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,

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 being laid off as the market contracted and then relocating to Canberra.  He spotted an opportunity in the market and established Majura. The new venture focuses on executive communications, particularly for C-suite

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.  

The Channel Company has appointed Athina Mallis to head up the re-birthed CRN Australia masthead, with the former Gizmodo and Digital Nation editor starting her new role Friday. “I’m excited to go back into the IT journalism sphere,” Mallis told Influencing. “I’ve missed everyone!” As of April 1, CRN Australia, which has been published in Australia under license for close to three decades, will revert to the ownership of its parent, The Channel Company. Last week, current licensee NextMedia announced that its channel publishing operation would operate under the brand techpartner.news from that time. Mallis worked at NextMedia for two years, as a reporter, and then as editor of Digital Nation Australia. As such, she will shape up against many of her old peers in the battle for IT channel media supremacy. Mallis left NextMedia when she picked up what seemed like the plumb job of Managing Editor of the leading consumer technology title, Gizmodo early last year. Howev