In a sign the sector is struggling, Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has confirmed the federal government is suspending the Commercial Broadcasting Tax (CBT) for one year for commercial radio and television. The move should save commercial broadcasters around $55 million in the next 12 months. The minister said, “Free-to-air broadcasting services keep Australians informed and entertained with high quality programs that feature local voices and stories. “The sector continues to face a challenging operating environment, which is why the Government is providing relief by suspending the Commercial Broadcasting Tax for one year.” The one-year suspension runs from 9 June 2025 to  8 June 2026. During that period there will be  a 100% rebate of the CBT liabilities of all commercial television and radio broadcasters, reducing their liabilities to zero.  Regional commercial radio broadcasters currently eligible for a partial rebate of their CBT liabilities

Following a campaign by Zee 24 TAAS against Wikipedia for hosting derogatory content on  Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, which sparked an outcry, authorities took swift action within  hours.    The blockbuster success of Chhawa, has renewed admiration for the legacy of Chhatrapati  Sambhaji Maharaj's legacy and exposed inaccurate Wikipedia content.      Zee 24 TAAS campaign sparked widespread outrage across Maharashtra, uniting political  leaders who lodged formal complaints and amplified calls for action. Responding to the issue,  Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered an inquiry and issued a formal notice to Wikipedia for  immediate correction.  

ABP Network is set to host the fourth edition of its flagship event, the ABP Network’s Ideas of  India 2025. The summit will be held on February 21 and 22 in Mumbai.      With the theme “Humanity’s Next Frontier”, the event will bring together intellectuals,  policymakers, changemakers, and intelligentsia to discuss India’s evolving role.     The summit will explore how India can harness its demographic and socio-economic  advantages to become a ‘force for good’ in various fields, including science, artificial  intelligence, the global economy, culture, and beyond. It will foster insightful discussions from a  roster of speakers and leaders from key sectors.     The Ideas of 2025 brings together an exciting lineup of intellectuals, including Gaur Gopal Das,  motivational speaker and lifestyle coach; Pico Iyer, author and journalist; Ustad Taufiq Qureshi  and Bickram Ghosh, percussionists and Tabla players; Dr. (Prof.) Venki Ramakrishnan, No

Zee 24 Ghanta will host the 16th edition of Ananya Samman on February 20, 2025, in Kolkata, recognising individuals who have made a significant impact on society through their dedication and service, according to an official release accessed by Influencing India. The event will bring together leaders, policymakers and public figures to honour those whose contributions often go unrecognised. The awards are divided into three categories: Ananya Sadharan Award, celebrates unsung heroes from West Bengal. Ananya Samman Award recognises eminent personalities in various fields and the Jibon Kriti (Lifetime Achievement Award) is for individuals whose lifelong contributions have set a benchmark for service and excellence. Commenting on the significance of the event, Karan Abhishek Singh, CEO of Zee Media Corporation Limited, said in the release, “Recognition has the power to inspire greater change and Ananya Samman is a shining example of that. By honouring selfless individuals who work

Delhi witnessed a historic political moment as Rekha Gupta was sworn in as the fifth woman chief minister of the capital and the ninth female CM in India’s history. The BJP’s decision to appoint Rekha, a first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, came as a surprise, given her low-profile political career and limited administrative experience. Her selection marks a pivotal moment for the BJP, which has ended its 27-year drought in Delhi’s political scene. Hot Off the Press: The Times of India’s Atul Mathur reported that Gupta’s rise through the RSS ranks and her deep-rooted connection with Delhi University’s Student Union (DUSU) played a significant role in her selection. Her education qualifications and long-standing work in municipal politics positioned her as an outsider to Delhi’s CM race but an insider within BJP’s ideological framework. While BJP leaders hailed her appointment, the opposition was less enthusiastic. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) questioned her experie

  Ben Vertigan, 17, has officially launched his radio career at Warrnambool’s 3YB FM/COAST FM following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Radio Info reported. Ben’s father Jon Vertigan is a 16-time ACRA award winner and the ACE Radio Metro content director. His grandfather John Vertigan is a legendary broadcaster with 53 years in the industry known for his time at 3UZ and 3UZ/Sport 927. At ACE Radio Warrnambool, Ben is gaining hands-on experience in a variety of roles including traffic scheduling, sales support, production, and technical work. “I’m doing bits and pieces of everything, and I’m loving it!” he said. 3YB/COAST FM General Manager Michael Duncan commented, “Ben was the perfect choice to bring a local into the industry, which is something ACE has always been committed to.”