The debate on how long should Indians be working continues to rage with Larsen & Toubro chairman S N Subrahmanyan evoking online outrage with his comments advocating a 90-hour week and exhorting employees to report to work on Sundays as well. It all began when Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy backed a 70-hour work week a few months ago. In his comment, the L&T chief is heard saying, "How long can you stare at your wife?” in a purported video address to employees where he urged them to spend less time at home and more in the office. Rupali Mukherjee for The Times of India reported that in responding to a query, the L&T chief was heard saying: “I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays. If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be happier because I work on Sundays also”. The company also defended its chairman’s views. “At L&T, nation-building is at the core of our mandate. For over eight decades, we have been shaping India’s infrastructu

TV Today, part of the Living Media Network has announced the closure of its radio business, including its Ishq 104.8 FM frequency, following a board of directors' meeting on January 9, 2025. According to an official statement from the company, which Influencing India has accessed, operations at its three broadcasting locations in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata are expected to cease within one to six months. The decision comes as the radio segment reported a net loss of Rs 19.53 crore in FY 2023-24, with a turnover of Rs 16.18 crore, representing just 1.70 per cent of the company’s total revenue for the year. In an official statement, the company said, “Given the state of the industry, its dynamics, and the evolution of the FM Radio Broadcasting business, the Board of Directors considered it in the best interest of the Company to close this business instead of continuing with it.”

Nine’s Wide World of Sports has revealed its commentary lineup for the 2025 Australian Open which kicks off on Sunday, 12 January. With over 300 hours of live, free broadcasts on Channel 9HD, 9GemHD, and 9Now, fans can enjoy full access to the year's first Grand Slam from a commentating team that includes the likes of John McEnroe and Jim Courier. Nine’s expert commentating team features: Jim Courier – Former world No. 1 with four Grand Slam singles titles, offering deep insights. John McEnroe – Seven-time Grand Slam champion, known for his unparalleled expertise and charisma. Jelena Dokic – Former world No. 4 with a fresh perspective and extensive experience. Todd Woodbridge – 16-time Grand Slam doubles champion, providing strategic insights. Lleyton Hewitt – Two-time Grand Slam winner and former world No. 1, a key figure in Australian tennis. Sam Stosur – Former US Open champion and world No. 1 doubles player, with unique singles and doubles insights. Add

S8UL Esports and 8Bit Creatives have appointed Max Level as their PR agency to enhance brand visibility and deepen connections with fans, stakeholders, and the broader gaming community. In a media release accessed by Influencing India, Animesh Agarwal, co-founder of 8Bit and S8UL, highlighted the partnership's strategic importance, stating, "For our vision of setting a benchmark in Indian gaming, esports, and content creation, Max Level will play a significant part. Their understanding of the gaming ecosystem and strategic communication skills make them an ideal partner to enhance our journey." Siddharth Nayyar, co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Max Level expressed his excitement about collaborating with industry leaders like S8UL and 8Bit. He noted, "They are trailblazers in the Indian gaming industry, and we are honoured to be part of their journey. Our goal is to bring their innovative spirit to the forefront of the global gaming community." With a strong background in g

Pavan Kaushik has been appointed director of corporate communication at OfBusiness, marking a significant milestone in his 35-year career in communication and public relations. Speaking to Influencing India, Kaushik emphasised his focus on building a strong brand, effectively positioning the company to external stakeholders and enhancing employee engagement. "Meaningful engagement and the right content positioned across print, digital, social and new media are essential for creating large, impactful campaigns," he said. A key priority for Kaushik is crafting a robust communication strategy to support OfBusiness's planned IPO in FY 2026. Guiding a small yet skilled team of 3-4 professionals, he aims to elevate the company’s communication approach. Expressing pride in joining OfBusiness, Kaushik described the company as a "powerhouse in B2B commerce," with its financial services arm, Oxyzo, making a significant impact by supporting SMEs with working capital. "It’s an incredible

The Media Foundation (TMF) is now accepting applications and nominations for three distinguished journalism awards: the Chameli Devi Jain Award for Outstanding Woman Media Person of the Year, the Vishwa Nath-Delhi Press Award for Fearless Journalism, and the Kamla Mankekar Award for Journalism on Gender. Each award carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and will be evaluated by an independent jury. Submissions can be in English, Hindi, or any Indian language, with English translations required for regional language entries. The Chameli Devi Jain Award, instituted in 1981 in memory of the noted freedom fighter, celebrates women journalists who have demonstrated social concern, courage, originality, and insight through their work. Eligible applicants include journalists across print, broadcast, digital media, documentary filmmaking, photography, cartooning, and design. Preference will be given to journalists from small towns or rural areas and those yet to be recognized with similar honou

Veteran journalist Lexy Hamilton-Smith will anchor the ABC 7 pm News in Queensland on Fridays and Saturdays starting February 14, joining Jessica van Vonderen to complete the all-female presenting team stated an official press release. Van Vonderen will continue hosting the bulletin from Sunday to Thursday. Hamilton-Smith, an award-winning journalist with over 35 years of experience, is one of Queensland's most respected reporters.  She has previously presented ABC's Australia Television News into Asia and currently works as a reporter and presenter in Brisbane's state newsroom. Queensland State News Editor Michelle Mayman praised Hamilton-Smith for her authority, warmth, and ability to connect with audiences, saying the team is thrilled to have her on board.  Hamilton-Smith, a recipient of a Queensland Mental Health Media Award, has covered a wide range of topics, including aged care, mental health and homelessness.