A recent incident involving the false announcement of veteran actor Dharmendra’s “death” on television and on the social media accounts of several journalists has reignited concerns about how the race to break news first is eroding basic journalistic checks. The unverified update, triggered by a misleading social media post, was aired within minutes and spread rapidly online before the actor’s family confirmed he was alive and recovering. Despite the clarification, the rumour continued to circulate across platforms. The episode has renewed calls for stronger editorial safeguards, particularly during live broadcasts where competitive pressure is highest. It has also highlighted the emotional and professional strain faced by journalists who are often subjected to intense trolling over real or perceived errors. Senior entertainment journalist Rohit Khilnani said the problem reflects a larger crisis in newsrooms. “Whatever the pressure, a journalist’s first responsibility i

  The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a formal advisory to digital news platforms and social media intermediaries regarding online content linked to the Red Fort blasts, which may inadvertently incite unlawful activity. According to Adgully, the advisory highlighted posts featuring individuals allegedly connected to the incident, commentary appearing to justify violence, and videos demonstrating explosive-making methods. The advisory, issued by Deputy Secretary Arpitha S with approval from the competent authority, outlines two key expectations for digital platforms: first, to exercise maximum discretion and sensitivity when reporting on terror-related incidents or individuals; and second, to avoid publishing visuals or narratives that could serve as guides or motivation for unlawful acts. In a bid to ensure compliance, the advisory has also been circulated to industry self-regulatory bodies. The move reflects the government’s broader push for digital

  The Editors Guild has raised concerns over the newly notified DPDP Rules, 2025, saying they fail to address key issues for journalists and media organisations, potentially undermining press freedom. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Guild noted that several gaps identified in the DPDP Act, 2023, including the dilution of the Right to Information framework and the absence of exemptions for journalistic work, remain unaddressed. Following a meeting with MeitY in July 2025, the Guild submitted 35 questions seeking clarity on consent, exemptions, data retention, research, and public-interest reporting. According to BMI, the Guild has not received any formal response from the government since the consultation. The newly notified DPDP Rules retain “ambiguous obligations around consent,” which could expose journalists and newsrooms to compliance requirements that may hinder routine reporting. Without explicit exemptions or clear guidance, journalistic work could be constru

Man of Many founder Scott Purcell has officially announced the news Editor-in-Chief Nick Hall (pictured) is departing the outlet as the search continues for a replacement.  “Some sad news today!”, said Purcell on LinkedIn. “After nearly 6 years defining the voice of our brand, Nick Hall will be signing off as Editor-in-Chief of Man of Many at the end of this week,” said Purcell.  “Nick has been instrumental in transforming Man of Many from a digital challenger into an undisputed market leader, and we are inducting him into our own 'Hall of Fame' (pun very much intended!) as he departs. “Nick joined us back in March 2020, just days before the world went into lockdown. Navigating a media company (which are intense environments at the best of times) through that level of global uncertainty is no small feat, yet Nick managed to thrive and secure multiple award wins, including being recognised as Editor of the Year, most recently w

Choice’s Editorial Director Mark Serrels and Lowkii Presenter/Social Media & Community Manager Ruby Innes have spoken of their pride after Penguin Books published their book Toilet Time Machine.  “I’m proud I finished it and brought it to life. Ruby and I made this really cool book together, and the fact I collaborated with someone on it and shared this experience with someone is just a beautiful thing.” Serrels told Influencing.  “Seeing the first edition of Toilet Time Machine self-published, was cool…The Penguin thing was very similar. I grew up a voracious reader, wanted to be a writer all my life, and receiving the Penguin box was a moment I couldn’t believe. I was so hyped.” Serrels added he was also proud of the ending of the book, and seeing it in public, while Innes told Influencing seeing the book in public felt unreal and weird.  “When we self-published, seeing people post about it was really huge. When we got published by Penguin, going out

Hello Thursday, and the Sydney papers cover the state funeral for radio broadcaster John Laws, with Russell Crowe making what can only be called a star performance as he recounted his long friendship - though not always shared views, he said - with his neighbour Mr Laws.  The Sydney Morning Herald's Harriet Alexander wrote the story on pages 8 and 9 ('Be kind to one another': Final send off for Golden Tonsils'), with a piece also on the double page spread from CBD's Kishor Napier-Raman featuring some of the guests who turned up - including Barnaby Joyce who attracted a lot of media attention, in the main because of the will-he-won't-he move to One Nation, while Napier-Raman also covered some of the no-shows, including shock jock Kyle Sandilands, and ex-shock jock Alan Jones.  At The Australian, the coverage wasn't quite so extensive. The funeral sat on page 3 (Final 'goodbye, world' at Laws farewell) and Jenna Clarke wrot

  Picture Credit: Navbharat Times The Mohanlalganj police in Lucknow have arrested five men for attempting to attack journalist Mukesh Dwivedi and have seized three vehicles used in the incident, according to Navbharat Times.  The accused have been booked under breach-of-peace sections, and the investigation is ongoing. Dwivedi, who was returning from a service centre with a colleague on Thursday, reported that three car-borne men tried to ram his vehicle, chased him, fired in the air, and threatened to kill him. The accused fled, but police tracked them down using footage from 60–70 CCTV cameras. The arrested men have been identified as Harinam alias Rahul, Chandan Bhatt, Amit Mishra, Vineet Tiwari, and Abhishek Tiwari. Police say Abhishek Tiwari, a local political leader, masterminded the attack due to an old enmity with the journalist.