For years, English-language journalism was widely perceived as the better-paying and more prestigious side of India's media industry. Regional-language journalists often viewed English newsrooms as offering higher salaries, broader exposure and stronger career prospects. But as digital platforms reshape the media landscape, journalists say the divide is no longer as clear-cut as it once was. The rapid growth of regional digital media has expanded audiences far beyond traditional print markets, creating new revenue opportunities and increasing demand for skilled journalists who can produce content in regional languages. While salary disparities continue to exist across organisations and markets, media professionals argue that experience, digital skills and newsroom economics are increasingly becoming more important than language alone. Sonakshi Saxena, Chief Sub-Editor at Dainik Bhaskar Group, believes the salary gap between English and regional media is often overstated. Accord

Stu Mallarkey departs Special NZ Stu Mallarkey has departed independent agency Special New Zealand after nearly 13 years to take on a new role at global consumer goods company ZURU. Mallarkey served as executive creative director at Special most recently. He joined ZURU to help build its in-house creative agency and support the global growth of the company's brands. In his previous experience, he worked at Evans Cycles and BD Network in London.  Naomi Baker begins at Waverly Council  Naomi Baker has been appointed communications and campaigns manager at Waverly Council.  She was a strategic communications manager at the Commonwealth and Development Office for UK-Africa relations, most recently.  Baker brings experience working in the Prime Minister’s Office at 10 Downing Street, and major international tournament and event delivery, including Paris 2024 Olympics, UEFA EURO 2024 and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.  Erin Falconer steps up at IK

NDIS overhaul sparks state revolt over cuts and Canberra’s powers States and territories are mounting a coordinated pushback against Labor’s proposed NDIS overhaul, objecting to plans that would shift up to 160,000 people off the scheme by 2030 and expand federal control. It’s a high-stakes test of Commonwealth–state relations and the future shape of disability support, with major budget and service-delivery implications. Covered by: The Australian. Tax inquiry “whitewash” row deepens as critics shut out The Albanese government is under pressure over a Senate inquiry into capital gains tax and negative gearing changes after claims key critics and experts were excluded from giving evidence. The controversy goes to transparency and trust in the policy process, and could shape how politically durable any housing-tax reform becomes. Covered by: Australian Financial Review, The Australian. AUKUS back in the firing line as Labor elders warn of Trump r

Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. (BCCL), publisher of The Times of India, has issued a public notice clarifying that four publications, Pune Times Mirror, Ei Samay, Nav Gujarat Samay (NGS), and Ahmedabad Mirror, are no longer owned, published, or operated by the company or its affiliated entities. The announcement, addressed to advertisers, corporate partners, agencies, and stakeholders, stated that Ei Samay, Nav Gujarat Samay, and Pune Times Mirror have been disowned, while Ahmedabad Mirror currently operates under a licensing arrangement. BCCL emphasised that these publications function independently and are not under its editorial, managerial, or operational control. The company further clarified that BCCL, Maharashtra Media Corporation Ltd. (MMCL), and their group companies are not responsible for the editorial content, business practices, representations, or activities of these publications or individuals claiming to represent them. Stakeholders were cautioned that any engageme

The Chennai Press Club (CPC) has strongly condemned the Tamil Nadu government’s action to remove Polimer, News Tamil 24x7, and Tamil Janam TV channels from the Arasu Cable TV network, which is run by the state government. In a statement, the press body said the move amounts to suppression of freedom of expression, warning of massive protests if the broadcasting of the three channels is not resumed immediately. The controversy follows last month’s blackout of Puthiya Thalaimurai on the same government cable network. CPC had condemned that move as well, warning of protests. The channel’s transmission was later restored. In this latest instance, the broadcasts of Polimer, News Tamil 24x7, and Tamil Janam TV were removed on Friday, June 5, 2026. Government officials claimed the stoppage was due to technical issues. Rejecting that explanation, CPC warned: “The government must abandon such actions, which amount to blacking out news channels and suppressing freedom of expression

What do you get when you combine Cricket, Oasis and Tech Journalism? Influencing’s very own Will McLennan, and he's the first to join our newly revamped 5 Minutes with series?  What do you do, and who do you write for? I'm Influencing's Tech Journalist. I cover the ITJ Journo, Science and Australian Media beats. How did you get your Start in Journalism?  I got my start here at Influencing just shy of two years ago, and I've been helming the tech beat ever since. What did you really want to be when you were growing up? I wanted to be a Cricketer. I wanted to bat three for Australia, and then bowl first-change.  At 16 I realised that wasn't going to happen, and throughout high school and even primary school, I enjoyed writing. So that made me want to be a journalist, and I've focused on being a journalist ever since. What's the biggest issue facing journalism? I think the rise of AI-generated slop and misinformation is the biggest issue. Anything can be put on social media

Andie Crawford joins Thrive as general manager (consumer) Andie Crawford has announced that she has joined Thrive PR as a general manager (consumer).  Crawford joins Thrive from Banter, where she was most recently the head of PR and communications. She expressed her excitement on LinkedIn to join Thrive, an agency that “she has watched and admired for many years.” Snezna Kerekovic, executive director, welcomed Crawford’s appointment: “We are so excited to have you part of our Thrive fam. Here’s to great work, great fun.” Crawford is a seasoned PR and communications specialist with over two decades of agency and in-house experience working across alt/shift/, The Red Republic, Porter Novelli and Blue Planet PR.  Margaux Cowley named business manager at Eleven Margaux Cowley has been promoted to business manager at Eleven.  She was a senior PR consultant at the firm most recently.  In her previous stints, she worked at T