Vivek Narayanan, Assistant Editor at The Times of India, shifted his ambitions from the army to journalism, uncovering impactful stories that spotlight societal failings. He believes in the enduring power of traditional storytelling even as technology reshapes the industry. 1) How did you get started in journalism?    I actually aspired to be an army officer and took the UPSC's CDS (Combined Defence Service) test. Unfortunately, I was unable to crack it. So, I moved my career focus to journalism. 2) Can you describe your work and the stories your team most commonly works on?  It depends on the circumstances. I’m used to working on beats covering national and international issues. My colleagues and I have also worked on crime stories and issues that concern the general population. 3) Can you recall something about the story you consider your best so far?  Some 4-5 years ago, there were allegations that numerous officials, lawyers, and powerful members of society were e

Violence and killings in Manipur continue unabated with the BJP government led by CM Biren Singh refusing to take any responsibility a day after violent protests rocked Imphal in the wake of the discovery of three bodies, part of a group of six abducted people, two more bodies — of a 61-year-old woman and a two-year-old boy — were found floating in a river at Lakhipur in Assam on Sunday. The five bodies found so far, including that of an eight-month-old baby, were likely of the missing Meitei family who armed militants snatched during an encounter with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Manipur police in Jiribam on November 11. A 25-year-old woman, the mother of the two children, remains missing, reported The Hindu bureau. Despite the clear failure of the law and order machinery, there appears to be no attempt made by the BJP national leadership to bring in a more accountable administration in the disturbed state. Jimmy Leivon, Sukrita Baruah and Deeptiman Tiwar

Jess Eva recently faced a tough decision: take up two full-time radio offers in great markets or focus on Budget Battlers, the TV renovation show she created and co-owns.  Turning down the radio offers for Budget Battlers, Jess admits it was a difficult choice but feels strongly that her current project deserves her full attention. “I could have done both, but I believe in doing something right,” she told Radio Today. “We’ve come this far with Budget Battlers, I can’t just give up now.” The show, set to air on Nine, is a labor of love for Jess and husband, Norm. The couple sold their family home to fund the project, pouring everything into the show that transforms the homes of families on tight budgets. Jess writes, narrates, and executive produces the show, which aims to prove that beautiful spaces are within reach for everyone, regardless of their financial situation. In a heartfelt message to fellow radio industry workers facing tough times, Jess advises: “If th

Rebecca Maddern will step into an expanded role in 2025 as the network's chief sports presenter, Channel 7 has announced.   Maddern, a passionate AFL fan with over two decades of experience in sports journalism, will replace Tim Watson, hosting the nightly sports news alongside Peter Mitchell and Jane Bunn at 6pm, Monday to Friday. In addition to her news duties, Maddern will join the 7SPORT team for comprehensive AFL coverage and contribute to other major sports programming on Seven and 7plus throughout 2025. “I’m thrilled to be offered this opportunity,” said Maddern. “It brings together my experience, broadcasting skills, and love of sport. To work across both 7NEWS and 7SPORT is a dream job.” Rebecca is a familiar face in Australian sports broadcasting regularly hosting major events like the AFL's Brownlow Medal, the Australian Open, and the Cricket World Cup. She will begin her new role in January 2025 while continuing her current role as presenter for Seven Mel

Brendan Annakin, host of Triple M Sydney's morning show and co-presenter of the Dead Set Legends on Saturdays, has been made redundant marking the show's end, Radio Info reported. Dead Set Legends has not aired since October 5, 2023. Annakin announced his departure from Triple M on his Instagram. Annakin had been with Triple M for 12 years, working in both Sydney and Brisbane, and won an ACRA in 2022 for Best Music Special (Metro) for MMM’s School of Rock with Jimmy Barnes. Triple M Brisbane's workday announcer, Josh Olek will replace Annakin in the Sydney morning slot.  

Reliance Industries, Viacom18 Media, and The Walt Disney Company have completed the merger of Viacom18’s media and JioCinema businesses with Star India Pvt Ltd, creating a joint venture valued at Rs 70,352 crore. The merger, now effective following approvals from the NCLT Mumbai, CCI, and other regulators, marks a major shift in India’s media and entertainment landscape.  Nita Ambani will chair the venture, with Uday Shankar serving as vice-chairperson, providing strategic guidance. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “With the formation of this JV, the Indian media and entertainment industry is entering a transformational era. Our deep creative expertise and relationship with Disney, along with our unmatched understanding of the Indian consumer, will ensure unparalleled content choices at affordable prices for Indian viewers.” The venture’s operations will be led by three CEOs: Kevin V

Journalist Alka Jain has announced that she has taken a new position as senior sub-editor at Outlook. She will be based in Delhi.  Jain confirmed to Influencing India that she will lead the team at Outlook Business, covering startups, the economy, policy, and corporate.   She began her career as a content writer intern at DU Refresh News, DU Insights and CollegeDekho before joining Republic World as a trainee news writer.   She joined ANI as a sub-editor in 2021 and then moved to her most recent position as a content producer at Live Mint.  Jain can be reached at alka.jain@outlookindia.com.