A delegation of print media bosses went crying to the I&B Ministry asking for a bailout. Mind you one of them was at Davos a couple of weeks ago talking up the Indian print media industry. Evidently, things are not that hunky dory - but you can see that in basic page-counts nowadays. But here is my question - those three went, but look at who didn't go - the biggest newspaper group in India and the biggest magazine group in India. Which leads me to one rather obvious question, are things worse at some places than in others? One of my friends in the plastics industry told me a sobering truth of meltdowns - they actually look forward to some players dying out. That is a nice and pragmatic way to deal with a slowdown - the other buggers are shutting down.
Then again, the print medium anmd actually television for that matter have become gloried ad-delivery mechanisms and maybe all people were asking of the I&B Ministry was to dole out more 'Bharat Nirman' adverts. Or maybe, they were promising to bend over backwards for Rahul Baba - you know since he represents 'change' and all - fifth generation of family - generational changeover et al. Sigh! At least, they do have some 'younger' leaders, the BJP's idea of youthful are a bunch of 60 and 70-year olds and guys whose idea of 'Indian-ness' is purdah! I sometimes wonder if people actually read religious texts or even interpretations of religious texts. One of the more fascinating books on Hindu myth and legends (and true to the shastras) I have read is by an Italian.
Did anyone survive Undie's 'Greenathon' bore-a-thon? I wonder how many diesel generators were used on location? Mind you, DG's don't have to conform to any pollution norms. But, I'm being my usual cynical self.
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8 comments:
Elle has shut down Elle brides and Beautiful People with immediate effect. Staff was sent the mail today and most got only one days notice.
Today 10th Feb 08.
We have the times group again misleading indians with headlines as HIGH GROWTH etc in all it publications.
What growth when people all over are losing their jobs and increase in crimes and proverty
Why don't the 'doyens' of media try selling their awards and fund their newspapers with it!? I am sure they'll realize its true worth - if they don't know it already.
I doubt Mr. Jain will go to the government cap in hand... For years he has proposed an agenda-less news organisation (the individual affiliations of the editors apart). I doubt he wants to back track on that so soon...
I bet you don't know who broke the story of the barons asking for a bail out. The HT's madam arranged for a delegation to meet Anand Sharma and Sonia Gandhi. Owners and editors went along because she is Sonia's chief chamchi.
Two days later, Mint broke the story of media barons asking for a bail-out and mentioned the meetings. Madam was very angry because Vineet Jain told her she has no control over her own papers.
Why did Sukumar do it? Because he is being sacked anyway and wants to pretend it is a press freedom issue not a reflection of what a bad editor he is.
Looks like Sanjoy will be the new boss of all publications. Sukumar has asked Aveek Sarkar for Pocha's old job. Aveek playing hard to get. Sukumar begging desperately.
Aha...interesting... K, please update us on the latest at HT Mint.
but the visit paid off. customs duty on newsprint has been waived
But isn't Prosenjit Datta replacing Pocha at BW? Hmm.. Sukumar will do anything to get what he wants.
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