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Vir Das Slams Mainstream Media Amid Ranveer Allahbadia Controversy

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New Delhi, February 12: Comedian Vir Das has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the roast show India’s Got Latent, where guest judge Ranveer Allahbadia sparked outrage with a controversial question posed to a contestant. The show, featuring Samay Raina, Jaspreet Singh, Apoorva Makhija, and Ashish Chanchlani, has drawn widespread criticism, leading to intervention from the National Commission for Women (NCW) and a possible parliamentary panel inquiry. The controversy erupted after Allahbadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, asked a female contestant: “Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever?” The remark led to backlash from the public and politicians, prompting the NCW to summon all key figures involved, including the show’s producers, Tushar Poojari and Saurabh Bothra, for a hearing on February 17 in New Delhi. Vir Das Criticizes Media’s Role In a statement, Vir Das addressed the debate over comedic standards, stating that a comedian must evolve based on audience feedback. However, he took a sharp dig at traditional media, accusing it of using the controversy to attack new digital platforms. “We are watching a bunch of irrelevant mainstream media anchors bordering extinction trying to take down new media that gets millions more views, longer interviews, and far more impact at a fraction of the cost,” Das wrote. He further urged audiences to question journalism standards, stating that while comedy is being debated, the media should also be scrutinized for its priorities. Meanwhile, the NCW condemned the remarks as vulgar and offensive, citing a violation of dignity and respect. The commission has mandated the in-person appearance of all involved parties on February 17 at 12 PM at its New Delhi office. With growing political and public scrutiny, the controversy surrounding India’s Got Latent continues to escalate.

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Pentagon Revamps Press Corps Workspace, Favoring Pro-Trump Outlets

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The Pentagon has announced a controversial “annual media rotation program”, set to take effect on February 14, that will replace major mainstream outlets with smaller, pro-Trump media organizations in the Pentagon press corps workspace. Key Changes: NBC News → One America News Network (OANN) (TV) National Public Radio (NPR) → Breitbart (Radio) The New York Times → New York Post (Print) Politico → HuffPost (Online) While the move aligns with the Trump administration’s push to disrupt media norms, it has sparked backlash from journalists and press freedom advocates. NBC News expressed “disappointment”, while the National Press Club raised concerns over “press restrictions and transparency.” Critics argue that Breitbart lacks a significant radio presence, and One America News, which has faced lawsuits over false election claims, does not even subscribe to Nielsen ratings. Despite losing their office space, the displaced outlets will retain full press access to Pentagon briefings and travel opportunities. However, press members fear that removing workspaces could limit in-depth coverage of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s tenure. Reaction & Impact: Kevin Baron, a former Pentagon Press Association VP, called it “the erasure of journalism at the Pentagon.” The National Press Club is demanding greater transparency on the selection process. Some view this as an attempt to sideline critical journalism while promoting pro-Trump media voices. The decision is already facing pushback, and further challenges from media organizations are expected. Source: CNN

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Donald Trump Alleges USAID Corruption, Claims Billions Stolen for Media Payoffs

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Former U.S. President Donald Trump has made an explosive claim that billions of dollars have been stolen from USAID and funneled to news media outlets as a “payoff” for favorable coverage of Democrats. Posting on Truth Social, Trump singled out Politico, alleging it received $8 million and questioning whether other major outlets, including The New York Times, were also beneficiaries. Politico’s leadership swiftly denied the accusation in a memo to staff, stating that the publication has “never been a beneficiary of government programs or subsidies—not one cent, ever, in 18 years.” The controversy arises amid Trump’s sweeping government overhaul, which has included a 90-day freeze on foreign aid, mass furloughs at USAID, and a shutdown of thousands of global programs. Federal worker unions have raised concerns over widespread layoffs, with at least 20,000 employees reportedly accepting a buyout offer from the administration. Adding to the upheaval, Trump has appointed Elon Musk to spearhead the restructuring of federal agencies, triggering protests and uncertainty in Washington.

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Parliamentary Committee to Review Media Issues: Fake News, Sensationalism, and Declining Newspaper Readership

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A parliamentary committee meeting on Friday is set to address various pressing media concerns, including “rampant” paid news, fake news, and the rise of sensationalism in TV channels. The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, led by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, will review the implementation of media laws and discuss factors impacting the media landscape. Key issues likely to be raised include the disproportionate focus on crime and celebrity news, which often comes at the expense of serious, impactful reporting. Sources say that media trials, which shape public opinion and influence legal outcomes, will also be discussed. Additionally, the committee may highlight the decline of traditional newspapers, particularly in the face of digital disruption and declining readership. The meeting will address concerns over TV debates, which often devolve into shouting matches, as well as conflicts of interest within media ownership, journalists, and political entities. Such conflicts, the sources noted, undermine the credibility of news reporting and compromise ethical standards due to a lack of strong regulatory mechanisms. The committee may also bring up the long-drawn legal battles that journalists and media houses face, which discourage investigative reporting. Financial struggles of regional and vernacular media outlets, as well as the havoc caused by fake news during elections, are expected to be major points of discussion. Additionally, the committee is likely to examine the impact of foreign-owned social media giants and the need for regulation to prevent harm to society, political leaders, and even the country. Key figures, including the Information and Broadcasting Secretary, Prasar Bharti CEO, Press Registrar General, and Press Council of India Chairperson, are expected to appear before the panel. Source: Telegraph India

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Vietnam’s Media Restructuring Sparks Fears of Propaganda Surge

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Critics are raising alarms over Vietnam’s ongoing media restructuring, warning that it will tighten government control over news outlets and intensify the spread of state propaganda. The restructuring plan, initiated in 2019 under former Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, aims to reduce the number of press organizations from 180 to 100 by 2025, leading to job losses for 8,000 reporters and editors. Under General Secretary To Lam’s leadership, the restructuring has accelerated. The initiative, known as Resolution 18, consolidates 14 ministries into seven, each permitted only one official news outlet. Analysts predict this will halve the number of media organizations, concentrating resources into six state-run conglomerates, including Nhan Dan, the Communist Party’s official newspaper, and national broadcaster Vietnam Television. On January 15, 2025, the restructuring led to the shutdown of Vietnam Multimedia Corporation (VTC) and other broadcasters, leaving approximately 1,000 employees without jobs. A journalism student, identified only as Justin, described emotional scenes as VTC employees counted down to the channel’s closure, followed by fireworks. “Everyone was crying,” he said. While the government claims the reforms aim to streamline operations and eliminate inefficiencies, democracy advocates argue that the changes will prioritize propaganda over independent journalism. Trinh Huu Long of Legal Initiatives for Vietnam stated, “The government will invest in a small number of state agencies to make them more effective in propaganda. Serving readers is secondary.” The crackdown extends beyond media consolidation. A November 2024 report revealed that 17 independent journalists are currently imprisoned, highlighting the shrinking space for press freedom in Vietnam. As critics call for balanced reforms, many fear the rapid changes will further stifle independent voices and leave Vietnam’s public with fewer sources of unbiased news. Source: voanews

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Nielsen’s 2025 Upfront/NewFront Guide: Key Trends Shaping Media Planning

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Nielsen, a global authority in audience measurement and analytics, has introduced its 2025 Upfront/NewFront Guide—a comprehensive resource to help media buyers and sellers navigate the 2025-2026 planning season. Packed with cross-media data and audience insights, the guide is an essential tool for optimizing budgets and making informed advertising decisions in a complex and evolving media landscape. Americans are devoting an average of 70 hours per week to media consumption, spanning linear TV, connected TV (CTV), radio, smartphones, tablets, and computers. While smartphone usage has surged by 44% in the past two years, traditional TV continues to dominate, accounting for nearly 50% of total media time. Key Trends from the 2025 Guide Converging TV Landscape: The boundaries between linear TV and streaming are increasingly overlapping, with both formats driving audience engagement. Nielsen reports that 88% of U.S. viewers engage with TV monthly, and streaming platforms now account for 41% of total TV time as of October 2024. Advanced Audience Profiles: Marketers are encouraged to move beyond conventional demographics and tap into nuanced audience data. “Behind the data, there are people in front of screens,” said Pete Doe, Chief Data and Research Officer at Nielsen, emphasizing the importance of reaching audiences with personalized messaging. Navigating Advertising Complexity: With rising ad spend and increasing fragmentation in the media environment, staying ahead requires robust digital insights. “Strong competitive intelligence is now essential for making data-driven decisions,” noted Akhil Parekh, Nielsen’s Chief Solutions Officer for Digital Products. Strategic Implications For media buyers, these insights provide the tools to integrate linear TV and streaming effectively, maximizing reach and engagement. Sellers, on the other hand, can leverage these metrics to differentiate their offerings and strengthen their market positioning. To explore detailed strategies and stay ahead in the 2025-2026 Upfront/NewFront season, download the full guide and unlock the potential of cross-media insights. Source: adgully.com Photo Credit: adgully.com

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India to Host First Global Media & Entertainment Summit in November

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India is set to host the inaugural World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Goa from November 20-24, alongside the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Announced by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, WAVES aims to position India as a global hub for the media and entertainment industry. Described as a visionary initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, WAVES will focus on intellectual property rights (IPR), fostering collaboration, and driving innovation in the sector. “IP rights hold immense value in the media and entertainment sector. We are committed to strengthening the ecosystem for protecting these rights,” Vaishnaw said at the event’s curtain raiser. The summit will explore providing low-cost funding for the industry, drawing inspiration from the venture capital model. Vaishnaw emphasized that this initiative reflects the government’s broader strategy to support growth and innovation in the sector. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant highlighted the rapid evolution of the industry, noting that in 2023 alone, India produced 3,000 hours of content for OTT platforms. He added that WAVES would serve as a platform for industry leaders to network, collaborate, and explore investment opportunities. With a market value of $27.5 billion, India’s media and entertainment sector is poised for substantial growth. WAVES is designed to evoke transformative ideas, facilitate knowledge sharing, and position India as a business-friendly and attractive investment destination. I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju stated that WAVES seeks to elevate India as a global leader in the sector, fostering international partnerships and showcasing the country’s potential as a creative and economic powerhouse in media and entertainment. Source: Business Standard Photo Credit: Business Standard

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UK Government Backs England’s Decision to Play Afghanistan Despite Boycott Calls

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The UK government has expressed support for England’s upcoming Champions Trophy cricket match against Afghanistan, despite widespread calls for a boycott in protest against the Taliban’s treatment of women. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated that the match, scheduled for February 26 in Lahore, should proceed to avoid penalizing players and fans. A coalition of over 160 British politicians had urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to refuse to play Afghanistan, citing the Taliban’s effective ban on women participating in sports. The Taliban’s policy places the Afghanistan Cricket Board in violation of International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, yet the ICC has continued to allow Afghanistan’s men’s team to compete in global tournaments. Nandy, speaking to the BBC, emphasized the potential negative consequences of a sports boycott. “I’m instinctively cautious about boycotts in sports as they often prove counterproductive,” she said. “They deny fans the events they love and unfairly penalize athletes who have worked tirelessly to compete.” The ECB has maintained its position against a boycott, with Chief Executive Richard Gould advocating for a unified response from the ICC. This approach has received backing from Downing Street, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office urging the ICC to lead a collective resolution. South Africa, which is also slated to play Afghanistan, has supported the ECB’s stance. Cricket South Africa President Rihan Richards stated, “A unified and collective approach from all ICC members will be more impactful.” However, the decision has faced criticism, including from Peter Hain, a prominent anti-apartheid campaigner and British politician. Hain, who played a pivotal role in South Africa’s sporting isolation in the 1970s, has called for a boycott, aligning with the concerns of human rights advocates. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between sports diplomacy and human rights issues on the global stage. Source: Sports.NDTV Photo Credit: Sports.NDTV

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Russian Media Outlets Report Declining Audiences Amid Record Government Funding

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Prominent Russian media outlets experienced significant audience declines last year, according to recent data, even as the government announced record funding for state-run media in 2025. Leading the decline was the news website Gazeta.ru, which saw a 14% drop in visitors, followed by broadcaster NTV with 13%, the state news agency RIA Novosti with 12%, and Lenta.ru with an 11% decline. The slump was not limited to online platforms. Television viewership also dropped, according to independent outlet Mozhem Obyasnit. During the week of December 9-15, NTV overtook Channel One, Russia’s flagship broadcaster, to become the fourth most-watched channel. The data, sourced from the research company Mediascope, highlights the shifting dynamics within Russia’s media consumption landscape. The decline in audiences comes at a time when Russian authorities have allocated a record 137.2 billion rubles ($1.3 billion) for state television, news agencies, and newspapers in 2025. Despite this financial boost, audience disengagement signals potential challenges for traditional and state-funded media outlets in maintaining relevance amidst changing viewer habits and growing competition from alternative platforms. This trend reflects broader shifts in media consumption globally, as audiences increasingly turn to digital and independent sources for information. However, the substantial government funding underscores the Kremlin’s commitment to maintaining a strong state media presence, particularly during a period of heightened geopolitical tension and domestic focus on controlling narratives. The contrasting trends of declining audiences and increased funding raise questions about the future strategies of Russia’s state media in adapting to evolving consumer preferences while addressing public trust and engagement. Source: The Moscow times Photo Credit: The Moscow times

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