India is set to host the first World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai from May 1 to 4. The event will bring together media CEOs, entertainment icons and creative minds from across the globe.  The event will focus on key themes, including media globalisation and localisation, the future of digital advertising, the evolving dynamics of the sound and music industry, technological advancements in animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, augmented reality, virtual reality and emerging technologies like generative AI and the metaverse.  Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the news on X following an advisory board meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  “India is laying the foundation for becoming the creative powerhouse of the world! This summit will bring together the world’s top media CEOs, biggest entertainment icons and creative minds from across the globe-unifying entertainment, creativity an

Fresh hope for peace in Manipur has arisen after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned on Sunday, hours after a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Biren's resignation, nearly 21 months after ethnic violence that has killed over 250 and displaced several thousand scorched the northeastern province, follows days of discord within the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) state unit and the threat of a no-confidence motion in the upcoming assembly session. Hot Off the Press Singh submitted his resignation to Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in the state capital Imphal around 5.30 pm a day before the state assembly was scheduled to convene for the budget session, which was scrapped on Sunday evening. The resignation came five days after the Supreme Court directed a central forensics lab for a report on leaked audio tapes that allegedly feature Singh and where he is purportedly heard saying the ethnic violence in the state was instigated at his insistence, reported Thomas Ngan

After leaving SCA six months ago, former Hit Network producer Chris Kubacki is now freelancing as an audio producer and sound designer. Sharing the update on Linkedin, Chris reflected on his career saying, “After years in radio, a period of fun, employment, and some travel, I’ve gone rogue and shifted to freelancing.” He mentioned his recent work, including re-imagining NOW Radio in New Zealand, rebuilding the Blade Network, and collaborating with Nathan Cassar at Alive 90.5FM with more projects in the pipeline. With 15 years of experience, Chris has worked with major Australian brands and is now offering his services to others in need of creative audio production, podcast enhancement, or sound design.

Hal Crawford, one of Australia's leading editorial figures, will lead Mumbrella’s content operations, overseeing editorial output for both Mumbrella and Unmade, starting Monday. Formerly the editor-in-chief and publisher of ninemsn (now nine.com.au), Crawford later served as MediaWorks NZ's chief news officer managing a team of 250 across TV, radio, and online. This marks the first significant appointment since Mumbrella’s recent change in ownership with Mumbrella Media now led by Tim Burrowes and The Intermedia Group. Crawford will report to Burrowes, who expressed his admiration for Crawford’s work and belief that his appointment aligns with their ambitious vision for Mumbrella Media. Crawford described the role as a “dream-come-true,” eager to tackle the evolving media and marketing landscape alongside Burrowes and the team at Mumbrella and Unmade.  

RPSG Lifestyle Media has announced the launch of the Indian edition of Robb Report, the globally recognised luxury lifestyle magazine. The publication will focus on bespoke experiences, luxury innovations, sustainable opulence, and the expanding art and design markets, catering to the evolving tastes of India's ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs). Avarna Jain, Chairperson of RPSG Lifestyle Media, highlighted the significance of bringing Robb Report to India, stating, “Robb Report is the world’s leading authority on luxury and fine living. With India’s appetite for quality products on the rise, this title will play a major role in evolving taste and affecting consumption patterns. Our collaboration with Robb Report will empower our readers with unparalleled insights into the best the world has to offer.” Luke Bahrenburg, President of Robb Report, emphasised the potential of the Indian market, adding, “India represents one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing mar

Taurus Marketing’s founder, Sharon Williams OAM, believes her company’s Taurus Bullseye methodology is the most significant difference between her company and others.  “The Taurus Bullseye methodology strategy is about achieving the end goal, and it identifies how to achieve and get to that goal through broken down 90-day plans,” she said. “That's our main difference. I don't know any other agency with a methodology. We don't work with anyone without putting them through it. It's never failed. And so we're that integrated agency 30 years ago and now that concept is being discussed.”  Taurus Marketing has multiple products under its Taurus Shop banner, including Taurus Profile for personal brand, Taurus Social for social media plans, and Taurus Content. Williams believes Taurus is a pioneer in many of its initiatives.  “We were pioneers in many things: working mothers, part-time jobs, and part-time job sharing. These are all quite common now, but 30 years ago, th

Are Media’s Alison Izzo started out, as many aspiring journalists do, as an intern, in her case at Cleo. After working across a range of well-known women’s publications, she’s now head of digital at AM, where she oversees the digital strategy for Australian versions of international women’s titles.  She grew up in the country, and, despite being far from the capital cities where most top-tier women’s magazines are bought and read, she says she always had a passion for quality women’s magazines and, for her 13th birthday, asked her parents for a subscription to Harper's Bazaar. “Which is very surprising for a 13-year-old, especially growing up in the country,” Izzo told Influencing Insider program last Thursday. Years later ,she was able to land a three-day internship at Cleo magazine.  “And I kind of pushed it out to a week. I landed in the fashion cupboard, which was literally a cupboard with no windows in it, but my eyes were opened to the industry and the