View from the press rooms The INDIA bloc, heralded as the opposition’s united front against the BJP, is showing cracks as AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and Congress’ Rahul Gandhi continue their public sparring. The Times of India’s Raj Shekhar highlighted Kejriwal’s allegations that the Congress is covertly siding with the BJP in Delhi, framing the fight as “against the people of Delhi.” Meanwhile, Paras Singh’s analysis on the Hindustan Times focused on Gandhi’s critique of Kejriwal, pointing to unfulfilled promises like transforming Delhi into “Paris.” As Saman Husain reported for the Indian Express, the feud underscored deep tensions in the alliance, raising questions about its sustainability ahead of critical assembly polls. Through the digital lens Mausami Singh's feature on India Today explored the digital narrative fuelling the conflict, with Gandhi’s video mocking Kejriwal’s governance going viral. On the flip side, Kejriwal accused Congress of bei

Australian journalist and TV icon Simon Townsend has died at 79 following a recent diagnosis of aggressive cancer, Mediaweek reported. His family confirmed he passed away on Tuesday surrounded by loved ones in his final days, filled with lively conversations and laughter. Townsend was best known for hosting Wonder World, which aired from 1979 to 1987 earning five Logies and cemented his status as a TV legend alongside his loyal bloodhound, Woodrow. The show aired nearly 2,000 episodes and featured humor, music, and travel across Australia and internationally. In 1993, Townsend shifted to hosting TVTV on the ABC, where he interviewed celebrities and reunited with Wonder World star Edith Bliss. Despite facing significant health challenges in his later years including five strokes, Townsend continued to be a beloved figure in Australian television. He is survived by his three children – Nadia, Michael, and Lisbeth Kennelly – as well as his brothers and five grandchildren.  

Isabella Neale has joined Adelaide’s Mix 102.3 as senior producer and guest booker for the new Hayley & Max In The Morning show, according to Radio Info. With a background in production and journalism, Isabella brings experience from major radio stations including Triple M and the Hit Network. Most recently, she worked as a producer for Triple M Sydney’s Mick & MG In The Morning where she developed content, coordinated talent and guest interviews, and appeared on air. Previously, she was a content assistant at 2DayFM and Triple M for nearly two years. Mix 102.3’s content director, Stephen Werner, expressed excitement about Isabella’s appointment saying her energy, fresh ideas, and community focus make her a great fit for the station. The new Hayley & Max In The Morning show officially launches on January 20, 2025.  

“I don't necessarily believe there’s a definitive line between investigative journalism and beat reporting because you investigate in beat reporting, too. You want exclusives, you want to find things out, you want to reveal things that people don't want you to reveal, in both camps,” Bogle told Influencing. Bogle has worked at The Guardian since August 2023. She’s part of a four-person team that includes journalists Christopher Knaus and Sarah Martin and Editor Marni Cordell. Bogle fondly recalls her first reporting experience when joining The Guardian. “When I joined The Guardian, I immediately joined the coverage regarding the Indigenous Voice to Parliament and its campaign trail, which was similar to election coverage I’d previously done.”  Bogle says she works on multiple stories simultaneously - constantly calling, emailing and pitching for new stories. However, she remarks that to have the meat of a story, “you often need a personal story or a case study to

Abbey Smith has started a new role as a reporter and digital content creator at Channel 10 Adelaide. She shared her excitement with Radio Today, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome from the 10 News First Adelaide team and her eagerness to cover local stories. A former Breakfast newsreader at Nova Adelaide, Abbey was affected by a recent restructuring at NOVA Entertainment.  In addition to her new role, Abbey will continue running her live video guestbook business, Time for Chats, and will take on occasional radio news shifts in 2025.  

The Australian Financial Review is expanding its lifestyle content in 2025 with four key appointments across its glossy titles, Mumbrella reported. Lauren Sams, former fashion editor at the Financial Review, has been named editor of Fin Magazine replacing Matthew Drummond who will continue as editor of AFR Magazine. Sams plans to enhance the magazine with new features on beauty, wellness, and more while continuing coverage of fashion, culture, motoring, watches, and jewellery. Anna McCooe joins as senior travel writer overseeing travel content across the Financial Review’s platforms including afr.com, the daily newspaper, Life & Leisure, AFR Magazine, and Fin Magazine. McCooe was previously deputy editor of Gourmet Traveller and travel editor for Marie Claire. Jessica Beresford has been appointed associate editor of Life & Leisure. She comes from The Financial Times where she was contributing editor and fashion features editor for the luxury glossy HTSI. Maria Shollenb

Award winning journalist Hamish Macdonald will host the Mornings program on 702 ABC Radio Sydney from Monday to Thursday starting January 20, 2025, ABC Sydney announced in a press release.  Additionally, Charlie Pickering will host Thank God It’s Friday! and Chris Bath will take on the Drive role. Other new presenters include Kathryn Robinson, who will host Fridays, Dom Knight who will be on Friday Drive and Saturday Mornings, and Rae Johnston taking on Sunday Mornings. Hamish paid tribute to former host Sarah Macdonald and acknowledged the challenge of filling her shoes. "I'm looking forward to putting my head down, getting to work from Monday and serving the wonderful 702 audience in what will be a huge year of news for Sydney," he said.  New 702 ABC Radio Sydney Manager Katrina Palmer looks forward to building stronger connections with audiences from the station’s new Parramatta location.