Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has announced the 88th e-auction for MPEG-4 slots on its free-to-air DTH platform, DD Free Dish, scheduled tentatively for June 6, 2025.  Eligible private and foreign satellite TV channels, with valid MIB downlinking permissions, can apply by June 4, 2025, along with the necessary documentation and processing fee.  Successful bidders will receive slot allocation from June 13, 2025, to March 31, 2026, with placements based on language and genre.  Detailed auction guidelines and bucket rates are available on the official Prasar Bharati and DD Free Dish websites.

  Image source: LiveFistDefence, Republic World and The Daily Guardian; Edited by Dinesh Raj M   In a rare and blunt admission, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has called out India’s defence procurement paralysis, stating that contracts are routinely signed despite knowing the timelines are doomed from the start. Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, Singh remarked, “Not a single project has been completed on time.”  Hot off the Press The Air Chief Marshal's remarks were reported by The Times of India and echoed by Rahul Singh for Hindustan Times, striking at the core of India’s strategic vulnerability: a modernising air force that’s being held back by a sluggish defence ecosystem. Singh took specific aim at the Rs 48,000 crore Tejas Mk1A fighter jet deal signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) in 2021. Deliveries were to begin by March 2024, yet, as of mid-2025, “not a single aircraft has been delivered,” he said. The IAF, operating with j

<>   The Local and Independent News Association (LINA) is making significant strides in supporting digital news publishers across Australia, says Executive Director Claire Stutchbery, who also talks about how PRs can play a vital role.  With 177 newsrooms under its wing, LINA is focused on delivering high-quality public interest journalism that serves local communities. "Our industry association is very much focused on public interest journalism and the good that it does in our communities," says Stutchbery.  "We help our publishing members be of service to their communities in lots of different ways. "LINA's primary objectives centre around three key areas: strengthening public interest journalism quality, building capacity for small newsrooms, and facilitating networking and shared services,” she said.  Recognising that many journalists enter the field without business management experience, LINA provides crucial support in operational and administrative aspects of

  Kelly King.   PR matters, and I can prove it. No scratch that - PR can and does make direct sales. As a former ad sales guy, that's tough to say out loud. But right now in Australia and beyond it's undeniably, provably true. And probably super important right now. I met Montu through Amanda Do at a BlackBird-hosted event. She was such a great advocate, and the success of Montus' storytelling in such a controlled environment stood out. Since that meeting I've developed a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art and science that is PR - which now challenges traditional marketing and advertising (Click Fraud, anyone?) as a reliable, predictable revenue driver of business. I did a bunch of research, and interviewed Montu's then-director of APAC PR Kelly King to try and figure out where public relations sits in 2025, and whether it can reframe at board level from brand-building expense to measurable revenue generator.   Kelly King on the importance of storytelling

Sean Power steps up at Seven. The Seven Network has today announced Sean Power is being promoted to Director of News Integration and Strategy. The new role will see Power relocate to his hometown of Melbourne, to begin work on a new national program to be broadcast from Seven Melbourne’s brand new, state-of-the-art studios. Power has been an integral part of Seven’s news and public affairs division for seven years. He is currently Director of 7NEWS Sydney and before that held the role of Executive Producer of Sunrise. In his new role, which begins on Monday, Power will lead the integration of nightly news content across all of Seven’s platforms, ensuring cohesive coverage plans in news programs right across the day, and online via 7NEWS.com.au, 7plus, The Nightly and social platforms. In addition, he will oversee the network’s major news events in partnership with National News Desk Director and Foreign Editor Hugh Whitfeld. He will also act as the key liaison between Pro

News agency Asian News International has filed a defamation suit in the Delhi High Court against YouTuber Mohak Mangal, alleging that his recent YouTube video against the news agency contains defamatory and misleading statements, tarnishing the organisation’s reputation. According to Livelaw, the suit has been filed against a video titled “Dear ANI” published by Mangal on May 25, 2025. The plea stated that Mangal claimed in his YouTube video that ANI is using its copyright to trap people and is involved in extortion and blackmail. According to the suit, Mangal urged viewers to unsubscribe from ANI and misrepresented the agency’s communications using AI tools. ANI claims the video damages its reputation, goodwill, and registered trademarks. The suit also names comedian Kunal Kamra and AltNews co-founder Mohammed Zubair for allegedly amplifying Mangal’s claims on social media. ANI has sought the removal of the video and a court order preventing further use of its trademar

Experience Commerce (EC), a Cheil SWA Group company, has secured the digital and media mandate for Tropical Agrosystem (India) Pvt. Ltd., a key player in crop protection and plant nutrition. The agency will drive the brand’s digital transformation through social media strategy, creative storytelling, and performance marketing.  Handled from EC’s Mumbai office, the mandate spans Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, focusing on connecting with both rural farming communities and urban audiences. EC will also roll out an integrated campaign via its production arm, CYLNDR India.  Chandrika Rodrigues of Tropical Agro said the partnership supports their vision for sustainability and deeper consumer engagement.   EC’s Bhawana Daga emphasised their goal to build digital experiences that reflect the brand’s legacy and forward-looking mission.  This collaboration comes as Tropical Agro expands its digital footprint to better engage evolving agricultural communities across