DIGIPUB, an organisation representing digital news media, has condemned the Indian government’s decision to revoke the non-profit status of The Reporters’ Collective and The File. The Income Tax department stated that The Reporters’ Collective failed to justify its aim “to promote and carry out journalism that serves a public purpose.” In December, it also withdrew the non-profit status of Kannada news outlet The File, alleging commercial activities, a claim the publication has denied, asserting that it remains ad-free. The move subjects The Reporters’ Collective, which has operated as a publicly funded trust since 2021, to taxation and possible retrospective tax liabilities. Both organisations, known for publishing critical reports on the government, are now pursuing legal action. DIGIPUB has warned that such measures could be used to target other independent media and called on the government to stop “harassing them in myriad ways, legally and financially.”  

They say the story should never be about the journalist but it seems that's unavoidable this time around if a piece in the Sydney Morning Herald on one of Guardian Australia's missing-in-action senior journalists is anything to go by. And the story has also been picked up by other outlets including Media Week.  Calum Jaspan's story in the SMH centres around Karen Middleton, the news outlet's political editor who Jaspan says, hasn't been at work for almost three months. Middleton - a seasoned and experienced journo - joined the Australian outpost of the historic British newspaper less than a year ago, said Jaspan and, "is approaching three months without appearing at work, with staff stonewalled by editors and managers over the status of her return", he reports. The news of course is not just about Middleton's apparent absence - Jaspan reports  , the timing is the thing because a federal election coudl well be called this coming weekend and that will be a busy time for all jou

Last night, world-renowned tech journalist Kara Swisher held her X Files evening at the Sydney's City Recital Hall.  Swisher discussed a range of topics, including her thoughts on Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Mark Zuckerburg, while sharing her insight and experience in the tech-journalist industry, recalling the many interactions and stories she's had with those mentioned, and more along the way.  Swisher took audience questions, including her views on the influence of Donald Trump and Elon Musk on the wider political landscape. Swisher also teased her next book which outlines the future tech trends and what she thinks will be the most talked-about tech issues.  After the event, Influencing attended the book signing for Swisher's Burn Book, during which she said tech had gotten better yet tougher since she first entered the tech journalism space. She also said any young tech journalist entering the industry should focus on one specific topic, adding she doesn't write abo

Alisha Rouse joins Crikey from news.com.au where she was news editor and before that she was assistant editor at Daily Mail Australia.  Before moving to Sydney for the DM role, she was based in London where she worked at the Islington Gazette, Daily Mail and what used to be called the Fleet Street newspapers - daily nationals. “I’ve seen excellent work break through, and mass audiences used for campaigns that have changed millions of people’s lives, but also how tightly controlled many undoubtedly talented journalists are. I can’t wait to cover the stories that were previously, informally, off-limits,” she said. She said she had, “long-admired Crikey’s unmatched reputation for mischief, intrigue and producing just really bloody good stories with a fraction of the resources available to its rivals. “Crikey is truly a remarkable publication, and that’s a testament to you, our smart, inquisitive and dangerously informed readers — you drive us forward and deman

News7 Tamil hosted the Thanga Tharagai Viruthugal 2025 at Radisson Blu in Chennai, recognising women achievers across politics, sports, business, cinema and entertainment. Justice Bhavani Subbarayan, DMK MPs Kanimozhi Karunanidhi and Kanimozhi NVN Somu, Congress MP Sudha and PMK’s Sowmiya Anbumani were among the key figures who participated in the event. Sugitha Sarangaraj, news editor at News7 Tamil, told Influencing India, “We organise the Thanga Tharagai awards every year. Last year, the theme focused on ‘Menstrual Period Policy’ and this year, we highlight the role of ‘Women in Economic Growth.’ Empowering women in various sectors and identifying their unrecognised work is the main motto of this award.” Veena Kumaravel, Founder of Naturals Beauty Salon, sponsored the event, with Latha Pandiarajan, Director of Ma Foi Strategic Consultants, as the knowledge partner. The event will be telecast on the channel on March 8.

The shift towards freelance journalism is reshaping the media landscape as more journalists move away from traditional newsrooms in pursuit of editorial freedom. While freelancing offers autonomy, it also comes with financial uncertainty and challenges in securing work. Influencing India spoke with independent journalists K A Shaji, Kavita Muralidharan and Laasya Shekhar, who transitioned from newsroom roles to freelancing. With over 25 years of experience across The New Indian Express, Tehelka, Times of India, The Hindu, Huffington Post, and South First, K A Shaji sees freelancing as a way to work on stories that truly interest him. “Traditional media houses tend to give journalists some assignments or beats that may not excite them. Many media organisations are looking for quality content from freelancers. As freelancers, we have complete editorial freedom to work on stories that are of interest to us rather than doing tasks that are assigned by a senior,” he said. His prima

The Bofors scandal, a term that has become synonymous with political controversy in India, traces its origins to a defence deal in the 1980s. In 1986, the Indian government inked a contract worth approximately Rs 1,437 crore (equivalent to $1.4 billion at the time) with Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors for the supply of 410 155mm Howitzer field guns. This agreement aimed to modernise India's artillery capabilities. The scandal erupted in April 1987 when Swedish Radio alleged that Bofors had paid kickbacks to top Indian politicians and defence officials to secure the contract. The revelations implicated several high-profile figures, including then-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, who was reportedly close to the Gandhi family. The amount involved in the alleged kickbacks was around Rs 64 crore (approximately $90 million), though estimates vary. Fast forward to today, in a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) h