Mi-3 Australia’s Martech Editor Andrew Birmingham says he’s grateful for his Kester lifetime achievement award win at this year’s 2024 Consensus Awards.  “I appreciate the award, I appreciate the effort the judges went to, and if I look back through the 14 or 15 people who won the award in the past, it is a bit of an alma mater from the 90s, which I find very interesting.” “It's always good to get recognised for your work.” The Kester Lifetime Achievement Award is the flagship award for the 2024 Consensus IT Writers Awards. It is named after former IT journalist Kester Cranswick. Recent winners of the 15 Consensus Kester Lifetime Achievement Award include InnovationAus Editorial Director James Riley, The Register’s Simon Sharwood and prolific freelancer David Braue.  The Consensus Awards are divided into two streams: the Innovation Awards, given to Australian technology companies, and the IT Writers Awards, presented to journalists. Birmingham said Consensus fo

A veteran who has worked with various media outlets in Tamil Nadu, Syed Ibrahim's attraction to the Marxist ideology has led him to journalism. Beginning his career in the Left publication Theekkadhir Daily, Syed shifted to Chennai to build his career and is currently a senior editor at News7 Tamil. 1) How did you get started in journalism? I studied co-operation at Gandhi Gram University and went to Madurai Kamaraj University for my Masters in Finance. Everyone expected me to go for a job in a bank, insurance or a private company after graduation. But the habit of reading newspapers, writing and the friendship with the comrades of the Marxist Communist Party drew me towards media. So I started working as an sub editor in Theekkadhir daily in Madurai. Thus began my career as a journalist. 2) Can you describe your work and the stories your team most commonly works on? I am leading a team of reporters. I assign them work and also learn new things guiding my juniors every day. 3)

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued applicant ownership details for the e-auction of the third batch of private FM Radio Phase III channels.   The Ministry announced the third batch of e-auctions for 730 channels across 234 uncovered cities in October. The original deadline for submission of applications was November 18, 2024. In November, the deadline for submission was extended to December 9, 2024.  Many radio operators urged the government to extend the last date to January 15, 2025, citing the time required for reviewing and assessing the market of each town under auction. The ownership details of the applications were published on December 16, 2024, as mentioned previously. The applicants include AM Television Pvt Ltd, Ahalia Healthcare Limited, Clear Media India Pvt Ltd, DB Corp Ltd, Eastern Media Ltd, HT Media Ltd, JCL Infra Pvt Ltd, Kal Radio Ltd, Lohchab Motors Company Pvt Ltd, Madhuresh Publications Pvt Ltd, Malar Publications Ltd, Pindari Medi

India mourns the loss of its tabla virtuoso, Ustad Zakir Hussain, who passed away at the age of 73 after a brief hospitalisation. Known as the global face of Indian classical percussion, Zakir Hussain's demise marks the end of an era, leaving an irreplaceable void in the world of music. Times of India's Namita Devidayal called him the “unbeatable Ustad,” a fitting tribute to a man whose rhythm transcended borders and genres. A Life in Rhythm Born into a musical lineage as the son of legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain displayed extraordinary talent from a young age. His innovative style, technical brilliance, and ability to seamlessly merge tradition with modernity made him a global icon. The Hindu noted his unmatched ability to elevate the humble tabla to centre stage, earning him accolades worldwide. Over a career spanning several decades, Zakir Hussain performed with Indian classical maestros and international legends, cementing his stature as a bridge b

7Bravo, the partnership between NBCUniversal International Networks & Direct-to-Consumer and the Seven Network, has announced Bella Varelis as the new local host for its Live From E! red carpet events in Australia, according to Mediaweek. Varelis, a familiar face on Australian television and a “Friend of 7Bravo” since February 2023, will now host coverage of Australia’s biggest awards shows and fashion events, conducting celebrity interviews, and showcasing red-carpet glamour. She will also continue her digital mini-series Bella Beauty offering trusted beauty tips. Known for her appearance on The Bachelor Australia, Varelis is also the founder of the fashion label House of Eave. Chris Taylor, managing director of NBCUniversal International Networks & Direct-to-Consumer and Distribution, Australia & New Zealand, expressed excitement about Varelis taking on the role, noting her on-screen warmth and style. Varelis shared her enthusiasm, saying, “It’s a dream co

Accomplished sports journalist and presenter Tara Rushton will join the 10 News First Sydney team as sports presenter in 2025, a media release stated.  With extensive experience and a deep passion for sports, Tara will present the latest sporting news Monday to Thursday, while weekend sports presenter Scott Mackinnon will expand his role to cover Friday to Sunday. Tara will work alongside news presenter Sandra Sully AM and meteorologist Josh Holt. “I’m excited to join the 10 News First Sydney team and bring our viewers closer to Australia’s biggest sporting stories and stars,” she said. Vice president of Broadcast News Martin White said, “Tara is an outstanding journalist and presenter, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to the 10 News First family. She brings invaluable insight, contacts, and warmth to the desk.”  

  Seasoned journalist and podcaster James Manning has joined The Australian as a media writer. Making the announcement in a LinkedIn post, Manning added that he will regularly contribute to the Monday Media section and website.  Manning, who is open to feature ideas and news items, expressed excitement to work alongside James Madden in this new role. His first Media section writeups will be published on January 20, 2025. Manning had an extensive career in media, having edited several prominent publications. He started Smash Hits Australia in 1984 where he served as editor and managing editor for over a decade. The magazine, licensed from UK publisher Emap, was initially launched by Fairfax Magazines before being sold to Mason Stewart Publishing. In January 2000, Manning became the editor of Mediaweek, which began as an eight-page weekly newsletter. Under his leadership, the publication expanded to include a daily digital newsletter in 2005, complementing the weekly print editio