Our avid readers
In recent days, I read several pieces about the dying newspaper industry in the US, including one regarding the impending demise of the iconic New York Times. Other news articles like this one paint a bleak picture of the book publishing industry in the developed world.
The Indian market is on the other hand, very far from mourning the death of the printed word (a fact that I personally, am grateful for) - we are the fastest growing English language market for book publishers, and we are also the world’s most vibrant newspaper industry. While newspaper circulation numbers are falling in large parts of the developed world, it is growing rapidly here in all our languages, and thriving in all kinds of formats - dailies, magazines, tabloids.
What’s especially interesting is the increasing number of square inches our newspapers now devote to columnists and opinion pieces. More and more, we are more concerned with debating the ideas and issues underlying the news feed. Our television channels show the same trend. And as audience input and feedback has grown - with We the People, online commentary and so on - we are reflecting the spirit of a public square in our media more than ever before. I find this heartening, but I also wonder - is this entirely a good thing? I believe that debate thrives on participation. But is there a point where it descends to chaos, with authority and expertise being lost, and every idea being as good as every other?
January 20th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
The positives I see is that the politicians are now more wary of their actions(than ever before) ‘cos of the close scrutiny by the media. But ironically sometimes the very same media (read televison) now a days seems to thrive on discussions/debates where there is utter pandemonium. Not a healthy sign at all.
January 21st, 2009 at 2:56 am
I would like to express my views regarding the last paragraph. While reading the first few lines, I thought that again I will have to right something against the growing “opinionistic” approach of newspapers. But as I completed the para, I realized that you also understand the major implications that this may lead to.
It is good to have more opinion based columns. However, I don’t like them much. A newspaper should publish a news as it is, ie, neutrally. It helps people to judge the news and have opinions of their own. Now, if we post an opinion based column, you are forcing the views of the author upon masses making the people judgmental and prejudiced about an issue.
Also, many columns on the same issue will confuse the people. They will have all the views in their mind but will not be able to judge it on their own merits.
Once the ability to judge on merit is lost, we will have a nation of mere spectators who have no thoughts and opinions of their own. A death of a democracy then and there.
January 21st, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Nandan,
As an avid reader, i would like to share my thoughts on this. Yes i agree that India is seeing tremendous growth in this industry but wonder is it going in the right direction? Look for example what happened during the Mumbai terror attacks, the media channels just in order to increase their TRP’s went to the extent of risking the lives of others (By showing live footage of commandos going in and in focusing attention on that hotel guest one can see on the ninth floor).
Media attention was at the posh Taj and Oberoi hotels but no one ventured at the Victoria terminus. Why this indifference?
Every news channel is more concentrating on creating animated clips and flashing screens with “Breaking news” rather than concentrating on the actual content of the news which matters the most. Why dont these channels leave the decision of deciding which is better amongst them to the viewers rather than just imposing saying that Sabse Tej, so and so news exclusive on our channel….
How come these news channels are able to reach the underworld dons and know their hide-outs when even the intelligence agencies are not able to do so?
January 23rd, 2009 at 6:36 pm
I could have been an “avid reader” of your book too but its high cost has put it beyond the reach of most Indians. I wish you had worked on a not-for-profit model. The book could have been easily sold for Rs.100 then.
January 24th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Nandan, am sharing my thoughts that have become stronger since the Mumbai 26/11.
Have the same qualities that were our strength during our fight for independence become our bane today? Patience and Resilience. Have we adopted it to our convenience, and occasional inconvenience, to stand up dust off and carry on with our lives after every attack on the country? Have the pains of such attacks on our nation been salved by thoughts of ‘economic progress’? The Government and the Media behave so much like a bee-hive… abuzz with action for a short time only when a stone is pelted… and then back to the job of collecting honey as if nothing had happened. Does this nation of peaceful people learn to carry a grudge like the US? Or do we just resign ourselves to fate and wait for the next attack… and just pray that we are not there when it happens…
January 24th, 2009 at 11:16 am
The reference to the attacks above do not only pertain to external elements… but also to internal ones. The people of West Bengal, seething with anger and remorse, watched helplessly as Nano was pushed out of Nandigram. We sit and watch helplessly as public money is siphoned off by some people for their personal use and gain. We sit and discuss the issues over lunch and while engulfed in the colorful darkness of the idiot box. And that is about all that we do. We shy away when there comes the question of bringing about a change.
This makes me think if we are ready for democracy yet.
January 26th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Nandan- I feel that technology has its part to play in the possible extinction of the print industry in the developed world. All the newspapers, tabloids,magazines etc are available online and developed world being tech savvy and easy access internet is, I think the “culprit”. May be we can say one of the downsides of technology.I am afraid that this trend is going to catch up in India as well sooner than later with increase access to internet..