For public relations professionals looking to land coverage with the recently launched travel and lifestyle masthead, Ripe in Town, founder and editor-in-chief Lauren Deighton offers a clear roadmap to success.  In an interview with Influencing Insider, Deighton underlined the importance of tailored pitches, authentic experiences, and building genuine relationships. Deighton, who launched Ripe in Town less than three months ago, is keen to foster connections with PR professionals.  "I think relationships are fantastic," she says, adding, "I feel like the way I do business is, I’m a relationship person."  She believes connections lead to better pitches and ultimately, better content.  "It will produce better content if we know that PR person understands what we're trying to do as well." For those looking to get in touch, Deighton suggests a multi-pronged approach.  "Email's great, we've got an editorial email, of course.” That’s editorial@ripeintown.com But she also

Mark Furler, News Corp's National Digital Editor, regionals and communities, is celebrating no less than 40 years as a journalist. "It's been a long time," said Furler. "That's what I'm celebrating this year after starting as a cadet reporter with the Sunshine Coast Daily when I was 18. I had hair then. Lots of it. And plenty of enthusiasm. I still remember walking into the Daily's newsroom wearing a shiny grey suit and a thin red tie. I had landed my dream job, something I had first thought about when a school teacher in Year 4 said I should become a journalist. "It's been a career which has given me loads of great memories. There have been lots of tough, long days, but so many that have been rewarding with a sense of making a difference. Telling people's stories, campaigning for much needed change, and getting to know so many people continues to drive me each day." He also pointed to thje massive changes he's seen. "T

Welcome to Friday and yes I know it's early, but let's start with beer. The Daily Telegraph has devoted yards of ale, sorry yards of newsprint this morning on both the front page (an exclusive by Jessica Wang cleverly headlined 'POUR FORM') and on into page 5 (where the exclusive now includes William Elliott) and where there is also an excellent well written Comment piece by James Morrow ('Our itsy-bitsy drinking problem'), and even an editorial on page 20 ('They're middies but at a schooner price'). Yes, by all accounts the world is in turmoil but the world of beer grabs half of the Tele's front page. The reason? Short serves of beer. Apparently it's a thing across Sydney, and presumably elsewhere, because it seems some bartenders don't know how to pour the amber nectar properly. And a great picture by Justin Lloyd of one Sydney bartender who "knows how to pull the perfect beer". It's a very Daily Telegraph sto

The Allahabad High Court has refused to cancel criminal proceedings against journalists of News18 in a 2017 defamation case filed by a senior IPS officer. The case relates to a news broadcast aired in September 2017, which allegedly suggested that the officer had accepted money from criminals linked to the Nabha jail break. The officer claimed the report damaged his reputation and filed a complaint. Although a later government inquiry cleared him of wrongdoing, a magistrate issued summons to the journalists after recording statements from the complainant and witnesses. Challenging the summons, the journalists approached the High Court, arguing that the story was already reported by several newspapers and TV channels and that their coverage was fair and unbiased. However, Justice Brij Raj Singh said the court cannot examine evidence or decide guilt at this early stage, as that would amount to a “mini trial.” The judge noted that the magistrate had followed due process before is

The Supreme Court has set aside a Telangana High Court order that allowed police custody of journalists Pogadadanda Revathi, managing director of YouTube channel Pulse News and Bandi Sandhya, ruling that custody cannot be granted once bail has been granted unless it is first cancelled through proper legal process. The two journalists were arrested by Hyderabad cyber crime police in March 2025 for allegedly circulating derogatory remarks against Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and the state government. They were initially remanded to judicial custody. A magistrate later rejected the police request for five days’ custody, noting that substantial investigation had already been conducted and electronic devices seized, and granted them regular bail. The state challenged this before a sessions court, which permitted brief police remand. The High Court upheld the order in October 2025. The journalists then approached the apex court challenging the High Court order. Disposing of the peti

Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar emphasised that journalism plays a crucial role in strengthening democratic institutions and raising public awareness. Speaking at the Media Cup Cricket Tournament 2026 inauguration in Ranchi, he described the media as the fourth pillar of democracy and appreciated journalists for highlighting public-interest issues. He also noted that sports like cricket promote patience, teamwork, and coordination.

Picture Credit: Odisha Diary  For nearly a decade, Indian journalists investigating powerful corporate interests have found themselves fighting legal battles instead of pursuing stories. Since 2017, the Adani Group and its subsidiaries have filed a series of civil and criminal defamation cases against reporters and media outlets, a pattern Reporters Without Borders (RSF) describes as strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs). At least 15 journalists have been targeted through multiple proceedings. While none of these cases has resulted in convictions, several courts issued interim gag orders that temporarily silenced reporting even before hearing the defence. According to RSF, the aim is not necessarily to win but to exhaust journalists financially and psychologically, turning the legal process itself into punishment. So far, RSF has documented at least ten major cases, many concentrated in Gujarat. Nine journalists remain caught in ongoing litigation, including in