The West Bengal Legislative Assembly's decision to restrict journalists' movement within the Assembly complex has sparked concerns about press freedom and democratic accountability, with several journalists describing the move as a "gag" on the media. Under the new guidelines, reporters and photographers will no longer be allowed to move freely within the Assembly premises or interact with legislators in corridors, chambers, and common areas. Instead, media personnel will be confined to designated press corners, with access to lawmakers and ministers regulated by Assembly authorities. The move has triggered criticism from journalists, who argue that limiting access to elected representatives will make it more difficult to gather information and hold public officials accountable. Senior journalist Anomitra Chatterjee, Assistant Editor with Ei Samay, termed the order a "gag". “This is just to disturb the communication between MLAs and journalists. They do not want to be ques

In a significant move to widen welfare coverage, the Karnataka government has expanded its free bus travel scheme for journalists, extending eligibility to part-time journalists and correspondents in addition to full-time media professionals. The Department of Information and Public Relations issued a revised order on May 27, 2026, amending its earlier notification from June 30, 2025. Under the previous rules, only full-time journalists with at least 11 months of service in newspapers, news agencies, television channels and digital media organisations were eligible. The amended order now includes part-time journalists and correspondents, ensuring broader access to the scheme. Shivananda Tagadoor, State President of the Karnataka Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ), welcomed the decision: “The move is expected to benefit a larger section of media professionals, particularly those working as part-time reporters and correspondents across the state. We thank the government for appr

Minimum wage surge reignites inflation and rate-hike fears The Fair Work Commission’s decision to lift award wages by 4.75% and the minimum wage by 6% from July 1 is being framed as overdue cost-of-living relief for low-paid workers, but a fresh inflation risk for an economy already on edge. Business groups and some economists warn higher labour costs will flow into prices and could keep the RBA in tightening mode, while unions argue the rise is essential to stop real wages going backwards. Covered by: Australian Financial Review, The Age, Courier Mail, Daily Telegraph, The West Australian. Budget politics: Labor under fire on tax changes and campaign tactics Labor’s post-budget agenda is drawing scrutiny on two fronts: a rushed parliamentary timetable for proposed CGT/negative gearing changes and questions about whether granny flats will qualify under the new settings. Separately, the government is accused of blurring the line between parliamentary entitlements and poli

For decades, Television Rating Points (TRPs) have been the currency of India's television industry, influencing advertising revenue, programming strategies and increasingly, editorial decisions. As competition for audience attention intensifies across television, digital platforms, and social media, the influence of ratings has become a subject of growing debate. While broadcasters view TRPs as essential for business sustainability, journalists and industry observers continue to raise concerns about transparency, representation, and the impact of ratings-driven decision-making on news coverage. Dr Anubha Jain, senior journalist at ETV Bharat, said audience engagement often depends on storytelling rather than subject matter alone. "While editorial judgment remains central to journalism, audience analytics are increasingly shaping how stories are selected, timed, and presented. In my experience covering science and technology as a journalist, I have observed that even highly comp

American journalist Sari Botton left her job assuming another role would soon – or at least eventually – follow. Botton had spent decades as a writer and editor, including as an essays editor for Longreads. She had experience, judgement and a track record. But like many journalists, especially those of a certain age, she found the industry she loved no longer loved her back. “At 54 I left one job assuming I’d be able to get another,” Botton told Influencing. “Then I had difficulty even getting interviews at places where I should have been a shoo-in.” When Botton did manage to land a first-round interview, they rarely went well. “I was being interviewed by people 25 years younger than me, and they were speaking to me in condescending ways, saying things like, ‘Are you sure that after all these years it’s not time for you to move onto something else?’” Botton said. “I didn’t get second interviews,

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan's recent call for "constructive journalism" has triggered debate among media professionals, with some senior journalists arguing that such journalism cannot exist without press freedom and the ability to hold those in power accountable. Speaking at the 140th anniversary celebrations of Malayalam daily Deepika in Kerala, Radhakrishnan said constructive journalism was essential for guiding society and strengthening public confidence. He argued that positive developments should receive greater media attention so that young people are exposed to the right information and role models. However, some journalists say the discussion cannot be separated from broader concerns about media freedom and the relationship between governments and independent journalism. Senior journalist K A Shaji said the Vice President's remarks reflect a wider attitude towards the media. "He is the Vice President of India and his attitude reflects the gov

Tuesday, 2 June 2026 #1  ·  Nation  ·  Data story India nears maternal mortality goal, but progress slows By Anuja Bhargavan   ·   The Times of India  ·  Page Unknown India's maternal mortality ratio has declined significantly over two decades, but the latest data reveals a near-stall in progress and widening state-level contrasts. The report includes comparative data showing India trailing China badly on MMR benchmarks while beating most other neighbours. Several states have improved while others have slipped back, raising concerns about equity and the sustainability of gains. The story deploys original data visualisation across state-level comparisons and international benchmarks, moving well beyond a press-release summary to contextualise why the slowdown matters and which states are dragging national averages. The combination of trend charts, state-wise tables and a global gap graphic demonstrates genuin