Saumya Rastogi, assistant manager at Little Black Book, seamlessly blends creativity with journalism, bringing untold stories to life. With a passion for social causes, culture, and lifestyle, Saumya continues to amplify voices often left unheard, and is a firm believer in journalism’s irreplaceable human touch. 1) How did you get started in journalism? Many don’t know but I was pursuing my BA LLB, so I was doing law from a college. I dropped out and took a gap year in which I pursued creative writing classes and volunteered for a lot of organisations. I realised that I really enjoyed writing especially for social causes, so I decided that I will do my degree in Mass Communication from Delhi University. I did a lot of internships in journalism and worked for She the People, Youth Ki Awaaz and other organisations. So, after that I did my Masters in Journalism from Boston University and I worked in the US. Coming back to India, I worked for organisations like Jagan New Media, Ind

Indian billionaire Gautam Adani finds himself in the eye of a global storm following a five-count criminal indictment by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). The charges, which include bribery and securities fraud, allege that the Adani Group orchestrated a $265 million bribery plot to secure contracts in India and abroad, misleading investors in the process. According to Sampath G for The Hindu and Economic Times, the scandal has sent shockwaves through global markets, with Adani Group stocks plunging up to 20 per cent overnight and countries like Kenya cancelling proposed deals with the conglomerate. At the core of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) case is the claim that the Adani Group paid bribes to government officials in India, particularly those linked to the former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s office, to win large-scale infrastructure contracts. These bribes were allegedly hidden through offshore entities and misrepresented in financial dis

Radio veteran Brigitte Duclos will take the reins of Afternoons on 774 ABC Melbourne in 2025 bringing her 30 years of radio experience to deliver engaging interviews and conversations that reflect Melbourne’s diverse community. Brigitte is excited to reconnect with listeners and share their stories, triumphs, and struggles, ABC announced in a press release. She will begin over the summer break.  Current Afternoons presenter Trevor Chappell will return to host Overnights. Charlie Pickering will join the station to host Thank God It’s Friday on Fridays from 5-6pm, offering comedy, music, and news in front of a live audience. In other changes, Jacinta Parsons and Brian Nankervis will take over Saturday morning programs. Brian will host Saturday Breakfast, following Alice Zaslavsky’s decision to step down to spend more time with her family and Jacinta will host Saturday Mornings after Matt Preston departs, having spent three years on the show. The Cat and Matt Show will end but

Ellen Fanning, an award-winning journalist and broadcaster, will host Drive on ABC Radio Brisbane in 2025, a press release stated.  A Brisbane native, Ellen started her career in commercial radio in 1988 and made history at 24 as the first woman to host ABC's national current affairs program PM. She later anchored AM and occasionally hosted ABC TV's 7.30 Report. Ellen also served as the ABC's Washington correspondent and co-hosted The Drum on ABC TV from 2017 to 2023. Ellen expressed excitement about returning to her roots in Brisbane where she looks forward to sharing local stories and news highlights on Drive. "I'm thrilled to be back home in Brisbane after reporting on major national and international stories," she said. Current Drive host Kelly Higgins-Devine will move to Evenings while Rebecca Levingston will finish at the end of the year after 20 years with ABC Radio. ABC Radio Brisbane local manager Anthony Frangi welcomed Ellen, praising her extensive experience and deep

Experienced journalist Chris Bath will take over as the Drive presenter on ABC Radio Sydney in 2025, following the departure of Richard Glover, who leaves the role after 26 years. Bath, who previously hosted Evenings from 2016 to 2019, expressed her excitement and nervousness about stepping into the role, reflecting on Richard’s legacy and her passion for radio’s unique sense of community, a release stated.  Comedian and TV presenter Charlie Pickering will host Thank God It’s Friday! (TGIF), a beloved ABC Radio Sydney program, in 2025. Pickering, known for his wit and enthusiasm, will bring TGIF to Sydney and Melbourne listeners as well as nationwide on Radio National. He acknowledged Glover's influence calling it an honor to continue the show’s legacy. ABC Radio Sydney acting Manager Pat Emmett called the new additions a “real coup” for the station, with Bath's warm style and Pickering’s humor set to resonate with audiences across Sydney and beyond.  

ABC Radio National will reimagine its programming in 2025 to become the hub for global conversations and thought-provoking discussions. The network will feature a broader range of voices across science, technology, culture, history, and current affairs, creating a space for in-depth analysis and ideas, according to a release. Sally Sara will lead the day with Radio National Breakfast and joined by political correspondent Melissa Clarke, business reporter Peter Ryan, and news presenter Luke Siddham Dundon. Fran Kelly returns to Radio National with The Radio National Hour, a weekday evening program focusing on major news stories and featuring top thinkers and creators. Other key changes include Nick Bryant hosting Saturday Extra, and Andy Park taking over The World Today. Cassie McCullagh and Hilary Harper will be live voices connecting the network’s diverse programming. Radio National will also expand its offerings with new global and Australian history series including a landma

Gary Adshead, an award-winning journalist with over 35 years of experience, will join ABC Radio Perth in January 2025 as the host of the Drive program, a release from ABC stated.  Adshead, known for his investigative work and engaging storytelling, is excited to bring his energy, curiosity, and sense of humor to the role. His career includes significant achievements in television, radio, and print journalism, with over 20 awards to his name. Notable stories include his investigation into the fake medals scandal and his coverage of the 1997 rescue of sailor Tony Bullimore. He has also worked in senior newsroom roles and hosted programs on 6PR. He is married, a father of two, and an avid sports fan. ABC Radio Perth Manager Danielle Benda praised Adshead's extensive local knowledge and reputation as a reporter, stating he will be a valuable addition to the team. Michael Tetlow, current Afternoons host, will return to the ABC News Channel to present national TV bulletins. Jo Trilling