Tanzil Asif, founder of Bihar’s hyperlocal news platform Main Media, has been selected for the prestigious Knight‑Wallace Journalism Fellowship at the University of Michigan for 2026–2027. Asif is only the fourth Indian journalist to join the fellowship’s ranks, following Kashmiri photojournalist Masrat Zahra (2023–24), former CPJ India representative Kunāl Majumder (2024–25), and BBC correspondent Divya Arya, the first Indian fellow in 2014–15. The Wallace House Center for Journalists announced Asif as part of a 19‑member cohort representing eight countries and diverse U.S. newsrooms. Over eight months in residence, he will pursue a research project titled “Building Sustainable Models for Rural, Hyperlocal Journalism in India.” Drawing on his experience running an independent newsroom in Bihar’s Seemanchal‑Kosi belt, Asif will examine the financial, political, and institutional challenges facing hyperlocal media, while studying gl

Thursday, 21 May 2026 #1  ·  Times City  ·  Investigative Monuments Delhi Stopped Noticing By Nishi Verma   ·   The Times of India  ·  Page Unknown An in-depth investigation into Delhi's lesser-known but legally protected heritage sites that have suffered years of illegal occupation, unchecked construction, and administrative neglect. The report documents specific monuments and heritage structures across the city, detailing how encroachments and residential buildings have grown around them, while authorities have failed to act despite existing protection frameworks. The story combines ground reporting with visual documentation, naming specific monuments and providing historical context that elevates it beyond a routine complaint piece into a sustained accountability investigation of governance failure. #2  ·  Times City  ·  In-depth feature 250km in Single Refill, but Here

What initially appeared to be a targeted attack on a journalist in Tamil Nadu later took a surprising turn after the victim revealed that the accused had allegedly mistaken him for someone else connected to earlier drug-related news reports. The Chennai Press Club has condemned the attack on Haja Maideen, a reporter with News J TV in Muthupettai, Thiruvarur district, while renewing concerns over the safety of journalists working on the ground. According to reports, the incident took place on the night of May 18 when three youths from the same locality allegedly assaulted Maideen near his residence. Speaking to Influencing, Maideen said the accused approached him around 10:30 pm seeking help. Since he knew them personally, he stepped outside his house and began speaking with them before the situation suddenly turned violent. During the interaction, the group allegedly attacked him without warning. Maideen also claimed the attackers appeared to be under the influence of drugs at th

“I’m on LinkedIn constantly, and it’s a really good outlet to get in touch with me,” says Freelance Science and Technology Journalist Peter Griffin during his recent appearance on Influencing Insider. Griffin added, “I love talking to PRs on the phone, that’s where we get down to the nitty-gritty details. NZ-based Griffin urged PR professionals to consume the work of New Zealand-based tech journalists before pitching. “It's doing homework to figure out who the personalities are, what they need, and really trying to marry that with the big issues that are preoccupying New Zealand, which are a little bit different to Australia”. Griffin, who freelances as a technology columnist and podcast host for BusinessDesk NZ, said he focuses on advanced technology adoption and its impact on productivity.  “Some of the things I’m interested in are how we can use technology in a really tight environment to shift the needle on productivity, efficiency, but also new product

CBAA's Jon Bisset: "Many community broadcasters miss out entirely" A scheme designed to force Google and Meta to help fund Australian journalism could raise up to $250 million a year, but community broadcasters and independent publishers warn the money may mostly flow to the biggest media companies unless changes are made. The News Bargaining Incentive would require large digital platforms to either strike commercial deals with Australian news-producing organisations or pay a levy to government, with that money then redistributed to the news industry. But community broadcasters, independent publishers, multicultural media and public-interest journalism groups say the current draft risks repeating a familiar media-industry pattern – media businesses with the most clout capturing most of the benefit. The smaller players’ argument is that a policy designed to repair the damage done to Australian journalism by digital platforms should not leave local, region

Labor tax civil war: Minns breaks ranks over CGT and income cuts NSW Premier Chris Minns has publicly distanced himself from Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ capital gains tax reforms while urging bigger income tax relief, sharpening internal Labor tensions just as the government tries to sell its budget narrative. Paul Keating has waded in to defend the changes and attack critics, underscoring how politically combustible housing-and-tax reform has become. Covered by: Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Daily Telegraph, The Australian, Australian Financial Review. Markets flinch at debt: bond yields climb as budget nerves spread Investors are demanding higher returns on Australian government bonds amid growing concern about debt levels, spending restraint and the outlook for growth and inflation. The move is a warning sign for households and government alike: higher yields can translate into tighter financial conditions and less room for fiscal manoeuvre. Covered by: Australian Financia

A recent exchange involving a Norwegian journalist during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway has triggered debate among sections of the Indian media over foreign press scrutiny, political communication, and perceptions surrounding press freedom in India. The discussion began after journalist Helle Lyng urged Modi to take questions from the media during the visit, a moment that later circulated widely online and prompted reactions from journalists across India. While some viewed the exchange as part of normal democratic questioning, others argued it reflected a pattern of selective criticism directed at India by sections of the international media. Anil Pandey, Managing Editor at Jagran New Media, said such questions are often framed in ways that damage India’s global image. “Such questions are generally asked to defame a country. We see sections of the American media writing reports claiming there is no religious freedom in India and that human rights condition