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Israel’s Media Crackdown Sparks Press Freedom Concerns

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The Israeli government’s unanimous decision to sanction Haaretz newspaper has intensified concerns over press freedom in the country. On November 24, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi proposed the measures, citing Haaretz’s critical reporting on the Israel-Hamas conflict and remarks by its publisher Amos Schocken advocating international sanctions on Israeli leaders. The sanctions include halting government advertising in Haaretz, a boycott of official contact with the newspaper, and canceling state and state-owned employee subscriptions. Minister Karhi, in defense of the decision, labeled Haaretz’s content as “poison against the state and the army” and reiterated the government’s stance on freedom of expression not extending to state-funded criticism. Media Solidarity and Outcry The move has drawn sharp criticism from press freedom advocates and media organizations. Noa Landau, deputy editor-in-chief of Haaretz, stated the newspaper “will not be deterred,” while Anat Saragusti of the Israeli Journalists’ Union called it an attempt to undermine journalism as a democratic gatekeeper. Nahum Barnea of Yedioth Ahronoth highlighted the government’s focus on silencing dissent amid ongoing national security concerns, writing, “Our government was busy addressing the question… How to financially screw over a media outlet.” Broader Media Clampdowns This decision aligns with other government actions targeting critical media. Earlier, public broadcaster Kan faced attempts to reduce its influence. Additionally, the so-called Al Jazeera law allowed for the closure of foreign media offices, including Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel and the West Bank, under national security grounds. Legal Challenges Ahead Analysts expect Haaretz to challenge the boycott in Israel’s Supreme Court, questioning the legality of withholding government advertising due to political disagreements. Media watchdogs warn that such measures erode democratic norms. Despite mounting pressures, Haaretz remains defiant, pledging not to become a “government pamphlet.” The developments have raised broader questions about the state of press freedom in Israel as the government tightens its grip on critical voices in the media landscape. Source: frontline Photo Credit: frontline

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I&B Minister Warns Big Tech: Address Fake News or Risk Losing ‘Safe Harbour’ Protection

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Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw issued a stern warning to Big Tech companies on National Press Day, urging them to take stronger measures against fake news and algorithmic biases. Speaking at a Press Council of India event in Delhi, the minister highlighted four critical challenges impacting the news media: misinformation, AI-generated content, algorithmic manipulation, and unfair compensation for traditional media. Vaishnaw called out digital platforms for failing to verify information, leading to the unchecked spread of fake news, which he described as a “threat to democracy.” He suggested revisiting the Safe Harbour clause under Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000, which currently grants immunity to platforms like Meta and X for user-generated content. The minister argued that the provision, formulated in the 1990s, is outdated given the vast influence of today’s digital platforms. “In a country as diverse as India, misinformation and algorithmic bias pose significant societal risks. Platforms must take greater responsibility to align their operations with our sensitivities,” he said. On algorithmic bias, Vaishnaw criticised platforms for amplifying sensational content to boost engagement, often at the cost of social harmony. He advocated for ethical solutions that prioritize responsible dissemination of information. The minister also addressed the economic disparity between traditional and digital media, urging Big Tech to ensure fair compensation for conventional media outlets that create original content. Highlighting the risks of artificial intelligence, Vaishnaw raised ethical concerns over AI-generated content and its impact on creators’ rights and recognition. He called for open debates and collaborative efforts to address these pressing issues, emphasizing the need for accountability and fairness in digital media governance. The speech underscored the government’s growing focus on regulating Big Tech and safeguarding democratic values in the digital era. Source: Indiatvnews Photo Credit: Indiatvnews

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Ashwini Vaishnaw Identifies Four Key Challenges for News Media in the Digital Era

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Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighted four significant challenges confronting news media amidst the rapidly evolving media landscape. Speaking at a National Press Day event organized by the Press Council of India in Delhi, he outlined concerns related to fake news, algorithmic bias, fair compensation, and the impact of AI on intellectual property rights. Fake News and Disinformation Vaishnaw emphasized the pervasive threat posed by fake news, stating: “The rapid spread of fake news undermines trust, endangers democracy, and raises questions about accountability for content on digital platforms.” He urged society to address the lack of verification and responsibility on these platforms, pointing out their role in exacerbating social tensions globally. Fair Compensation for Conventional Media The shift in news consumption from traditional to digital media has created financial strain for conventional outlets. Vaishnaw highlighted the asymmetric power dynamics between content creators and digital platforms, advocating for fair compensation: “Traditional media invests significant time and resources in creating verified content. This effort must be suitably compensated to preserve journalistic integrity.” Algorithmic Bias The Minister flagged the issue of algorithmic manipulation by digital platforms, designed to maximize engagement rather than prioritize factual accuracy. “Algorithmic bias can incite strong reactions and misinformation, with severe societal consequences, especially in a diverse country like India,” he warned. Vaishnaw urged platforms to develop solutions that mitigate their systems’ adverse impacts. Impact of AI on Intellectual Property Rights Vaishnaw raised ethical and economic concerns over the use of AI models trained on content from creators without proper acknowledgment or compensation. “AI-generated content is derived from vast databases of music, writing, and art, yet original creators often go uncredited and uncompensated. This is not just an economic issue but an ethical one,” he remarked. Vaishnaw stressed the need for open debates and societal consensus to address these challenges: “As pioneers in technology, we must rise above politics, engage in meaningful discussions, and develop solutions to protect the fabric of our society.” These issues, he warned, will only grow in prominence, necessitating proactive measures to safeguard democratic values and journalistic integrity in the digital age. Source: Indiatvnews Photo Credit: Indiatvnews

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Zomato and Swiggy Deny Antitrust Violations Amidst CCI Investigation Claims

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In response to recent media reports suggesting antitrust violations, food delivery giants Zomato and Swiggy denied any wrongdoing, labeling the claims “misleading.” The reports indicated that the Competition Commission of India (CCI) had initiated an investigation into the business practices of both companies. In a statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Zomato clarified that while the CCI began a preliminary inquiry in April 2022, no final findings or penalties had been issued. According to Zomato, the investigation followed a CCI “Prima Facie Order” from April 2022 that raised concerns regarding platform practices, such as preferential listings of restaurant partners and price parity requirements across platforms. Zomato’s Company Secretary, Sandhya Sethia, emphasized that these practices are in compliance with the Competition Act of 2002 and do not disrupt market competition. Swiggy echoed a similar sentiment, calling the media reports “misleading” and clarifying that the CCI’s inquiry is still in a preliminary stage. Swiggy, which filed details of the investigation in its September 2024 DRHP (Draft Red Herring Prospectus), emphasized that no conclusions have been drawn. The CCI’s Director General is still examining aspects of Swiggy’s operations, including business conduct, and Swiggy expects to submit further responses before a final decision is made. Both companies reaffirmed their dedication to transparency and regulatory compliance. Zomato assured stakeholders that there have been “no further reportable events” since the preliminary inquiry began, while Swiggy pointed out that the investigative process has yet to yield any determinations or actionable orders. This scrutiny follows a 2022 complaint by the National Restaurant Association of India, which alleged that Zomato and Swiggy’s practices restricted competition by requiring price parity from restaurants, impacting both restaurant margins and competitive market conditions. As Swiggy nears the close of its $1.4 billion IPO bids, both companies await further developments from the CCI’s review. Source: Business Standard Photo Credit: Business Standard

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Ongoing 2024 Media Industry Job Cuts: BBC, ABC News, and Others Impacted

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The media industry continues to face a wave of layoffs in 2024, with significant cutbacks affecting journalists and editorial staff across the UK, US, and beyond. Following a challenging 2023, where 8,000 journalism jobs were lost in major markets, 2024 has already seen around 2,500 jobs eliminated by September, as reported by Press Gazette. The recent rounds of layoffs in October and November have impacted legacy and digital-native publications alike. The BBC announced the largest reduction with 185 job cuts, including the cancellation of programs like Hardtalk and Click, plus restructuring BBC radio’s overnight content. Other recent job losses include nine journalists at National World in the UK, reductions at City AM in London, and layoffs at Fandom, GovExec, and Oahu Publications in the US. City AM has shifted its print focus away from Mondays, while digital publisher Fandom has endured its fourth layoff round since 2022. GovExec let go of 16 staff members, affecting titles like Government Executive and Route Fifty, and Oahu Publications in Hawaii is cutting 13 roles, including key editorial staff. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) voiced concerns over job cuts at National World, stating that reductions in Manchester and Sunderland would further strain already understaffed newsrooms, affecting local journalism quality. This sentiment echoed through the industry, with media professionals and organizations calling for greater stability amidst shifting audience preferences and economic pressures on traditional and digital publishers alike. Press Gazette continues to track these developments, noting that alongside layoffs, some publishers have introduced selective hiring to focus on digital growth, as seen with City AM’s new digital initiatives. As the industry grapples with financial constraints, further job cuts remain possible, making 2024 a turbulent year for media employment and journalism integrity. Source: pressgazette.co.uk Photo Credit: pressgazette.co.uk

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India Accuses Canada of Hypocrisy in Blocking Australian Media Outlet Post-Jaishankar-Wong Press Conference

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The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has criticized Canada for blocking the social media presence of Australian media outlet Australia Today, shortly after it aired a press conference between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. The MEA claims this action contradicts Canada’s stance on freedom of speech and reveals a pattern of hypocrisy in the handling of anti-India narratives. During the media briefing, MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the unexpected censorship imposed by Canada on the social media handles of Australia Today, an outlet that holds significance among the Indian diaspora. “This occurred mere hours after the outlet covered Dr. Jaishankar’s remarks, including statements on Canada’s unsubstantiated accusations against India,” Jaiswal said. He described the block as “strange,” further noting that it aligns with what India sees as a recurrent pattern in Canada’s approach to press freedom and anti-India activities. India’s statement also referenced the larger context of deteriorating India-Canada relations, strained significantly by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s September 2023 allegations. Trudeau suggested potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, claims that New Delhi dismissed as “absurd.” India has reiterated that its primary issue with Canada stems from the alleged tolerance of pro-Khalistan elements on Canadian soil, which operate openly and undermine India’s sovereignty. The diplomatic tension escalated further after a recent protest at Brampton’s Hindu Sabha temple, where demonstrators reportedly clashed with attendees, showcasing pro-Khalistan banners. Canada’s response to these protests, coupled with the recent censorship, has amplified concerns about the treatment of Indian diaspora media and safety in Canada. Source: Economic Times Photo Credit: Economic Times

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UNESCO Invites Applications for Chief of Section Role in Paris, France

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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced an open call for applications to fill the role of Chief of Section, stationed at its Paris headquarters. The Ministry of Education recently issued an official notice to inform prospective candidates of the position, which will lead UNESCO’s Water Sciences and International Hydrological Programme (IHP). The Chief of Section will be responsible for developing strategic policies, objectives, and deliverables for UNESCO’s water sciences initiatives, focusing on areas such as groundwater, water and human settlements, and water cooperation. This role will mobilize the “UNESCO water family” network and work closely with other UN agencies and global partners to ensure that UNESCO’s water-focused goals are implemented effectively. Candidates for this role are expected to design comprehensive work plans and align them with UNESCO’s strategic goals, including the Medium-term Strategy (C/4), Programme and Budget (C/5), and IHP-IX strategic plans. The successful applicant will also oversee resource mobilization, workforce coordination, and financial management, aiming to accomplish the water science objectives laid out by UNESCO. Eligibility Requirements: Educational Qualifications: Candidates should hold an advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in freshwater or environmental sciences, specializing in hydrogeology or water resources. Professional Experience: Applicants need at least 10 years of relevant experience in water resources management or hydrogeology, with five years at the international level preferred. Experience working with UN water-related agencies, professional NGOs, or international organizations is essential. Skills: Knowledge in groundwater management, experience with large-scale programs, human settlement water issues, and expertise in securing resources and partnerships are required. The position, starting from January 1, is a unique opportunity for professionals passionate about water resources and sustainable development to contribute to UNESCO’s global initiatives. Source: UNESCO

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Perplexity Responds to News Corp Lawsuit, Defending AI Technology in Content Dispute

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AI startup Perplexity responded Thursday to News Corp’s recent lawsuit, which alleges that the company committed large-scale copyright violations by republishing content from Dow Jones and the New York Post. The lawsuit is part of a wider backlash against generative AI tools from prominent media companies, including Forbes, The New York Times, and Wired, which argue that these tools exploit journalistic content for profit. Perplexity’s blog post suggests that the media industry’s criticisms stem from a desire to control information, stating, “They prefer a world where publicly reported facts are owned by corporations.” This response marks a more combative stance for Perplexity, contrasting with the startup’s previously cooperative engagement with the media organizations that contribute to its AI-powered search engine. While Perplexity argued that the lawsuit is “shortsighted” and “self-defeating,” the post notably did not address the primary accusation of the lawsuit: that Perplexity allegedly copies extensive portions of articles, effectively competing with news publishers for the same audience. Instead, the company accused News Corp of sensationalizing claims to sway public opinion. Interestingly, Perplexity pointed out News Corp’s partnership with OpenAI, which integrates its content with ChatGPT, to illustrate that many media companies are not entirely opposed to AI partnerships. Perplexity also highlighted its own revenue-sharing programs with outlets like Time, Fortune, and Der Spiegel, suggesting that some media companies are open to AI collaborations under mutually beneficial terms. The post additionally challenged claims made by News Corp, arguing that its portrayal of Perplexity’s practices is misleading and noting that they have responded to the media company’s outreach. The case is set to progress in court, where Perplexity’s defense is likely to present more in-depth arguments, potentially reshaping the AI and media landscape further. Source: techcrunch

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RSS Launches News Services in Regional Languages, Gorkhapatra Introduces Ranatharu Page

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The state news agency, Rashtriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), has launched news services in Maithili, Awadhi, Bhojpuri, and Tharu languages, marking a significant step towards promoting regional languages in Nepal. Additionally, the state-run Nepali newspaper Gorkhapatra introduced a new page dedicated to the Ranatharu language. The launch was inaugurated by Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, in Kathmandu. Minister Gurung emphasized that these initiatives align with the Ministry’s 100-day targets and reflect Nepal’s federal structure, which recognizes the country’s linguistic diversity. He noted the importance of promoting and protecting regional languages in Nepal’s multi-ethnic landscape, highlighting the role of state-supported media in this effort. RSS Executive Chairman, Dharmendra Jha, expressed pride in launching Maithili and Nepal Bhasa news services, recognizing the long-standing journalistic traditions of these languages. Maithili journalism boasts a 120-year history, while Nepal Bhasa has a legacy spanning 100 years. The addition of Bhojpuri, Tharu, and Awadhi news services further underscores the agency’s commitment to serving Nepal’s diverse communities. Chairman Jha emphasized the right of citizens to access public-interest information in their mother tongue through state-funded media. Currently, RSS provides news in both Nepali and English, with the new services adding to its multilingual offerings. The introduction of a Ranatharu-language page in Gorkhapatra marks another milestone in promoting Nepal’s regional languages, supporting the literary development of these linguistic communities. These efforts by RSS and Gorkhapatra aim to foster inclusion and preserve Nepal’s rich linguistic heritage. Source: DD News

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International Cricket Returns to Kashmir, Boosting Joy and Local Economy

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After a 40-year hiatus, international cricket made a historic return to Kashmir, filling the region with excitement and hope for the future. The recently concluded Legends League Cricket (LLC) T20 tournament in Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium brought joy to cricket fans and stimulated the local economy, reigniting interest in international sporting events in the Valley. A New Experience for Kashmiris For Mohammad Basit, 25, returning home past midnight after watching a live match in Srinagar was a surreal experience. In a region where nightlife is rare due to years of conflict, the late-night atmosphere during the LLC matches provided an exhilarating shift for Kashmir’s youth, many of whom were born after the 1990s. “The announcement of the Legends League Cricket event in September thrilled me to the core,” Basit said. The LLC, a T20 cricket league featuring former international players, marked the revival of major cricket events in the Valley. Seven matches of the league’s third edition were played at the recently revamped Bakshi Stadium, which drew in thousands of fans from across the region. The final match between Southern Super Stars and Konark Suryas Odisha on Wednesday evening was a thrilling spectacle, with the stadium packed with over 27,000 enthusiastic spectators. A Thrilling Finale and Hope for IPL The Southern Super Stars triumphed in a dramatic Super Over, lifting the trophy in front of cheering fans. Mohammad Shahid, one of the attendees, expressed his excitement: “It was the first time I saw my favourite cricketers like Yusuf Pathan and Martin Guptill live in action.” Fans carried placards reading “IPL: Kashmir is ready” and “Kashmir wants King Kohli,” expressing hopes that the Indian Premier League (IPL) would soon come to the Valley. The current reception to the LLC was in stark contrast to the two ODI matches held in Kashmir in the 1980s, where tensions marred the atmosphere. Today, the Valley is eager to host more international events, reflecting a positive shift in public sentiment. “There has been a significant change now. The people want international events to be organised here,” said Mohammad Rafi, a local resident. Economic Boost from Sporting Events Beyond the joy for cricket fans, the LLC event provided a much-needed boost to local businesses. Hotels, restaurants, and transport services saw increased activity as spectators traveled to Srinagar from various parts of the country. Sheikh Ashiq, a prominent businessman and former president of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI), said, “These events have a positive impact on business. We are looking forward to hosting more such events.” Source: hindubusinessline

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