Seasoned journalist and podcaster James Manning has joined The Australian as a media writer. Making the announcement in a LinkedIn post, Manning added that he will regularly contribute to the Monday Media section and website.  Manning, who is open to feature ideas and news items, expressed excitement to work alongside James Madden in this new role. His first Media section writeups will be published on January 20, 2025. Manning had an extensive career in media, having edited several prominent publications. He started Smash Hits Australia in 1984 where he served as editor and managing editor for over a decade. The magazine, licensed from UK publisher Emap, was initially launched by Fairfax Magazines before being sold to Mason Stewart Publishing. In January 2000, Manning became the editor of Mediaweek, which began as an eight-page weekly newsletter. Under his leadership, the publication expanded to include a daily digital newsletter in 2005, complementing the weekly print editio

ABC chair Kim Williams AM has announced the appointment of Hugh Marks as the new managing director of the ABC effective March 10, 2025, according to a press release from the organisation. A media executive with over 30 years of experience in content production, programming, and distribution across television, radio, and online platforms, Marks was selected after a global search. Williams praised Marks for his rare breadth of experience and leadership skills noting his track record in driving audience engagement and leading major media organizations. Marks previously co-founded Dreamchaser, an Australian content studio, and served as CEO of Nine Entertainment, where he played a key role in its transformation into a digital media powerhouse. Marks expressed his excitement about leading the ABC emphasizing the opportunities to deliver quality news and entertainment to Australians while navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by technology and evolving media landscapes. H

Creative Content’s founder and sole operator, David Hague, says the glaring issue currently facing independent publishers is a lack of vendor support.  “​​The biggest problem facing publishers today is a lack of support from vendors, which applies explicitly to independents like me.”, Hague told Influencing.  “What really hurts me is that so many vendors and the PR people in the past were quite happy to open their wallets and give out marketing and advertising dollars. But these days, they seem to think we'll do the same job out of the goodness of our hearts.” Hague believes the industry needs a seismic shift in the relationship between PRs and journalists.  “There needs to be more equity in the industry. Otherwise, it's just going to collapse. Now for me, I'm actually able to know myself. And at the end of the day, I'll just keep plugging along because I'm enjoying what I'm doing.” Hague runs Creative Content as his hobby and adds that the essential t

Meena R Prashant is an assistant editor at Newsband Daily based in Mumbai. With over 15 years of experience across print and broadcast journalism, she is known for her sharp reporting and memorable stories, including the viral "blue dog" incident in Navi Mumbai. 1) How did you get started in journalism?  I started my career as a freelance journalist covering Navi Mumbai-based social events during my college days. After completing my graduation,  I joined as a full time crime reporter. Over the years, I have covered various beats.  2) Can you describe your work and the stories your team most commonly works on?  I'm currently working in the capacity of Assistant Editor. We cover civic, crime and political news across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. 3) Can you recall something about the story you consider your best so far?  There are several stories but the 'blue dog' story that I worked on a few years ago is my favourite. Mumbai media went crazy one day after someone spotted

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s maiden foreign trip to India signifies a pivotal moment in regional diplomacy. As reported by Indian Express’ Shubhajit Roy, the three-day visit underscores India’s commitment to its “Neighbourhood First” policy while highlighting the two nations' intertwined economic and strategic interests. President Dissanayake’s agenda includes high-profile meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, as noted by Times of India. These discussions aim to deepen economic cooperation, with agreements on trade, energy, and infrastructure in the pipeline. According to Economic Times’ Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury, a focus on economic recovery post-Sri Lanka’s financial crisis and India’s role in stabilising the island nation’s economy are key priorities. India and Sri Lanka share a multifaceted relationship steeped in h

After 25 years, elections were held at the Chennai Press Club on Sunday in an organised and disciplined manner amid tight security provided by the Chennai city police. A total of 1371 members cast their votes recording a turnout of 91.27 per cent.  The polling began at 10 am and concluded at 5 pm after which the votes were counted and the winners declared by late evening. The Special Coordination Committee, which had organised the polls conducted by Election Officer Justice V. Bharathidasan, retired judge of the Madras High Court, ensured that all arrangements were in place for peaceful conduct of the elections.  A total of 44 candidates were in the fray for the posts of a president, two vice-presidents, a general secretary, a treasurer, a joint secretary and five committee members. Several veteran journalists enthusiastically thronged the venue to cast their votes and encourage the contestants. V.N. Swami, 95, the oldest member of the club, came all the way from Madurai to c

Radio host Chris O'Keefe made a shock announcement on Friday that he would be quitting media, including hosting 2GB’s Drive.  After 13 years with Nine and two years hosting 2GB's Drive show, O'Keefe said it was a "difficult decision" but the right one for his family. O'Keefe, 43, explained that he was leaving journalism to start his own political and media consulting business helping clients navigate government and public opinion. He emphasised that his decision, made after months of reflection, was motivated by his desire to spend more time with his family, particularly his son Henry. His departure follows Ray Hadley's exit from 2GB earlier that day. O'Keefe received tributes from colleagues, including Ben Fordham, who jokingly criticised his decision, and Mark Levy, who expressed genuine support. Despite having over a year left on his radio contract, O'Keefe was confident in his choice to focus on family and new professional challenges. He thanked his parents and wife, Fox Le