Big Tech & news payments: Australia is tightening its News Bargaining Incentive Scheme, raising the levy on major platforms (Google, Meta, TikTok, LinkedIn) to 2.5% and calculating it on Australian advertising revenue, with proceeds aimed at supporting local journalism. Platform accountability: India’s parliamentary panel grilled Meta and other social platforms after a brief restriction of a PM Modi Facebook video, rejecting “technical error” and pressing for clearer moderation and legal accountability. Newsroom restructuring pressure: South Africa’s Media24 restructuring consultations have triggered union alarm, with Solidarity stepping in as up to 126 jobs could be affected and editorial capacity at multiple brands faces consolidation. Press freedom under strain: Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Court adopted new rules that sharply limit media access to hearings, while Pakistan faces growing press-freedom concerns after alleged blocks to Al Jazeera English coverage. Media industry business moves: Emerald+Questex integration gets a spotlight in a merger interview, and Sinclair awarded scholarships to 15 students to back future careers across journalism and marcom. Streaming economics: Hollywood’s push toward free tiers is framed as the next battleground in the streaming wars, as ad-supported options gain share. Notable media deaths: British columnist Rod Liddle died at 66, prompting tributes across major outlets.