Former tech journalist turned PR Pro, AZK Media founder Azadeh Williams has called her nomination for PR Professional of the Year at the 2025 Mumbrella CommsCon Awards a “real team effort” by the AZK Media team.  “In all honesty, I think it has been a team effort, so I can't take all the credit for everything that has been achieved at our agency,” Williams told Influencing. “What we've done is push boundaries and have highlighted our real passion and dedication to technology. That genuine passion for delivering real results has also been highlighted in our submission.” Williams is Managing Director of the agency founded in December 2017, and this is not her first rodeo - she won the same award last year and this year’s nomination is her third.  “ I'm humbled and honoured to have been considered, and yeah, it's always an exciting night,” Williams said, “As a former journalist turned PR agency leader, it's a wonderful way for the industry to recognise that gre

The third edition of the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Conclave 2025 was held in New Delhi on 27 February, focusing on the transition from traditional to digital media and the challenges posed by AI. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the event, themed ‘Media Transformations in the AI Age’, highlighting the need for a credible and efficient digital news ecosystem. He emphasised the importance of addressing employment, copyright, and fair compensation issues in the evolving media landscape. According to Storyboard18, Viashnaw said, "Along with traditional media, digital platforms have become dominant, particularly among younger audiences. This transition brings challenges, and the government is fully prepared to provide the necessary support," urging stakeholders to offer practical solutions for a seamless transition. Policymakers and industry leaders discussed misinformation, deepfakes, data privacy and platform accountability. Michael McNamara, Co-chair

India Today Conclave 2025 will be held at Taj Palace, New Delhi, on 7-8 March, bringing together industry leaders to discuss AI, automation, politics, defence, and business. The two-day event will examine AI’s role in decision-making, healthcare, defence and industry transformation, along with the ethical and regulatory challenges it presents. Muks Robotics will showcase Spaceo Humanoid, an AI-driven humanoid and Guardeo Robo Dogs, robotic security units for surveillance. Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist at UNSW.ai, will share insights on AI’s impact. He will be joined by leaders from politics, business and security to discuss the future of AI and automation.

The third edition of The Indian Express Excellence in Governance Awards took place in New Delhi recently, recognising India’s finest district magistrates for their contributions to public administration. It brought together the leaders of governance who are transforming the country at its core.  The event was presented by NxtGen Cloud Tech and NSE and highlighted district officials' efforts in community service and governance. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, attended as Chief Guest, alongside Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, as Guest of Honour. Viveck Goenka, Chairman & Managing Director of The Indian Express Group, addressed the gathering, reflecting on the role of district magistrates in shaping India’s progress.The event recognised contributions from Vajiram & Ravi, ICFAI Group, Indian Oil, GSC Bank and PwC across service,

Following reports electors in two different States were getting the same Voter ID numbers, the Commission said that it would remove these duplications and ensure that each voter gets a unique EPIC number. Also, irrespective of the EPIC number, a person can cast a vote only at their designated polling stations in their respective constituencies in their States or Union Territories. Sreeparna Chakrabarty for The Hindu wrote that the poll body further said that the allotment of identical EPIC number/series to some electors from different States/UTs was due to a decentralized and manual mechanism being followed prior to shifting of the electoral roll database of all States/UTs to the ERONET platform. This resulted in certain State/UT CEO offices using the same EPIC alphanumeric series and leaving a scope for the possibility of duplicate EPIC numbers being allotted to electors in different Assembly Constituencies in different States/UTs, according to the ECI. The ERONET is a web-ba

Former ABC and BBC journalist Tim McDonald has launched a new Canberra-based public relations consultancy - Majura Communications - aimed at effectively getting top executives’ messages across to the media with a targeted approach. After spending two decades in journalism, including several years in Singapore primarily with the BBC, McDonald told Influencing how his extensive media background had shaped his unique approach to corporate communications.  As a video journalist, he had developed a versatile skill set, creating content across multiple formats - from radio to television and online platforms. When the Covid pandemic disrupted his business model as a freelance journalist, McDonald pivoted to corporate communications, joining Edelman in Singapore but later relocated to Canberra where he was ultimately laid off as the business contracted.  He spotted an opportunity in the market and established Majura. The new venture focuses on executive communications, particularly f

Issy Capone has joined 94.9 PowerFM in the Shoalhaven/Southern Highlands as the new Breakfast co-host alongside Glenn “Stolzy” Stolzenhein Radio Today reported.  Capone, who previously co-hosted PowerFM in Muswellbrook with Krystal Roker, now steps into a larger market, with Roker continuing the show solo.  ARN’s Area Lead NSW, Gavin Flanagan, praised the transition as a well-earned career move, highlighting the opportunity for Capone to grow at a bigger station.