India mourns the loss of its tabla virtuoso, Ustad Zakir Hussain, who passed away at the age of 73 after a brief hospitalisation. Known as the global face of Indian classical percussion, Zakir Hussain's demise marks the end of an era, leaving an irreplaceable void in the world of music. Times of India's Namita Devidayal called him the “unbeatable Ustad,” a fitting tribute to a man whose rhythm transcended borders and genres. A Life in Rhythm Born into a musical lineage as the son of legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain displayed extraordinary talent from a young age. His innovative style, technical brilliance, and ability to seamlessly merge tradition with modernity made him a global icon. The Hindu noted his unmatched ability to elevate the humble tabla to centre stage, earning him accolades worldwide. Over a career spanning several decades, Zakir Hussain performed with Indian classical maestros and international legends, cementing his stature as a bridge b

7Bravo, the partnership between NBCUniversal International Networks & Direct-to-Consumer and the Seven Network, has announced Bella Varelis as the new local host for its Live From E! red carpet events in Australia, according to Mediaweek. Varelis, a familiar face on Australian television and a “Friend of 7Bravo” since February 2023, will now host coverage of Australia’s biggest awards shows and fashion events, conducting celebrity interviews, and showcasing red-carpet glamour. She will also continue her digital mini-series Bella Beauty offering trusted beauty tips. Known for her appearance on The Bachelor Australia, Varelis is also the founder of the fashion label House of Eave. Chris Taylor, managing director of NBCUniversal International Networks & Direct-to-Consumer and Distribution, Australia & New Zealand, expressed excitement about Varelis taking on the role, noting her on-screen warmth and style. Varelis shared her enthusiasm, saying, “It’s a dream co

  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.

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. I am only answerable to 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 primary job 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