Rahul Gandhi continue their public sparring. The Times of India’s Raj Shekhar highlighted Kejriwal’s allegations that the Congress is covertly siding with the BJP in Delhi, framing the fight as “against the people of Delhi.” Meanwhile, Paras Singh’s analysis on the Hindustan Times focused on Gandhi’s critique of Kejriwal, pointing to unfulfilled promises like transforming Delhi into “Paris.” As Saman Husain reported for the Indian Express, the feud underscored deep tensions in the alliance, raising questions about its sustainability ahead of critical assembly polls. Through the digital lens Mausami Singh's feature on India Today explored the digital narrative fuelling the conflict, with Gandhi’s video mocking Kejriwal’s governance going viral. On the flip side, Kejriwal accused Congress of bei

Sydney’s 2DAY FM has cancelled its networked weekend breakfast show hosted by Mike E and Emma sparking rumors of a potential breakfast slot reshuffle, The Daily Telegraph reported. According to MediaWeek, Emma Chow, co-host of the Mike E & Emma Show, confirmed the end of their partnership in a heartfelt social media post marking the conclusion of their 14-year run. “After almost 14 years, the Mike E & Emma journey has come to an end,” she wrote. The duo’s final broadcast aired in December ending their national weekend breakfast program. The Mike E & Emma Show began in 2011 on ARN’s 96.1 Edge before moving to Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) in December 2021. The show expanded to 2DAY FM, SCA’s DAB channels, and streaming platforms under the RnB Fridays brand. In August 2022, it shifted to nights after Dave Hughes, Ed Kavalee, and Erin Molan left 2DAY FM.  

Australian journalist and TV icon Simon Townsend has died at 79 following a recent diagnosis of aggressive cancer, Mediaweek reported. His family confirmed he passed away on Tuesday surrounded by loved ones in his final days, filled with lively conversations and laughter. Townsend was best known for hosting Wonder World, which aired from 1979 to 1987 earning five Logies and cemented his status as a TV legend alongside his loyal bloodhound, Woodrow. The show aired nearly 2,000 episodes and featured humor, music, and travel across Australia and internationally. In 1993, Townsend shifted to hosting TVTV on the ABC, where he interviewed celebrities and reunited with Wonder World star Edith Bliss. Despite facing significant health challenges in his later years including five strokes, Townsend continued to be a beloved figure in Australian television. He is survived by his three children – Nadia, Michael, and Lisbeth Kennelly – as well as his brothers and five grandchildren.  

Isabella Neale has joined Adelaide’s Mix 102.3 as senior producer and guest booker for the new Hayley & Max In The Morning show, according to Radio Info. With a background in production and journalism, Isabella brings experience from major radio stations including Triple M and the Hit Network. Most recently, she worked as a producer for Triple M Sydney’s Mick & MG In The Morning where she developed content, coordinated talent and guest interviews, and appeared on air. Previously, she was a content assistant at 2DayFM and Triple M for nearly two years. Mix 102.3’s content director, Stephen Werner, expressed excitement about Isabella’s appointment saying her energy, fresh ideas, and community focus make her a great fit for the station. The new Hayley & Max In The Morning show officially launches on January 20, 2025.  

Abbey Smith has started a new role as a reporter and digital content creator at Channel 10 Adelaide. She shared her excitement with Radio Today, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome from the 10 News First Adelaide team and her eagerness to cover local stories. A former Breakfast newsreader at Nova Adelaide, Abbey was affected by a recent restructuring at NOVA Entertainment.  In addition to her new role, Abbey will continue running her live video guestbook business, Time for Chats, and will take on occasional radio news shifts in 2025.  

The Australian Financial Review is expanding its lifestyle content in 2025 with four key appointments across its glossy titles, Mumbrella reported. Lauren Sams, former fashion editor at the Financial Review, has been named editor of Fin Magazine replacing Matthew Drummond who will continue as editor of AFR Magazine. Sams plans to enhance the magazine with new features on beauty, wellness, and more while continuing coverage of fashion, culture, motoring, watches, and jewellery. Anna McCooe joins as senior travel writer overseeing travel content across the Financial Review’s platforms including afr.com, the daily newspaper, Life & Leisure, AFR Magazine, and Fin Magazine. McCooe was previously deputy editor of Gourmet Traveller and travel editor for Marie Claire. Jessica Beresford has been appointed associate editor of Life & Leisure. She comes from The Financial Times where she was contributing editor and fashion features editor for the luxury glossy HTSI. Maria Shollenb

Award winning journalist Hamish Macdonald will host the Mornings program on 702 ABC Radio Sydney from Monday to Thursday starting January 20, 2025, ABC Sydney announced in a press release.  Additionally, Charlie Pickering will host Thank God It’s Friday! and Chris Bath will take on the Drive role. Other new presenters include Kathryn Robinson, who will host Fridays, Dom Knight who will be on Friday Drive and Saturday Mornings, and Rae Johnston taking on Sunday Mornings. Hamish paid tribute to former host Sarah Macdonald and acknowledged the challenge of filling her shoes. "I'm looking forward to putting my head down, getting to work from Monday and serving the wonderful 702 audience in what will be a huge year of news for Sydney," he said.  New 702 ABC Radio Sydney Manager Katrina Palmer looks forward to building stronger connections with audiences from the station’s new Parramatta location.