etcetera

It's really coincidence that my secondlast post was on the Electronic media. But one offer prompted me to write on newspapers. This month ToI are starting new offer. You can get Maharastra Times free with ToI. Isn't that ridiculous? It was OK with Mirror, being a "pulp" newspaper. But I think Mata is a responsible and one of the better papers and 'ek pe ek free' shouldn't be applied to it. ( I really admire articles and editorials by Bharatkumar Raut, editor of Mata!)

One advertise had appeared in Indian Express couple of years back.

ToI had claimed that it was the largest circulated daily in Pune. On the following day, an ad in Indian Express showed ToI attached in toilet insted of tissue paper. The ad said-

"People buy people for different reasons. Indian Express- highest readership in Pune".

Today, newspapers are not at all interested in increasing "readership", they only want to increase 'sales'.

Look at the offers by newspapers. ToI pe Mirror free. HT annual subscription for Rs.200. Same with DNA. Are we hare for sale? But does any of this newspaper care, if the paper is being read and enlightening, influencing people? No because in the process of making more and more profit, many paper have forgotten their prime responsibilty- to create awareness among people! Unfortunately, as I talked about the electronic media, the irresponsibility is creeping in the print media as well. No wonder, all the newspapers are trying to become more and more attractive and glossy, at the same time trimming the content. "Cut for You"! Rubbish!

Media is supposed to be the fourth pillar of democracy. That pillar is being decorated from the outside, but there is no effort to fortify it from the inside. It's bound to crumble, along with the other three pillars. Or maybe, the internet media will strengthen it!