Prasar Bharati's revised content framework for its OTT platform, WAVES, reflects a broader shift from traditional public broadcasting towards a creator-focused digital ecosystem. The updated policy expands eligible content formats, introduces watch-time-based monetisation, and strengthens rights verification and compliance requirements for creators, producers, and aggregators. Industry observers say the move aligns with changing streaming economics, with greater emphasis on audience engagement, content ownership, and creator-led promotion. The framework also opens the platform to formats such as microdramas, short-form videos, educational content, music programmes, documentaries, and films. 

BigTrunk Communications has been appointed as the integrated media agency for Wonder Cement. Under the mandate, the agency will oversee media strategy, planning, buying, execution, and performance management across digital and traditional platforms to enhance brand visibility and consumer engagement. 

Support is mounting for senior journalist R. Rajagopal, former editor of The Telegraph, whose passport renewal has been held up for more than 100 days. Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan wrote to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday, seeking his intervention in the case, while the Editors Guild of India has urged the Election Commission to restore Rajagopal's electoral identity. The renewal was allegedly held up by an adverse police verification report, after his name was deleted from West Bengal's electoral roll during the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR). In a statement on June 28, the Guild said the case highlighted the hardships faced by citizens caught up in the exercise, and urged the Commission to "display common sense and sympathy" by restoring his identity as a voter and extending the same consideration to others affected. For Rajagopal, what began as a routine renewal turned into months of uncertainty. He had applied the way he al

Editorial ethics in Indian journalism has come under renewed scrutiny after a Bengaluru court convicted the editor of a monthly magazine for criminal defamation, ruling that a 2021 article carried unverified and defamatory allegations against a government employee without supporting evidence. In its judgment, the court underlined that editors have a responsibility to verify facts, assess the credibility of sources, identify bias and ensure fairness before publishing serious allegations. It held that press freedom cannot be used to shield defamatory content that lacks truth, good faith or public interest. The ruling has prompted journalists and editors to reflect on what it means for newsroom accountability at a time when speed often competes with verification. Sumit Singh, Chief Sub-Editor at Bhaskar English, said the judgment reinforces a principle that should guide every newsroom. "The line should be drawn at truth and evidence. We in the press have full freedom to investi

Tuesday, 30 June 2026 #1  ·  Front Page  ·  Investigative/Policy Regulate coaching, make exams less coachable: Draft panel report By Manash Gohain   ·   The Times of India  ·  Page 1 A nine-member Ministry of Education committee set up in June 2025 under higher education secretary Vineet Joshi has concluded that student dependence on coaching cannot be addressed merely through inspections or penalising misleading advertisements. The draft report recommends a national law to regulate the coaching sector, mandatory transparency on faculty credentials and enrolment-vs-success data, capping coaching hours for school students, and redesigning JEE, NEET-UG and CUET-UG so that board-aligned learning — not private coaching — is decisive. The final report is expected to be submitted to the government within a few weeks. The story draws on an unpublished draft committee report and a named source, offering read

BBC News has won three honours at the WAN-IFRA Digital Media Awards South Asia 2026, taking home two Gold Awards and one Silver for projects produced by Collective Newsroom. The awards recognised the organisation's work across three editorial categories: countering disinformation, data visualisation and audio storytelling. A BBC investigation into the Mahakumbh stampede received the Gold Award for Best in Countering Disinformation. The report examined the tragedy through on-ground reporting and concluded that the number of fatalities was higher than officially reported. Another Gold Award, in the Best Data Visualisation category, went to BBC's interactive report on Delhi's air pollution, which used data and visual storytelling to illustrate the number of days residents are exposed to hazardous air. In the Best Use of Audio category, BBC News Hindi's documentary The Killing Call received the Silver Award. The documentary explores the investigation into the murder o

Nitin Vishwakarma has joined Karamtara Engineering Pvt. Ltd. as senior manager – Brand Marketing & Communications. He previously served as deputy manager – Corporate Communications at Epsilon Carbon Pvt. Ltd. and began his career with internships at Chatur Idea and Orbit Marketplace Inc. With over nine years of experience across manufacturing, renewable energy, infrastructure, EV, aerospace, and industrial sectors, Vishwakarma brings expertise in brand marketing, corporate communications, digital transformation, and employer branding. On his appointment, Vishwakarma said, "I am delighted to begin this new chapter with Karamtara Engineering. Joining the company is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an organisation strengthening global power transmission and renewable energy infrastructure. I look forward to using strategic brand marketing, corporate communications, digital transformation, and employer branding to enhance Karamtara's reputation and glob