Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Global Bodies – Over 1,000 MPs suffered human rights abuses in 2025 according to IPU figures

Source: Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

Geneva, Switzerland, Friday 5 December 2025

 In the lead-up to Human Rights Day, the IPU has published its latest data on human rights violations against parliamentarians.

The data is compiled by the IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, a unique international complaints mechanism with the specific mandate to defend the human rights of MPs.

In 2025, the Committee reviewed a record 1,027 individual cases of alleged human rights violations against parliamentarians from an unprecedented 58 countries, with all regions of the world affected.

Disproportionate increase in the number of persecuted women MPs

The data shows that the number of persecuted women MPs monitored by the IPU has increased sixfold in ten years – from 37 cases in 2015 to 226 in 2025. This compares with a three-fold increase in the numbers of male MPs over the same period (283 in 2015 to 801 in 2025).

Opposition parliamentarians targeted

In 2025, 83% of the cases involved opposition MPs, confirming a long-standing pattern which shows that they face significantly higher risks of abuse: especially suspension or loss of parliamentary mandate and violations of their right to freedom of expression.

Speaking out is risky

The IPU data also reveals structural patterns of political retaliation, selective prosecution or pressure on dissenting voices, with reported violations of freedom of expression disproportionately targeting vocal critics of governments. In contrast, MPs from the majority tend to be much less exposed to violations relating to free speech.

Success stories

Despite the overall increase in cases, the IPU was able to successfully close dozens of cases, in Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Malaysia, Senegal, Thailand and Zimbabwe, following satisfactory resolutions in 2025.

In Iraq, after more than a decade in detention, Mr. Ahmed Jamil Salman Al-Alwani, a former MP, was released in 2025. The release followed an IPU mission in August 2023, during which the IPU used diplomatic channels to urge political and religious leaders to prevent Mr. Al-Alwani’s wrongful execution.

Ongoing cases

However, the IPU Committee continues to monitor several high-profile cases including detained parliamentarians in Bangladesh, Eritrea, Eswatini, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Tunisia and Türkiye.

The caseload includes Mr. Marwan Barghouti, a former member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, who has been detained in Israel for 23 years, serving five life sentences and two 20-year prison terms after a trial reportedly marred by irregularities.

The IPU calls for his immediate release in the context of the international campaign Free Marwan.  

In Bangladesh, the IPU is concerned for the personal safety of, among others, its Honorary President, Mr. Saber Chowdhury, a former MP, who faces numerous charges including sedition, conspiracy and unlawful assembly, in allegedly politically motivated legal proceedings.

The IPU is also alarmed by the situation of Mr. Fazle Karim Chowdhury, former President of its Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, who faces similar charges in Bangladesh and who is detained in allegedly harsh conditions. Despite his poor health, he has reportedly been denied adequate medical care, putting his life at imminent risk.

The IPU calls for international solidarity from IPU Member Parliaments, the international community and the competent national authorities to uphold the rights of MPs currently in detention in Bangladesh and around the world.

2026: A year for human rights at the IPU

In 2026, the IPU will prioritize the theme of respect for human rights, starting with the launch of a major global report on public harassment and intimidation of MPs both online and in person.

 The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 183 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes peace, democracy and sustainable development. It helps parliaments become stronger, younger, greener and more gender-balanced. It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of MPs from around the world.

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Energy Sector – Equinor makes new discoveries in the North Sea

Source: Equinor

05 DECEMBER 2025 – Equinor has made two new discoveries of gas and condensate in the Sleipner area of the North Sea. These are Equinor’s largest discoveries so far this year and can be developed for the European market through existing infrastructure.

The two wells, Lofn and Langemann in production license 1140, are located between the Gudrun and Eirin fields. Preliminary estimates indicate that the reservoirs may contain between 5 and 18 million standard cubic meters of recoverable oil equivalents, corresponding to 30 to 110 million barrels.

“This demonstrates the importance of maintaining exploration activity on the Norwegian continental shelf. There are still significant energy resources on the shelf, and Europe needs stable oil and gas deliveries. Discoveries near existing fields can be developed quickly through subsea facilities, with limited environmental impact, very low CO2 emissions from production, and strong profitability. Equinor plans to accelerate such developments on the Norwegian continental shelf,” says Kjetil Hove, executive vice president for Exploration & Production Norway at Equinor.

The production license was awarded to Equinor in 2022 through the APA (Awards in Predefined Areas). The drilling targets were identified using Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) seismic technology, where sensors are placed on the seabed to provide more precise geological data than traditional surface seismic.

“The Sleipner area is an important hub for Norwegian gas exports to Europe. These discoveries strengthen our optimism for further exploration in the area. Together with our partners, we are committed to drill five additional exploration wells going forward. Adding new volumes is essential to maintain export capacity and value creation from the area,” Hove concludes.

The wells were drilled by the Deepsea Atlantic rig, which will move to the next exploration well in the area.

License holders are Equinor Energy AS (60%) and Aker BP ASA (40%).

Facts

  • The two exploration wells were drilled in production license 1140, approximately 40 kilometers northwest of the Sleipner A field center.
  • The wells encountered gas and condensate in the Hugin Formation, consisting of sandstones with good reservoir properties.
  • The discoveries reduce uncertainty in several nearby prospects, which will now be further evaluated.
  • Well 15/5-8 S (Lofn) was drilled to a depth of 4,636 meters, and 15/5-8 A (Langemann) to 4,932 meters. Both wells are HPHT (high-pressure, high temperature) wells.
  • The Deepsea Atlantic rig will now continue to the Sissel prospect for Equinor and partner ORLEN Upstream Norway, near the Utgard field in the Sleipner area.
  • License holders: Equinor Energy AS (60%) and Aker BP ASA (40%).

Facts about the Sleipner fields

  • The Sleipner fields include the gas and condensate fields Sleipner Øst, Gungne, and Sleipner Vest. In addition, the Sleipner installations process hydrocarbons from the connected fields Sigyn, Utgard, Gudrun, and Gina Krog.
  • Sleipner is a key transport and gas hub, delivering dry gas to Europe, while unstable oil is transported to Kårstø for further processing and export. Sleipner also serves as a hub for gas from Kollsnes and Nyhamna, which is transported onward to Draupner, Zeebrugge, and Easington.
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Australia – CommBank launches national AI, cybersecurity and digital capability initiative for 1 million small businesses

Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank)

Collaboration with OpenAI to help small businesses grow with AI.

5 December 2025 – Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank) today announced a national technology skills initiative to help Australia’s small businesses build AI, cybersecurity and digital capabilities to lift productivity and drive growth.

CommBank is investing in practical learning and masterclasses designed to help business owners improve and protect their businesses, leveraging the latest technology – from AI-driven productivity to essential cybersecurity practices that can aid in safeguarding businesses and customers.

To support the initiative, CommBank will work with OpenAI to co-develop AI learning resources and masterclasses.

CBA CEO Matt Comyn said the initiative reflects the bank’s deep commitment to backing small businesses with the technology, tools and expertise to help them grow.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Australia’s economy, but many tell us they don’t have the time or resources to explore how technologies such as AI could help them,” Mr Comyn said.

According to the 2025 Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) Small Business Perspectives Report1, 48 per cent of Australian businesses are not currently using AI, and only 14 per cent have integrated it into their operations or services.

The initiative aims to help small businesses build the confidence and know-how to grow securely and sustainably in the digital economy. Whether it’s a café owner using AI to plan menus, a retailer automating daily customer insights, or a sole trader saving hours on proposals or invoicing, these opportunities are now within reach.

“We want every small business to feel confident using digital technologies such as AI, whether they’re starting, running, or growing their business. That also means helping them build strong cyber skills to protect their data, customers, and operations as they go digital,” Mr Comyn added.

As part of the initiative, CommBank will provide:

Business masterclasses covering AI, cybersecurity, and digital capability – equipping business owners to innovate whether they are starting, running, or growing their business.
AI learning resources and masterclasses jointly developed by CommBank and OpenAI covering AI fundamentals, productivity, automation and responsible use.

Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) Chair Matthew Addison welcomed the initiative and the support for small business.

“Small businesses are natural innovators and they want to use AI to save time, improve productivity and stay competitive. With the right practical support, the benefits for productivity, competitiveness and the broader economy are enormous,” Mr Addison said.

OpenAI Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon said the company is proud to work with CommBank to expand access to practical AI education.

“Thousands of Australian businesses already use ChatGPT to improve efficiency and customer service. AI will be as essential to small business as the internet or mobile banking.”

CommBank’s support for its 1 million small business customers follows its own rollout of ChatGPT Enterprise – one of the largest deployments of its kind in the global financial services sector.

1 The COSBOA 2025 Small Business Perspectives Report, released 28 October 2025, sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

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University Research – Turning team spirit into wildlife action – Flinders

Source: Flinders University

Lions, tigers, wolves, leopards, and bears are some the world’s favourite sport symbols, but while they thrive on jerseys, many of these species are at risk of extinction in the wild.

A new international study, co-authored by Flinders University researchers, reveals that nearly 25% of professional sports teams worldwide use a wild animal in its name, logo, or fan identity, presenting a powerful and largely untapped opportunity to support biodiversity conservation.

The research, published in BioScience, examined 727 teams across 50 countries and 10 major sports, identifying at least 161 different wild animals featured in professional sport branding.

Mammals and birds lead the pack, but the diversity spans across many animal classes: every week, crabs, crocodiles, kangaroos, and eels face off against stoats, pelicans, and squid on football, rugby, and volleyball fields. An interactive global map of these teams is available at The Wild League Map.

“Sport organisations mobilise huge global audiences, and wildlife is at the heart of many of their identities,” says lead author Dr Ugo Arbieu from Paris-Saclay University, France.

“This emotional connection between fans and the animals that represent their teams could be harnessed to support conservation at scale.”

Biodiversity expert and co-author, Matthew Flinders Professor of Global Ecology Corey Bradshaw says this global phenomenon offers a unique chance to harness the passion of sport fans.

“Sport is a cultural powerhouse, and in Australia, it’s part of our national identity,” says Professor Bradshaw from the College of Science and Engineering.

“With so many teams using native wildlife like kangaroos and koalas, we have a great opportunity to turn sporting pride into conservation action.”

The study found that more than half of teams feature animals that are threatened with extinction, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

“Lions and tigers embody values like strength and courage, but in the wild many of these species are declining,” notes co-author Dr Franck Courchamp.

“Teams have a unique opportunity — and perhaps a responsibility — to help protect the biodiversity behind these emblems.”

The researchers found wildlife branding across all sports (mens and womens teams alike) and patterns varied geographically: teams in Africa and Asia more often used local wildlife like Asian or African elephants, while organisations in Europe and the Americas were more likely to adopt species from abroad, such as lions or tigers.

“These cultural differences show how societies relate to wildlife,” explains Professor Melanie Sartore-Baldwin from East Carolina University (USA), another author of the study.

“Some species are used because they are national or regional symbols; others are chosen for the ties to local environments, or the values they help communicate like solidarity and cohesion.”

The researchers argue that sport organisations could actively support conservation through awareness campaigns, partnerships with NGOs, and funding for habitat protection.

“These symbols can be powerful, because they can speak to a broad audience that can be hard to reach through traditional channels used to promote environmental messages” says co-author Dr Diogo Veríssimo from Oxford University (UK).

“If even a fraction of sport organisations used their platform to support wildlife, the impact for conservation could be truly transformative.”

“Flagship species can open the door to protecting broad groups of species and entire ecosystems,” continues Veríssimo.  “Take the San Jose Sharks in the United States for example. The public is probably not aware that there are 70 species of sharks in the USA, 31 of which are threatened species. These sport emblems open the door to also protect habitats like coastal areas, freshwater systems or grasslands, as biodiversity depends on healthy ecosystems and trophic webs.”

Professor Bradshaw says this study shows that there is a missed opportunity for sport to champion wildlife and biodiversity.  

“Imagine the impact if every team with a kangaroo, koala, or other Australian wildlife emblem supported projects to protect those species and their habitats,” he says.

The research team hopes their analysis will encourage deeper collaborations between the conservation and sport sectors, two worlds that rarely interact despite the enormous potential. To that effect, they have created The Wild League (thewildleague.org), a global initiative that brings together sport stakeholders for biodiversity conservation.

The research – “Wildlife diversity in global team sport branding” by Ugo Arbieu (Université Paris-Saclay), Céline Bellard (Université Paris-Saclay), Corey Bradshaw (Flinders University), Ricardo Correia (University of Turku), Pierre Courtois (Université de Montpellier), Enrico Di Minin (University of Helsinki), Ivan Jarić (Université Paris-Saclay), Jessica Murfree (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), Madeleine Orr (University of Toronto),  Samuel Roturier (Université Paris-Saclay), Melanie Sartore-Baldwin (East Carolina University), Diogo Veríssimo, (University of Oxford) and Franck Courchamp (AgroParisTech) – has been published by BioScience.

DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biaf181

Acknowledgements: RAC acknowledges personal funding from the Research Council of Finland (grant agreement #348352) and the KONE Foundation (grant agreement #202101976). FC, CB, IJ, PC, BL and SR are funded by their salary as French public servants. EDM acknowledges funding by the European Union (ERC, BIOBANG, 101171602) and the KONE Foundation (grant agreement #202309134).

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Australian Football League dominates APAC alcoholic beverage sponsorship value in 2025, reveals GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

Australian football has become a key battleground for alcoholic beverage brands across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, with a high volume of small to mid-sized regional sponsorships driving strong overall deal value. 

The sector’s momentum is underscored by major Australian Football League (AFL) partnerships, including the largest agreement of 2025, highlighting how brands are leveraging Australia’s most influential sporting platforms to strengthen visibility, align with cultural values, and tap into rising demand for non-alcoholic options, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s report, “Sponsorship Sector Report – Alcoholic Beverages – APAC 2025,” reveals that the average deal is approximately $570,000. The AFL partnership with Carlton and United Breweries (CUB) is the largest deal across the region in 2025. CUB has the joint-largest deal volume across the APAC region and the largest sponsorship spend in 2025.

Olivia Snooks, Sport Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “By partnering with the AFL—a central part of Australia’s sporting and social culture—brands can align themselves with the league’s core values of community, mateship, and tradition. CUB’s agreement with the AFL is a clear example: it includes multiple team-level partnerships that reinforce CUB’s long-term commitment to the game. This deal not only helps strengthen the AFL’s financial position but also supports greater inclusivity by expanding the availability and visibility of non-alcoholic beverage options.”

The Asia region shows the lowest average per-deal value, approximately $370,000. This indicates that the market is dominated by many relatively small sponsorship agreements rather than a few large headline contracts. Although the Pacific region accounts for around 60.6% of deals, it contributes around 79% of APAC’s deal value. This shows that Pacific deals are, on average, larger than Asia deals — consistent with the higher average annual value.

Snooks continues: “Alcoholic beverage brands have concentrated substantial investments in high‑visibility Pacific properties, such as national teams, major leagues, and marquee events, while relying on numerous low‑value, localized partnerships across Asian markets to maintain brand presence without violating regional regulations.”

CUB has secured two of the three largest deals in the region: partnerships with the AFL and National Rugby League (NRL). The AFL partnership introduced Carlton Zero, the league’s first official non-alcoholic beer. This move aligns with the growing trend toward health-conscious consumer choices and demonstrates CUB’s adaptability in a market where non-alcoholic beverages are gaining traction. CUB’s renewed multi-year partnership with the NRL further consolidates its influence across major Australian sports.

Snooks concludes: “CUB’s agreement with the NRL covers alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic options, such as Gatorade and Cool Ridge water. This comprehensive sponsorship approach enables CUB to reach a broader audience, including consumers who prefer non-alcoholic choices. The partnerships with both the NRL and AFL are pivotal for enhancing brand visibility, responding to market trends, and reinforcing CUB’s leadership in sports sponsorship. These deals benefit CUB and support the leagues’ financial stability and fan engagement.”

Quotes provided by Olivia Snooks, Sport Analyst at GlobalData
Information based on GlobalData’s latest report, “Sponsorship Sector Report – Alcoholic Beverages – APAC 2025,” which explores all the main active brands in the sector as well as details the movement in the sector over the last few years in the sports sponsorship industry.

About GlobalData

4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.

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Energy Sector – Rapid development extends the lifetime of Norne – Equinor

Source: Equinor

04 DECEMBER 2025 – On 2 December production started from the Verdande subsea field in the Norwegian Sea. The field is tied back to the Norne FPSO. With reserves of 36 million barrels of oil, Verdande helps extend Norne’s production beyond 2030.

I am proud that, in close collaboration with our licence partners and suppliers, we have delivered the Verdande project on schedule…

Trond Bokn, Senior vice president for project development at Equinor.

“I am proud that, in close collaboration with our licence partners and suppliers, we have delivered the Verdande project on schedule, less than three years after the partnership made the investment decision. Fast and cost-efficient field developments like this – where smaller discoveries are realised through smart use of existing infrastructure – are key to further developing the Norwegian continental shelf,” says Trond Bokn, senior vice president for project development at Equinor.

Investments in Verdande amount to just over NOK 6 billion, and the project has generated significant ripple effects for the Norwegian supplier industry.

The Norwegian continental shelf is changing, and many of the fields being developed are smaller subsea fields tied back to existing infrastructure. This approach reduces both costs and environmental footprint.

So far, we have tied six subsea fields back to the Norne FPSO…

Grete B. Haaland
Senior vice president for Exploration and Production North at Equinor

“So far, we have tied six subsea fields back to the Norne FPSO, including Andvare, which started up in September, and now Verdande. Verdande helps extend the lifetime, value creation and ripple effects from Norne operations. More than 900 full-time equivalents are linked to Norne operations. By developing smaller discoveries around established fields, we maximise resource recovery and extend the lifetime of existing infrastructure. This is good resource management and good socioeconomics,” says Grete B. Haaland, senior vice president for Exploration and Production North at Equinor.

Verdande is primarily an oil field with some associated gas. It comprises the Cape Vulture and Alve Nord East discoveries, proven in 2017 and 2020 respectively. The field has been developed with three wells in a template tied back to the Norne field via a pipeline.

Verdande

Partnership: 

  • Equinor Energy AS (operator, 59.3%), Petoro AS (22.4%), DNO Norge AS (10.5%), Aker BP ASA (3.5%), Japex Norge AS (3.5%) and Orlen Upstream Norway AS (0.8%). (DNO Norge AS has agreed to acquire Aker BP ASA’s and Orlen Upstream Norway AS’s equity interests, subject to government approval.)
  • Verdande is located about seven kilometres north of the Norne field and around 200 kilometres from Sandnessjøen.
  • Oil from Norne is shipped by shuttle tankers, and gas will be transported via Åsgard Transport to Kårstø.

Verdande has created major ripple effects along the coast – and inland. Key deliveries include:

  • TechnipFMC, headquartered in Kongsberg, supplied subsea production equipment. Engineering and project management were carried out in Kongsberg, where the subsea control module was also built. The template and manifold were manufactured by Agility in Tønsberg, with suction anchors from Westcon Helgeland in Nesna.
  • Modifications to Norne enabling the FPSO to receive oil from Verdande were carried out by Aibel and managed from its Harstad office, with subcontracting from Momek in Mo i Rana.
  • Pipelines were assembled and spooled onto Subsea7’s installation vessel at the company’s base in Vigra, and a consortium of Subsea7 and Deep Ocean from Haugesund handled all subsea installation work. Engineering and project management for Subsea7’s operations were carried out in Stavanger.
  • Both modifications and drilling operations increased activity at the subsea workshop and supply base in Sandnessjøen – and at the helicopter base in Brønnøysund.
  • Aquarock in Sandnessjøen supplied rock for subsea rock dumping.
  • Drilling operations were carried out by the Transocean Encourage rig. Well services were delivered by Halliburton, both companies having Norwegian headquarters in Stavanger.
  • Wells were planned at Equinor’s office in Stjørdal, and the field is operated from Harstad.
  • Completion Tracer in Harstad supplied tracers for the wells to help optimise production.
  • Control cable was supplied by OneSubsea in Moss.
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Media Sector – INMA launches Young Audiences Initiative to help publishers win the next generation of news consumers

Source: International News Media Association (INMA)

NEW YORK (December 4, 2025) – The International News Media Association (INMA) today announced the launch of a Young Audiences Initiative aimed at helping news publishers engage and retain younger generations through approaches tailored to how they consume news, share stories, and build trust.

Swiss digital media leader Kerstin Hasse has been appointed to lead the 2026-2027 initiative, which is supported by Knight Foundation.

As younger consumers increasingly discover news via mobile, social platforms and creator-driven formats, legacy news media must evolve. The Young Audiences Initiative seeks to equip publishers with a practical playbook for engaging younger audiences — through “visual-first thinking, radical honesty, and co-creation” rather than old-school broadcast models.

The scope of the initiative covers:

Audience strategy: Understanding how Gen Z and Millennials discover, trust and choose news – including the growing influence of the creator economy.

Platform dynamics: What works (and what doesn’t) on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, newsletters and beyond.

Trust and transparency: What makes younger audiences tune in — and what makes them tune out.

Format innovation: From vertical video and mobile-friendly design to creator-inspired and participatory formats.

Engagement models: Community-driven news, interactivity, participatory journalism and co-creation.

Revenue models: Subscriptions, memberships, creator-style monetisation and youth-friendly monetisation strategies.

Product development: Building products and services that younger readers actually want to use.

Cultural: Tone, representation and identity — and why they matter for younger audiences.

Under the Young Audiences Initiative, INMA will offer members a comprehensive suite of tools and resources that include newsletters, blogs, reports, Webinars, events, and private Ask Me Anything sessions.

Leadership for a new era of journalism

The Young Audiences Initiative will be led by Kerstin Hasse, a digital media leader and expert in newsroom innovation and user-centered storytelling. Hasse previously served as Managing Editor at Tages-Anzeiger — the youngest woman ever appointed to this role — where she led interdisciplinary digital teams across audio, video, social, data storytelling, and product collaboration. A Sulzberger alumna of Columbia University (2024), she has shaped numerous innovative storytelling formats and built loyal communities around podcasts, newsletters, and participatory journalism.

Through her journalistic experience, Hasse has gained deep insight into how younger audiences navigate news today — from creator-driven media models to community-based engagement. She is also the creator and host of the emerging podcast and newsletter Hasse mit Liebe, which explores zeitgeist topics through accessible and community-oriented storytelling.

Under her leadership, INMA aims to bridge traditional journalism values with youthful energy, creativity, and authenticity.

Why this matters now

As the global media landscape fractures — with younger generations increasingly turning to social platforms, creator-led content and community-driven media — established news publishers face an urgent challenge: adapt or risk irrelevance. By launching the Young Audiences Initiative, INMA is helping publishers re-think not just what they deliver — but how they deliver: in formats, channels, and voices that resonate with the next generation.

“We believe publishers must meet young people where they are — with formats they love, voices they trust, and space to take part,” said Earl J. Wilkinson, executive director and CEO of INMA. “Under Kerstin’s leadership, we believe INMA can make a contribution to news publishers anxious for bridges to generations re-writing the rules of engagement.”

“Younger audiences aren’t disengaged — they’re unimpressed by formats that weren’t built for them,” said the 35-year-old Hasse, who is based in Zürich. “I’m excited to work with publishers around the world to rethink how we tell stories, build trust in voices and create journalism that feels relevant, useful and authentic to the next generation.“

With the backing of Knight Foundation and the global reach of INMA’s membership network, the Young Audiences Initiative will offer a rare, high-impact opportunity to experiment, learn and scale what works when reaching Gen Z and Millennials, Wilkinson said.

Knight Foundation is a U.S. philanthropic organisation that invests in journalism, community innovation, and the arts. It funds initiatives that strengthen informed communities, support press freedom, advance local news sustainability, and foster civic engagement through technology and creative expression.

About INMA

The International News Media Association (INMA) is the world’s leading network for news media executives searching for best practices, insights, and sustainable business models. Through its global membership community of 24,000+ members at 1,000+ companies in 100+ countries, INMA helps publishers grow audiences, transform brands, and build financially sustainable journalism that remains free, independent and impactful.

The Young Audiences Initiative is one of six initiatives to be run by INMA in 2026 alongside a Readers First Initiative, Advertising Initiative, Product & Tech Initiative, Newsroom Innovation Initiative, and Digital Platform Initiative. These six initiatives represent the intellectual backbone of INMA.

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Australia – Videocraft Pro designs and installs unique new integrated media production studios at the University of Melbourne

Source: Videocraft Pro

Recently the University of Melbourne had a requirement and put out a tender for new integrated media production studios to be designed then built on campus using the very latest, state-of-the-art equipment. The winner of the tender was Videocraft Pro.

 

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The University of Melbourne’s media production studio facility manager Dr. David Beesley explained, “The new integrated media production studios were proposed and constructed to address the growing demand and need for practical, applied learning across the Faculty of Arts. We wanted the new studios to provide exceptional facilities that are purpose-built and would thus improve the student experience. The new facilities were required to provide students with an exceptional opportunity to enhance their learning experience in a hands-on, applied learning environment. Their capabilities would also support teaching, research and public engagement across the Faculty of Arts and broader University community, allowing us to meet the diverse needs of our students, academics and partners. I’m delighted to say Videocraft Pro delivered all of this and more.”

 

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Videocraft Pro is the division of Videocraft which has designed, managed and installed professional audio and video production and post-production projects in Australia for over 50 years.

 

Videocraft sales director James Taylor said, “The University of Melbourne initially asked us to consult on the project, so we could help them create a studio facility for students where they could learn how to work in a real live TV environment as part of a team. They also wanted us to propose a cost effective and powerful system which would be the heart and backbone of the new studios. It was an incredibly rewarding project as we knew we were helping educate the television and broadcast professionals of the future.”

 

After the initial consultation and winning the tender Videocraft Pro got to work on the design and implementation of the new studios.

 

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Dr Beesley continued, “Videocraft Pro’s winning proposal included the fit out and integration of the AV for our new integrated media production studios, comprising of five multimedia podcast suites, a small TV studio and control room, a dedicated main audio space and control room, a large TV studio and control room and a machine server room. In truth the project grew from what was initially going to be a single studio to an integrated precinct with the power and capability to cover all media production bases.”

 

As a result of the new build the ground floor of the university’s Babel Building has seen a significant improvement in facility offerings for its Faculty of Arts students and staff.

 

Taylor added, “These new facilities are all networked together so they provide students with an exceptional opportunity to enhance their learning experience in a hands-on, applied learning environment. They can recreate live crosses and remote production with the highest-quality video and audio from any location to any location and deliver live streams out of the studios to external providers and other educational facilities.”

 

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The design and build of these new studios was no mean feat as the University of Melbourne had comprehensive technical requirements that needed to result in professional facilities which would enable hands-on learning in an environment that embodies best industry practice and contemporary digital workflow but also caters to a diverse range of skill levels and allows future expansion.

 

At the heart of the solution was Videocraft Pro’s decades of experience in choosing exactly the right equipment to not only meet the university’s technical requirements, but also their budget and then integrating all of that equipment to give the best possible solution.

 

To that end Videocraft’s solution included Blackmagic vision switchers, routers and cameras, Riedel comms, Yamaha QL1 and QL5 audio desks, a Dante audio network, Rodecaster Pro II podcast suites, EditShare storage, V-Mix and SRT for external connectivity and an interactive screen.

When asked how the Videocraft solution fulfilled and continues to fulfil the university’s requirements Dr Beesley answered, “Brilliantly! Since the soft launch earlier this year usage to date has already exceeded expectations. Students just love it and cannot get enough time in the new facilities and bookings for next year are already extensive. This is a real credit to Videocraft Pro, their experience and their expertise as they significantly over delivered whilst being on budget and within our timeframe.”

 

The university uses their new studios for hands-on teaching and learning across a variety of undergrad and post-grad courses within the Faculty of Arts, specifically the School of Culture and Communication, School of Language and Linguistics and the Centre for Advanced Journalism amongst others.

 

Being able to choose and integrate the right equipment that could deliver for these students in the most realistic, real-world environment was a challenge welcomed by James Taylor and the Videocraft Pro team.

 

He explained, “We had to use all of our 50-plus years of experience to choose equipment that would help the students deliver a real-world, television-grade result and prepare them to work in the modern-day broadcast industry – at the right price. In truth the equipment we chose and how we configured and integrated it got a result that was bigger and better than the sum of its parts.”

The university typically uses its new studios to create and help with podcasts, news broadcasts, media training, live-crosses, media experts, audio storytelling and live events with students writing, producing, directing, crewing and being on-screen talent.

 

Dr. Beesley added, “Videocraft’s experience working with partners in the tertiary sector gives them a genuine understanding of educational needs and educational processes. The provided solution meets our initial user brief perfectly and is another reason for prospective students to choose the University of Melbourne as their preferred institution in which to study. What Videocraft were able to achieve with this build and install is remarkable. They have created a state-of-the-art, functional, usable and flexible facility that has a real-world television and broadcast feel without cutting any corners. In short, they pushed the equipment to deliver solutions we didn’t know were possible – and that’s what we call Videocraft’s secret sauce.”

 

The new integrated media production studios Videocraft have designed and installed have added real value to the University of Melbourne as Dr. Beesley concluded, “Videocraft have created the opportunity for students to engage with a state-of-the-art, purpose-built media production studio facility that emulates best industry practice. It is an amazing fit-out with a huge amount of potential and capacity for great things. 

 

We are very excited about what the future has in store, and what our students and researchers will create given this opportunity. The real added value very clearly came from Videocraft Pro using all of their experience and expertise from the last 50 years to create and integrate this unique new facility. There are not many companies in Australia who could have designed, installed and delivered this. Hats off to Videocraft Pro for doing so.”

 

About Videocraft

Videocraft was established in 1972 with the emergence of video and we have been industry leaders since. There are three elements to the business: Videocraft Pro, Videocraft Sales and Videocraft Rentals, which are supported by our extensive technical services and engineering team that designs, configures, installs, and supports sales and rental systems and runs our OB and live production facilities. We equip a lot of reality TV shows, have a number of truck-based and flyaway production systems, and have a long history of building facilities and integrating systems.
 
We are pro dealers for Sony, Canon, and Panasonic as well as selling brands such as EVS, Maxon, EditShare, Miller, Ross, Blackmagic, Avid, Rode, Sachtler, Tilta, Nanlite and many more. We operate out of showrooms and offices in Melbourne and Sydney and house our rental fleet in both locations.
 
We base our business on being highly knowledgeable about video production and post-production equipment, as well as associated technologies and market trends. We specialise in providing high quality solutions that we know will work. Accuracy of information and honesty in all our dealings are essential in maintaining integrity and credibility with our customers. This is
the heart of our business.

www.videocraftpro.com.au

www.videocraft.com.au

https://rentals.videocraft.com.au

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Appointments – New Business Development and Global Sales Manager Jochen Kamm Drives ARJES’ International Expansion Forward

Source: ARJES GmbH

Jochen Kamm, new Business Development and Global Sales Manager at ARJES GmbH – With an experienced specialist in shredding technology and recycling, ARJES GmbH is taking an important strategic step toward targeted market expansion and new international growth impulses.

Jochen Kamm brings extensive industry knowledge and a broad technical background. 

His professional career began in the development of drive systems at renowned manufacturers in Germany and the USA, before he specialized in optimizing shredding technology. 
In his further roles, he was responsible for existing recycling plants, standardized the technologies in use, and designed new recycling towers as well as processing lines for both material recovery and thermal use in power plants. 

During this period, Jochen also gained comprehensive insights into the quality, performance, and diverse applications of ARJES shredding technology. This combination of technical expertise, process knowledge, and hands-on experience forms the foundation for his new role at ARJES GmbH.

Responsibilities at ARJES

As the new Business Development and Global Sales Manager, Jochen Kamm not only assumes sales responsibility but, more importantly, takes on the task of driving ARJES’ international market development.

His tasks include:

  • Strategic development of new markets outside Europe – with a focus on North and South America
  • Strengthening market penetration through targeted positioning of existing ARJES products
  • Establishing new sales partners in previously untapped markets
  • Further development of the global market strategy and identification of long-term growth potential.

With this strategic expansion, ARJES aims for targeted, sustainable growth in the coming years and an even stronger position in international markets.

In working with his business partners, Jochen relies on open, honest communication and pragmatic solutions, following the motto: “Impossible doesn’t exist!”

“Personal contact with people from diverse cultures is incredibly exciting for me. What matters most is listening to the customer and understanding their needs precisely. Mobile machines and shredding technology have been part of my life since my studies. Recycling is one of the most important global future topics, and ARJES combines both.”

Beyond the technology and product portfolio, Jochen was particularly impressed by the collegial atmosphere, the pleasant working environment, and the short decision-making processes at ARJES GmbH.

Global Expansion Through Teamwork

Working alongside Jochen Kamm, Elke Ernest will continue her role as Global Sales Manager, responsible for Europe and the eastern world markets – including Asia and Australia. Together, they combine business development and global sales management into a strong, unified force.

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Pacific, Solomon Islands – Ngella Constituency invests CDF in road development to foster economic growth

Source: Government of the Solomon Islands

The Ngella Constituency Office (NCO) has made an initial investment of $1.2 million from its 2024 CDF allocation for the Rara-Moromole road development project.

This investment aims to promote economic growth, improve transportation infrastructure, and enhance connectivity for communities in Ward 8 of the constituency.

The project is a key initiative of the constituency office under the leadership of Honourable Minister for Tourism and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ngella Constituency, Choylin Yim Douglas.

This 12-kilometer road segment was first constructed in the 1980s. It begins at Rara School in the northern part of Big Ngella and traverses along the coast to Boromole in the eastern part of the island, where a wharf was proposed to be built.

From Rara, the road cuts through Vatupura, Polomuhu, Borohinaba, and concludes at Boromole, some of the larger communities that will benefit from this road access.

The road provides a vital link for cocoa and coconut farmers, as well as fishermen along the coastal areas. It also connects to various educational and health centers in the region.

Over the years, it deteriorated significantly and was eventually abandoned, making it impassable for vehicles. As a result, both inland and coastal communities, including farmers, have struggled to transport their copra and other goods to nearby jetties or wharfs for shipment to markets such as Tulagi and Honiara for sale.

The current development effort seeks to restore and upgrade this vital infrastructure to serve the needs of the local communities, farmers, and fishermen once more.

Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Robert Manebona said the current road work has now reached Polomuhu and is progressing well.

“For now, the work is focused on surface clearing and road alignment in preparation for proper road construction and finishing activities, awaiting possible funding from the government through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) next year,” CDO Manebona explained.

He emphasized that it is the ongoing commitment and effort of the constituency office, under MP Choylin's leadership, to continue supporting development initiatives that will bring tangible benefits to everyone and boost economic growth and prosperity.

“Providing an enabling environment, like road access, is paramount to ensure people can engage in economic activities to sustain their livelihoods.”  

Meanwhile, Polomuhu Community Chief and President of Ward 8 House of Chiefs, Charles Roko, acknowledged the national government through MP Douglas's leadership for taking the initiative to rehabilitate the road access.

He said that such access is a way forward to ensure connectivity to markets and essential services like health and education.

“This road is a step forward for us. Once completed, it is expected to facilitate easier transportation, improve access to healthcare and education services, and foster economic growth in the region,” he said.  

Last week, a team of officers from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), accompanied by CDO Manebona, visited the project and conducted an inspection focused on road alignment to assess its current state and ensure it meets the required standards for safety and efficiency.

During the inspection, the team held awareness sessions with communities to emphasize the importance of their active participation and support for the road project. These discussions aimed to foster a sense of ownership and collective responsibility towards the successful implementation of the initiative.

The Constituency Development Funds (CDF) is a national program of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG). It is administered by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) and implemented across the 50 constituencies to improve the social and economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders, in line with the ministry’s vision: “To empower all Solomon Islanders for self-sufficiency, improved livelihoods, and sustainable development.”