India is officially entering the AI race with plans to develop its own foundational AI model within the next 6-10 months, as confirmed by IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. View from the Press Rooms/Hot off the Press The Indian Express’ Soumyarendra Barik and Aditi Agarwal for Hindustan Times, reported that the AI model will be world-class, with minimal bias, high accuracy, and affordability. Vaishnaw assured that the government’s mission is to create an indigenous AI powerhouse capable of competing with global players like ChatGPT and DeepSeek R1. India will also host DeepSeek’s AI models on its servers to conduct rigorous security checks, according to The Times of India’s Pankaj Dovai. This move aims to ensure that foreign AI tools align with India’s national security protocols. Additionally, The Hindu’s Aroon Deep highlights that the Centre will provide GPUs to startups and academia at heavily subsidized rates, giving local AI initiatives the computing power needed to

As India prepares for the Union Budget 2025, the country’s news channels have announced a slew of special coverage programmes dedicated to explaining the same.   Newspapers across India have also geared up for their coverage of the Union Budget, running live blogs about the Budget speech, including industry reactions, a deeper analysis, and views from experts.  Leading English business news channel ET NOW and Hindi business news channel ET NOW Swadesh have announced special budget coverage under the theme ‘Budget for Viksit Bharat’.    Both channels will deliver a comprehensive 360-degree analysis centred around the theme ‘Accelerating India, Boosting Indians,’ providing expert insights and market intelligence to assist viewers in understanding India’s financial landscape.   These channels will closely track the economic and political implications of the Union Budget, commencing with the live coverage of the Finance Minister’s Budget speech on February 1, 20

Rampaging Roy Slaven and H.G. Nelson are back with an extended season of their sports show Bludging on the Blindside starting  February 1, according to a press release from ABC. The duo will take on the NRL season, airing every Saturday from 10am across 702 ABC Radio Sydney, 612 ABC Radio Brisbane, ABC SPORT DIGITAL, and ABC Listen. “We’re very pleased to continue holding the National Rugby League to account for another season,” Roy Slaven said. H.G. Nelson added, “Bludging on the Blindside – just two blokes in an old Holden Ute, running out of gas, with a glove box full of sporting issues and looking forward to lunch. Bludge on, Australia!” Roy and H.G. have been entertaining audiences since 1986 with programs like This Sporting Life, The Sporting Probe, and Olympic broadcasts such as The Dream and Roy and H.G’s Russian Revolution. They most recently covered the 2024 Paris Olympics on their Roy and HG: People, Medals and Cheese podcast.  

Double J is revamping its weekend lineup with Yumi Stynes officially taking over the weekend breakfast slots.  The move sees current host Caz Tran shifting to afternoons, according to Radio Info. Stynes, known for hosting ABC’s Ladies, We Need to Talk and ARN’s The 5-Minute Food Fix and I Heart Trivia, has been a familiar voice on Double J throughout 2024. She has also contributed to podcasts like SBS’s Seen. Adding to the shake-up, Frenzal Rhomb’s Jay and the Doctor—Jason Whalley and Lindsay McDougall—are making a comeback as February’s Artists in Residence.  The duo, who last hosted on Triple J over a decade ago, will bring their signature humour and banter to the 3 pm Sunday slot for the month. With these fresh voices on board, Double J’s weekends are set for a dynamic new vibe.  

Christopher Riley is stepping down as editor-in-chief of Esquire Australia after leading the publication since its relaunch in March 2023,  according to Mumbrella. Citing personal reasons, Riley will be returning to the UK. Under his leadership, Esquire Australia solidified its position as a leading voice in men’s lifestyle and culture.  Publisher Alex Switzer praised Riley’s contributions, supporting his decision and wishing him success in his next chapter. Describing his time at the magazine as “one of my greatest privileges,” Riley expressed pride in the vision he helped shape and said he would miss the company’s culture of excellence.  While the search for a new editor-in-chief is underway, the current editorial and commercial teams will continue under the existing structure, with further leadership updates expected soon.  

James Fennessy is bidding farewell to radio after five years with ARN at 2EC/Power FM on the NSW Far South Coast, Radio Info reported.  He will be stepping into a new role as Digital Communications Manager with Southern NSW Local Health District but will continue his work in podcasting. Reflecting on his time at ARN, Fennessy expressed gratitude for the colleagues and experiences that shaped his journey.  “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some incredibly hardworking and talented people at ARN, and I’ll miss being a part of such a dedicated team,” he said.  “Radio, journalism, and podcasting are some of my key passions, and I’m proud of what we’ve been able to achieve together as part of the Bega Bay radio team, the iHeart regional podcast team, and the wider ARN news team.” During his tenure, Fennessy hosted a morning show, led promotions, and provided local news coverage from Batemans Bay to Mallacoota.  His work on the iHeart Far South Coast pod

  Radio veteran 'Ugly' Phil O'Neil is leaving his role as Morning host on GOLD101.7 to pursue his passion for talk radio, transitioning to Overnights on 2GB and 4BC, 2GB announced in a press release.  With over four decades in the industry, O’Neil has worked across top Australian stations, including Austereo, Nova 96.9, Triple M, and 2UE, as well as internationally at LBC London and Kerrang Radio.  Since joining WSFM (now GOLD101.7) in 2020, he has played a key role in its success, earning the ACRA Award for Best Music Host in 2024 and helping the station hit #1 in Sydney. Reflecting on his departure, O’Neil shared his appreciation for the station and its listeners, joking that he might miss playing Roxette.  Sue Carter, Head of Content at ARN’s GOLD Network, praised his contributions and passion, saying she fully supports his move to talk radio. Despite leadership changes at 2GB, she is excited to see what he brings to his new role.