Media Council News | Stay Updated with Edinbox

In the ever-changing social media landscape, a new contender is capturing attention—Bluesky, a decentralized platform founded by Jack Dorsey. As users increasingly seek alternatives to Twitter (now X), Bluesky is quickly emerging as a preferred choice, offering a fresh approach to online interaction. Its appeal lies in its decentralized structure, user-first features, and a growing desire among users for greater control over their privacy and data.

Bluesky's rising popularity stems largely from dissatisfaction with X's new ownership and moderation policies, prompting users to seek platforms with fewer restrictions and a more transparent ethos. Unlike Twitter’s curated feeds, Bluesky’s algorithm-free, chronological timeline resonates with users frustrated by toxic content and echo chambers. The focus on fostering genuine community conversations further sets Bluesky apart from its competitors.

The platform's open-source nature is another key feature driving interest. Users appreciate the ability to have more autonomy over their data, aligning with growing concerns about data privacy in social media. Additionally, Bluesky's design creates an environment free of bots and spam, ensuring a safer space for meaningful interactions.

According to The Firstpost perspective, Bluesky represents an exciting shift in the social networking landscape, offering a compelling alternative to traditional, centralized platforms. While still in its early stages, Bluesky's invite-only model has created a buzz, driving exclusivity and curiosity. However, scalability and interface refinement remain challenges as the platform expands its user base.

With its innovative approach, Bluesky could disrupt the dominance of platforms like Twitter and reshape how users engage online. It remains to be seen if Bluesky can maintain its momentum, but its emphasis on decentralization, privacy, and authentic user experiences has positioned it as a promising player in the future of social media platforms.

As the digital world evolves, Bluesky’s rise serves as a testament to the growing demand for ethical, user-centric platforms. Whether it becomes a mainstream giant or remains a niche favorite, Bluesky is undoubtedly a development worth watching in the world of decentralized social networks.

A recent webinar organised by Women Gaining Ground (WGG), a global consortium, brought together experts and advocates to discuss the critical issues of Bodily Autonomy and Integrity (BNS and BNSS) from the perspectives of women's rights and disability rights.

Addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

WGG's global program aims to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and promote the political participation of young women and women with disabilities. India is one of the participating countries, along with Bangladesh, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.

India's Participation

In India, the program is being implemented in four states: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Four organisations working on women's rights and disability rights in these states are partnering with CREA, the global implementing partner from India.

Webinar Highlights

The webinar provided a platform for experts and advocates to share their insights and experiences on BNS and BNSS from women's rights and disability rights perspectives. The discussion highlighted the importance of recognizing and promoting bodily autonomy and integrity as fundamental human rights.

The recent national webinar on 'Understanding Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: Women's Rights & Disability Rights Perspective' shed light on the significance of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in reforming India's criminal justice system. The webinar featured expert speakers, including Dr. Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan, Renu Mishra, and Abhiti Gupta, who all agreed that the changes were necessary to bring reform to the country's criminal justice system. It highlighted the need for continued efforts to ensure that the new laws are effectively implemented and that the rights of women and persons with disabilities are protected. 

The Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI), has announced travel grants for eligible members to facilitate participation in the NWMI National Conference 2025. The conference is set to take place at the Don Bosco Institute of Management, Guwahati, from January 31 to February 2, 2025, offering a platform for networking, workshops, and discussions on pivotal issues in media.

A total of 30 travel grants, capped at ₹25,000 per recipient, will support NWMI members from Southern Indian states, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, conflict-affected regions, rural areas, and marginalised communities. Grants are also extended to members living with disabilities.

To qualify for the grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Attend all three days of the conference.

Stay at the designated accommodation.

Actively contribute to conference activities, with details on this contribution to be shared later.

Conference Highlights

The NWMI National Conference 2025 promises an enriching experience with a mix of sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. The event aims to bring together women in media from across the country to foster dialogue and collaboration on pressing issues in the industry.

Important Information

Dates: January 31 – February 2, 2025

Arrivals: January 30, post-lunch

Departures: February 2, post-lunch

Venue: Don Bosco Institute of Management, Joypur, Kharghuli, Guwahati, Assam - 781004

Registration and Contact

Registration is now open for members who wish to attend. For inquiries or to complete the registration process, please reach out to:

Durba Ghosh: +91 99540 48019, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sushmita Goswami: +91 98640 88889, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This conference represents an excellent opportunity for media professionals to connect, learn, and contribute to the growing discourse around women in media. Members are encouraged to take advantage of the travel grant program to ensure their participation in this pivotal event.

The media plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between legal reforms and public awareness. In the context of the newly introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), media's involvement is vital to ensure these reforms are understood and effectively implemented.

Raising Awareness: Media platforms can simplify complex legal jargon for the general public, helping them understand the implications of BNS and BNSS on women's rights and disability rights. By disseminating information through news articles, talk shows, and documentaries, the media ensures that citizens, especially marginalised groups, are informed about their rights.

Highlighting Gaps in Implementation: The media acts as a watchdog, scrutinising the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies, judiciary, and administrative bodies. For instance, reporting on the underutilization of provisions like "Zero FIR" or delays in judicial proceedings can pressure authorities to address these issues.

Amplifying Voices: Media can amplify the voices of women and persons with disabilities who face challenges in accessing justice. By sharing their stories, journalists can bring to light the intersectional barriers and systemic flaws within the legal framework.

Promoting Accountability: Investigative journalism can uncover instances of non-compliance or misuse of the new codes by law enforcement or judiciary, ensuring accountability at all levels.

Advocating for Policy Changes: Media campaigns can advocate for embedding disability-inclusive content in laws and policies, encouraging a shift from the medical model of disability to a rights-based approach.

On November 18, 2024, Women Gaining Ground (WGG) India organised a national webinar titled "Understanding Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: Women’s Rights & Disability Rights Perspective". WGG, a global consortium advocating against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and promoting the political participation of women, operates in five countries, including India. In India, the initiative spans Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, with CREA as its global implementing partner.

The webinar analysed the newly introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which replaced the Indian Penal Code, focusing on their implications for women and persons with disabilities. Esteemed speakers included Dr. Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan, Associate Professor at NUJS; Renu Mishra, Executive Director of AALI; and Abhiti Gupta, a consultant specialising in gender and intersectionality.

Dr. Khan highlighted the incorporation of new provisions to protect the rights of women and persons with disabilities, both as survivors and witnesses, alongside ongoing police and judicial training programs. However, he noted the procedural and societal challenges in implementing these reforms.

Mishra stressed that the success of the changes hinges on the effectiveness of enforcement agencies, citing the example of the underutilised "Zero FIR" provision. Gupta underscored the necessity of embedding disability-specific content into judicial processes, policies, and laws. She criticised the prevailing medical model of disability in legal frameworks and called for addressing intersectional barriers in filing complaints and navigating court procedures.

The webinar provided a critical platform to discuss the potential and limitations of these legal reforms, urging policymakers to ensure inclusive and effective implementation. By performing these roles effectively, the media can serve as a catalyst for social change, ensuring that legal reforms like BNS and BNSS truly benefit the communities they aim to protect.

The International Journalists' Network (IJNet) has projected major shifts in the media industry for 2024, indicating that substantial transformations in how news is created, consumed, and distributed are anticipated.

Media outlets are predicted to focus increasingly on subscriber-driven revenue, moving away from heavy reliance on advertising. Paywalls and membership programs are expected to become more common, with content personalization and exclusive offerings tailored to engage subscribers. Media consultant Jennifer Mizgata emphasised the importance of building direct relationships with audiences, as this strategy allows media companies to deliver more customised content experiences.

Artificial intelligence is expected to play a significant role in content creation, aiding journalists in tasks that boost accuracy and efficiency.

According to Matt Carlson, a professor at the University of Minnesota, AI will support journalists by handling repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on in-depth, investigative reporting. This development is anticipated to reshape how news is both produced and consumed, as AI-assisted reporting enhances both speed and precision.

Media outlets are projected to expand their presence on alternative social media platforms, such as TikTok, Instagram, and Discord, while reducing reliance on traditional platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Mizgata notes that adapting to changing consumer habits and new technologies will be essential for media companies, particularly as these newer platforms gain influence among younger audiences.

Other Key Trends to Watch

• Growth in non-profit journalism, with a focus on investigative reporting and in-depth analysis.
• Expansion in podcasting, particularly among niche audiences.
• Increased use of virtual and augmented reality to create immersive storytelling experiences.

Key Statistics

• 70% of news organisations are expected to invest in AI-powered content creation.
• Podcast listenership is projected to grow by 50%.
• Funding for non-profit journalism is anticipated to increase by 30%.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, 2024 promises to be a transformative year, marked by greater focus on audience engagement, technological innovation, and adaptive content strategies.

A recent report published by Press Gazette has indicated that digital transformation, sustainability, and revenue diversification are expected to be central to the news media industry's evolution in 2024. Heavy investments in digital infrastructure and storytelling formats are being projected for news organisations, with artificial intelligence (AI) set to enhance content personalization, creation, and advertising. Video content and podcasts are predicted to maintain their upward trajectory, as publishers adopt new formats to better engage their audiences.

The importance of revenue diversification has also been highlighted. A shift away from advertising reliance toward subscription-based models, event hosting, and e-commerce is expected, with reader revenue anticipated to become increasingly critical. Furthermore, industry experts foresee a trend toward consolidation, as smaller publishers may merge or be acquired by larger organisations.
Enhanced storytelling through immersive technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, is predicted to shape the way stories are presented, creating more engaging and interactive content. Newsletters are expected to become a valuable tool for audience connection, allowing for targeted engagement strategies.

Emphasis on fact-checking and verification is likely to rise, with increased scrutiny on combating misinformation. Governments are anticipated to implement stricter regulations for social media platforms, holding them accountable for the spread of false information. Statements by Jim VandeHei, founder of Axios, and Jason Kint, CEO of Digital Content Next, reflect optimism, with the former predicting a "golden age" of journalism and the latter foreseeing a surge in subscription models. Raju Narisetti, professor at Columbia Journalism School, has predicted growth in local, independent, and specialty publications.

Key predictions for 2024 include:
- A greater focus on reader revenue and subscription models
- The continued rise of audio content and podcasts
- Further industry consolidation
- The incorporation of immersive storytelling technologies
- Stricter regulations for social media platforms to control misinformation
- More investment in fact-checking and verification processes

Watson, editor of Press Gazette, has noted that news publishers are at a pivotal point, with quality journalism and sustainability emphasised as necessary strategies for thriving in the upcoming years. As the media landscape transforms, adaptability and innovation will be essential, with 2024 anticipated to be a transformative year for the industry.