From today, platforms including Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, TikTok, Twitch, Reddit, X, Kick, Threads and YouTube must block users under 16. Teens who turn 16 will face mandatory age-verification checks before getting access. The ban, drawn up by the federal government with bi-partisan support in parliament, has drawn heavy media attention, with much debate focused on enforcement and the reliability of age-verification technology.  We spoke to leading tech journalists Trevor Long and Chris Griffith for their thoughts on the world-first.  EFTM’s Long said while he understands the need for and the premise of the ban, he maintains it's flawed.  “I think the issue is devices, not social media,” he said. “If parents were correctly managing kids’ accounts, then we would have fewer problems because parents would be more engaged and aware of what their kids are doing. “The biggest problem is that the Prime Minister has said this takes the responsibility away from parent

News Corp’s latest cohort of editorial cadets have hit the ground running with an induction week after 30 of them were picked from almost 600 applicants for the 12-month paid program.  The Cadet Program is the largest of its kind in Australia and is well respected across the media industry and as anyone who has worked for News Corp knows - there’s a high level of professionalism in the way journalists are trained and supported in their careers at News Herald Sun Editor Sam Weir is a good example of the calibre of the company’s scribes. He’s spent his career at News Corp - he began as a cadet in Adelaide - and he told us, “our National Editorial Cadet Program represents News’ ongoing investment in quality journalism and the next generation of media professionals. We’re committed to nurturing talented individuals who will help us continue our mission of building a better Australia through powerful storytelling and impactful journalism.&r

It took the power of News Corp to get Australia to bring in the world-first Under-16 social media ban - well, according to News Corp's tabloids it did. The ban comes into force today and it will see as many as half a million children under the age of 16 booted off a range of social media platforms. This morning Sydney's Daily Telegraph ('It's great to be a kid again'), Melbourne's Herald Sun ('Let us be kids'), Queensland's Courier-Mail ('Today childhood will be rebooted') and Adelaide's The Advertiser ('See u in realsies'), and even the NT News which generally likes to plough its own furrow up north has 'Digital media reboot' as its main story. It almost seems like a planned campaign...and of course it was and it is. Those Murdoch-owned papers give themselves a really good series of pats on the back today after their Let Them Be Kids campaign was heralded thus this morning in the Daily Telegraph 

With the aim of simplifying the Government of India’s development schemes, Oneindia has launched ‘Viksit Bharat’, a new government-focused content series. The initiative seeks to reduce confusion around major public programmes and present verified, easy-to-understand information for citizens. According to Medianews4U, two fictional characters lead every episode: Viksit, a young and curious Gen-Z voice, and Bharat, a wise elder who explains the purpose and importance of government policies. Viksit asks questions about government spending, while Bharat breaks down how each policy supports progress and impacts ordinary citizens. Each weekly episode will highlight one scheme, explaining its benefits for people, real-life applications, and national relevance. Viewers learn why a programme exists and how it contributes to India’s development journey. Episodes will premiere on Oneindia’s YouTube channel, which has 21.8 million subscribers, with additional in

The second edition of the Necc-Journalist Premier League (JPL) got underway at the MLRIT Cricket Grounds in Dundigal on Sunday, Dec 7, with former minister and MLA T Harish Rao declaring the tournament open. Rao launched the jerseys of all 10 media teams and conducted the ceremonial toss before the opening match. He also pointed out that journalists, along with politicians, police personnel and doctors are among the professions that constantly work under pressure and rarely find time for themselves as they continue to serve the public, Telangana Today reported.

The Supreme Court has asked the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to reply within three days to the bail request of journalist Mahesh Langa, who is in jail in a money-laundering case linked to an alleged financial fraud. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also told senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, who is representing Langa, to file his response within two days after the ED submits its reply. The court will hear the case again on December 15. The ED’s money-laundering case is based on two FIRs filed by Ahmedabad Police, accusing Langa of fraud, cheating, breach of trust, and causing financial losses to several people. During the short hearing, Sibal told the court that the journalist is facing six different cases. The ED’s lawyer said Langa has been accused of extortion and sought a short delay as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was not available. Earlier, on September 8, the Supreme Court had asked the Gujarat government and the ED to respond to Langa’s

Sorta Famous has officially launched in India, offering a fresh approach to brand communication. The agency wants to help companies stay relevant by combining traditional PR with today’s cultural trends. Sorta Famous has been founded by communications strategist Nandini Mahant. The agency will handle brand communication, media outreach, digital PR, thought leadership, creator partnerships, and reputation management for both new and established brands. Mahant said India’s communication space is changing fast, and brands now need more than standard PR. “Brands need cultural intelligence. We want to help them show up in ways that feel real and relevant,” she said. She added that the agency’s work will focus on clarity, creativity, and credibility. “We want to build long-term influence, not short-term hype,” Mahant said. Sorta Famous will work remotely across India for now, with plans to set up teams in major metro cities next year.