Indian Newspapers

Well, I know I made a big statement but could not start in a better sarcastic way. Hold on, let me explain from my past to present. I have been thinking about this topic for a while now, as I see so many newspapers under my nose while going to work by local train in the morning. It is almost like I read every other headline from three to five major publishing houses.

A newspaper means many things to many people, but for me, it surely means the start of a new day with news from yesterday, today, and tomorrow. A cup of hot beverage in one hand and a newspaper in the other is the best way to start my day.

I remember when newspapers used to be very boring in black and white. At that time, there was no mass “offset” printing for newspapers in India. The printing was not very clear, and the papers used to be thin, with only 8 to 10 pages.

If that makes you think I am old ;) I was hooked on newspapers quite early. Then suddenly, one morning, offset printing arrived with half-tone pictures of famous events on rare occasions. I remember it lasted for a few years. Then suddenly, we found ourselves with the color supplement for the weekend. It was exciting to check on a weekly basis those glossy papers; sometimes we would save them to cover books :D

With time, newspapers started to become heavier and began to lose focus on the main news. The downhill journey started. The focus of editors turned to advertisements to make newspapers cheaper and more profitable.

Like addicts, we got used to reading about all those cocktail parties on the front page and City Supplements.

This turned into a golden opportunity for newspaper publishers to print photos of celebrities. All celebrities like to show off a little or more, depending on their personalities. Maybe we can call it a golden goose for the editors. Indian society, being very hypocritical, made it easy to publish swimsuit photos of Ms. Anderson without anyone complaining. The educated conservative Indian middle class adores the same. The whole newspaper has become a tabloid. That way, Ms. Stone & Spears make exclusive headlines.

Maybe with the economy doing well, everyone is having a feel-good factor; no one really wants to read real news about global climate change or the war in Iraq. Everyone is happy in their little world. People are also bored with reading about Indian politics, the same story of corruption, vote banks—religion or caste—from our politicians.

It is almost free!

Can you believe that you can get a full year subscription for just Rupees 199 (less than 4 Euros)? That means less than one Rupee a day, where one Rupee cannot buy anything in India now.