James
Augustus Hicky
Judging from the historical facts, we have to
give credit to the British rule for the advent of Journalism in India. The
newspaper, therefore, came to India as an alien product, which was in fact
forced upon us. This is because even our great nationalist leaders in the
eighteenth and nineteenth centuries did not entertain the idea of learning
English (called Mlechhas' language). The English were contemptuously referred
to as Mlechhas—the depraved/degraded people whose moral standards were
considered abysmally low and despised. The East India Company, which was ruling
the country, was not favorably disposed to the press; the officials of the
Company were suspicious of journalists and newspapers from the very beginning.
The officials were intolerant of any kind of criticism. The notional support,
that the press in India got emanated from the control of press by the
Englishmen who drew strength from the power of press in England.
William Bolts, an ex-employee of the British
East India Company attempted to start the first newspaper in India in 1776.
Bolts had to beat a retreat under the disapproving gaze of the Court of
Directors of the Company. It was James Augustus Hicky who earned the
distinction of launching in India the first English newspaper. The first
publication of Hicky came to the stalls/readers on January 29, 1780 in Kolkata.
It was named Bengal Gazette alias Calcutta General Advertiser. The paper had
two sheets with three columns on each page and it was published weekly. The
paper declared it as a "weekly political and commercial paper open to all
parties but influenced by none." The contents of the paper included items
taken from English newspapers in England, letters from local nd rural readers,
items of gossip and scandal of interest to the European community. Hicky had
reserved to himself a column to talk to his readers directly. There was also a
poet's column in his paper. The paper was called as scurrilous and witty. Hicky
and his paper came under extraordinary surveillance by the administration. The
paper earned the enmity of Warren Hastings, the Governor-General and other high
ups, most notable being Chief Justice, Elizah Impey.
The administration was very annoyed because of
the undesirable reporting—about pivate lives of the persons in high positions
and even others like soldiers. Hicky lampooned Hastings and called him,
"Sir F. Wronghead", "the Great Moghul" and the
"Dictator." Hicky reported an imaginary concert programme and linked
the name of Sir Elijah Impey with a contract for a bridge that had gone to his
cousin. All the important or notable personalities of Kolkata appeared in
Hicky's Gazette with nicknames. There was one smart, intelligent lady who was
reported repeatedly and thereby she kept the "gossip" busy for at
least ten years; Miss Eruma Wrangham was mentioned under various nicknames for
gossips, and she seemed to enjoy the malice. In Hicky's columns, she appeared
under various names—"Chinsurah Belle", or "Turban Conquest"
or "Hookah Turban", etc.
A rival paper, Indian Gazette, appeared in the
world of journalism in Kolkata, in the same year, 1780, in which Hicky
introduced his Gazette; the rival paper gave setback to Hicky. The rival paper
was much better in quality; it had four pages of 16 inches long, the types were
better; it had three columns and it was well printed. On the other hand,
Hicky's paper was having two pages of shorter size, crudely printed, having only two columns.
Hicky found that his customers were deserting him. In a fit of anger, he
attacked Swedish missionary, John Zachariah Kiermander; Hicky suspected him of
having supplied types to his rival. He also attacked the proprietors of Indian
Gazette, Peter Read and B. Messinck, salt merchant and theatrical producer,
respectively. As if it were not enough, the authorities granted Indian Gazette
postal facilities; the same facilities were denied to Hicky's paper.
Hicky complained to his readers about the
step-motherly treatment meted out to his paper. It was suggested to him that he
should approach Mrs. Hastings for her intervention, which he rejected, saying:
"there is something so sneaking and treacherous in going clandestinely to
fawn and take advantage of a good natured woman to draw her into a promise to
getting that done which I knew would be highly improper to ask her husband,
though his unbounded love for his wife would induce him to comply with."
Hicky and Hastings were not on good terms with each other.Hicky was habitually,
and with malice and ridicule, reporting and giving publicity to the social life
of the European community in Kolkata. While announcing marriages and
engagements, he also published news of engagements anticipated and he utilized this to hit those he
disliked.
After giving him long tether for considerable
time, and ignoring the suggestions of strong action against Hichy from the
members of his Council, Hastings finally took action against him for defamation
on two counts in June, 1781. Hicky was convicted and sentenced to two years'
imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 2,000. The Chief Justice awarded damages to
Hastings of Rs. 500 but Hastings waived it. Although Hicky was in prison, his
paper continued to appear regularly, and mysteriously his column too appeared in the same
defiant tone.
The paper had great public support. Hastings
took action second time in March, 1782. This resulted in confiscation of his
types: on appeal to the Clerk of King, the King's judges released his types.
This decision was hailed by Hicky as protecting the liberty of the press. But
that was the end of Hicky's Gazette, which had barely a life of two years.
Hicky had done some printing job for the
Company—he printed on order 16,800 sheets—and submitted bill for value of Rs.
35,092. The authorities said that the full number of sheets was not supplied
and the printing was also defective. The payment was approved for only Rs.
6,711. Hicky wrote about his claim to Hastings. Hastings ordered payment of Rs.
6,711 on the condition that he
gave acquittal for all demands that is for full
and final payment. Hicky was adamant as before and insisted on full payment.
So, he did not accept the offer. Towards the end of his life, Hicky consented
to the offer of lower payment due to extreme penury faced by his large family
while he was in prison, but it took long time to get the money.
If Hicky was indomitable, Hastings was equally,
if not more, revengeful. With the aid of the Chief Justice of Supreme Court,
Elizah Impey, he resolved to kill Hicky's paper. He instituted suit after suit
against Hicky and at last succeeded in crushing both the paper and its editor.
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CALCUTTA, MADRAS & BOMBAY (Journalism)
In the other two presidency cities, Madras and Bombay
(Mumbay), there were not many newspapers. In Madras, the Madras Courier, which was officially recognized and owned by
government printer, came out as a weekly in 1785 fallowed in 1793 by the Hurkaru edited by one Boyd. The Hurkaru ceased publication after a year. The Indian Herald, an “unauthorized newspaper: , which had a brief
existence, was notable for its editor ,Humphreys,
being punished for printing without permission and for “ gross libels” against
the government and princes.
There was no Newspaper in Bombay until 1789 when the Bombay Herald was started. It merged into
the Bomaby Gazette in 1791 and became
official publication. The Courier
was another paper to make its appearance in 1789 and it has the distinction of
carrying advertisements in Gujrati to serve and Indian readership.
The government observed strict control over the Press. The
Parliament proceedings in England could not be published in the press in India
as they were considered “seditious literature.”
A man William Bolts ,was
prosecuted for supplying from parliamentary proceedings to Siraj-ud-doula , the
Nawab of Bengal. News papers in Bengal were ordered in 1785 not to publish
orders and a resolution of the governor- general’s council.
In Madras, they were asked to submit copies of Government
orders to be published to the military secretary to governor before
publication. There was general pre-censorship on news carried in the papers.
While the press was submissive in Madras and Bombay, in Calcutta there was at
least one case in which an editor, William
Duane, of the Bengal Journal,
refused to publish an apology in 1791. He was accused of publishing a false
report of the death of Lord Cornwallis in the Maratha war. He said that the
source of his news was a prominent Frenchman.
Duane was ordered deportation to Europe but was saved by the
intervention of the French Agent. He, however, lost his readership and started
another paper, the “Indian world”.
Which ran successfully for three years, Duane was however, a marked man and not
liked by government, which succeeded in deporting him back in 1794. There was
yet another journalist named Dr. Maclean
who was also deported in 1798. He was working with Bengal Harkerer and his fault was that he had come to India without
permission. The Board of Directors of
the east India Company and the seal of Supreme Court would deport anyone not
needed in India by the Authorities of the Company.
The Government attitude seemed to be that of contempt towards
the newspapers and their editors. The news papers at this particular time came
from Britishers and reflected the view of those who were working outside the
privileges of local British officers who were holding administrative positions.
Though the merchant, the lawyer and the doctor were not taken much seriously,
there were occasions when their views did carry some weight. But Government held the view to keep press
under strict vigil and control. The press was intended for British readers and
it tended to share the virtues and vices of contemporary Journalism in Britain.
Many of the journals were digests and reprints of British newspapers.
In the 19th Century, Calcutta saw the emergence of
the real journalism, an outstanding one and, by all accounts, the tallest in
his profession at that time, James Silk Buckingham.
Jawaharlal Nehru has described him as amongst the earliest champions of the
freedom of press in India, who is still remembered in this country. He came to
India in 1818 as the editor of the Calcutta Chronicle, which was started by
some Calcutta merchants to propagate their own view and protect their
interests. The first issue which appeared on the streets of Calcutta on October
2, 1818, indicated that it would be a chronicle of political, commercial and
literary news and views. It bore the impress of a versatile editor. He brought
a fresh air to an atmosphere polluted by intrigue, scandal mongering, flippancy
and easy going life of European community. He had travelled widely in the Arab
countries and was reputed to have advised Egyptian statesman, Mehmet Ali on
bringing the benefits of western culture and civilization to his countrymen.
Buckingham was a scholar whose studies included
anthropology and literature and he was interested in steam navigation,
horseless carriages and air filled ballons for quick transport.
He introduced to his readers great poet Byron and Walter
Scott and Washington Irving. He was keen observer of Indian culture and had an eye
on the customs of those people among he lived. He published drawings and charts
to drive home his point on any subject and he compared the facial features of
monkeys, Negros, Romans, Greek sand Americans. He balanced his features with
local reports and letters from correspondents ventilating their grievances. The
letters to the editor were a notable feature of the Calcutta chronicle and they
were in strange contrast to what used to appear in the earlier newspapers,
especially in Hickey’s Gazette.
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James Silk Buckingham infused a
new light to Indian Journalism. He was the pioneer among the Europeans who
fought for liberal press in India. He was born at Flushing near Falmouth, the son of a farmer, and had a limited education. His
youth was spent at sea, and in 1797 he was captured by the French and held
as a prisoner of war at Corunna. In 1821, his "Travels in Palestine" were
published, followed by "Travels Among the Arab Tribes" in 1825.[1] After years of wandering he settled in India, where he
established a periodical, the Calcutta
Journal, in 1818. This venture at first
proved highly successful, but in 1823 the paper's outspoken criticisms of
the East
India Company led to the
expulsion of Buckingham from India and
to the suppression of the paper by John Adam,
the acting governor-general in 1823. His case was brought before a select
committee of the House of Commons in 1834, and a pension of £500 a year was
subsequently awarded to him by the East India Company as compensation.
James Silk Buckingham, by Henry William
Pickersgill
Buckingham continued his
journalistic ventures on his return to England; he settled at Cornwall
Terrace, Regents Park,[2] and started the Oriental
Herald and Colonial Review(1824–9)
and the Athenaeum (1828) which was not a success in his hands, Buckingham
selling to John Sterling after a few
weeks. In parliament, where he sat as member for Sheffield from 1832–1837, he was a strong advocate of social
reform, calling for the end of flogging in the armed services, abolition of
the press-gang and the repeal of the Corn Laws.
He was a prolific writer. He had travelled in Europe, America and the East,
and wrote many useful travel books, as well as many pamphlets on political
and social subjects. "In 1851, the value of these and of his other
literary works was recognized by the grant of a Civil Listpension of £200 a year. At the time of his death in
London, Buckingham was at work on his autobiography, two volumes of the
intended four being completed and published (1855)". This work is
important as it mentions in detail the life of the black composer Joseph Antonio Emidy who settled in Truro. His
youngest son, Leicester
Silk Buckingham, was a popular playwright.
Courtesy Wikipedia.
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Buckingham considered a well conducted press essential to
promote knowledge and dispel ignorance. He wrote, “ If knowledge is a blessing
and ignorance a curse , a well conducted press that dispel the latter and
promotes the former must be a deserving of our support as the school and public
institutions established for the same purpose since they are only different
branches of the same tree; and as the influence of the press may be made to
extend much wider than that of seminaries, if each be well regulated and
directed to equally worthy ends, the former will be more effectual engine of
the two. The union of both is perhaps to the greatest advantage that any nation
can possess….to exercise a taste for reading and a spirit of enquiry among the
community and to gratify that taste… must, therefore, be a task of merit.” It
is clear that he held the opinion that a well conducted and well regulated
press would be in the benefit of the masses more than many educational
institutes and if both worked together to promote worthy ends in society then
it would be to the greatest advantage that a nation can possess. From these words it is clear that he laid much
emphasis on the power of press for encouraging in general masses the habit of
reading, which ultimately would add to their knowledge and satisfy much of
their enquiry.
Buckingham was a stout champion of the freedom of press and
he held views which could be called revolutionary in the background of the
prevailing notions of the press. He was of the firm belief that if anything
that could check the menace of evil in society that was a free press. He believed
and propagated firmly that when those who intend to do evil to the society know
that the scrutinizing eyes are fixed on them and they will get exposed, they
will think twice before committing such evil.
When the same people know that their evil deeds will be questioned by
none they will get encouraged to commit such misdeeds more often with immunity
of getting caught or punished.
This is how he sets a role for the free press to act as a
guard for the larger interest of the society. He states that through such
honest vigil of the press, “all men in authority especially those who are
despotically inclined and who are conscious that their conduct will not stand
the test of free discussion, hate this part of the operation of the law and
hate also its upright administrators. Even British Judges – the most of the
upright of all public functionaries –betray a leaning towards the side of
power.” He thus questions the subservience of important functionaries of the
government towards those who wield power and who rule. He clearly sees a nexus
working against the interest of common people and advocates to raise voice
against the system that hides itself in covers of rules and regulations which
do not support those whom they rule. Buckingham issues appeal to all those who stand for virtue
and truth, must come forward to extend their support against the enemies of the
same virtue and integrity of individuals who challenge these enemies of truth
and virtue.
Thus Buckingham earned enemies who did not like straight talk
and who would hate free press which they thought would give rise to much
discomfort for them, they sensed that Buckingham was advocating such measures
which would enlighten the natives and awaken them against the tormenting force
of Company rule.
By the year 1823 Buckingham had not only earned the wrath of
director general’s council and other officials by his criticism, he had eight
other rivals in press who stood against his policies and these rivals were lead
by Bryce, the editor of the Asiatic Mirror. Bryce raked Buckingham’s past as
being a Whig (Political Ideology that would go against those who believed in
Absolute rule of royals) Sympathizer.
Bukingham was assaulted and injured by opponent Darwell, in
1819. He appeared in court as a defendant in a libel suit brought against him
by some top officials of Government. The advocate general also proceeded
against him for criminal libel and this case fell through but Buckingham had to
incur great costs in litigation. His opponents finally succeeded in deporting
him in 1823. He had appointed a Anglo Indian to look after his publication in
India. Anglo Indian could not be deported due to Supreme Court saying that a
native could not be deported. This gave
rise to the necessity of Licensing the press in India because native opinion
was likely to be disturbed by writing in Persian, Bengali and other Indian
Languages and that deportation had ceased to be effective once news papers
began to be ostensibly conducted by those other than British subjects of the crown.
PRE AND POST INDEPENDENCE JOURNALISM IN INDIA
Origin and Growth of Indian Press Ancient India in brief:
Medieval India
·
Aurangazeb pioneered the concept communication network
·
Vaquia Navis, specialist news writers who summarizes the important
events and incidents
·
Cofia Navis, secret spies to collect the news from public
·
News Letters covers the local news and their leaders expedition
·
Calligraphy flourished during this period
New Era
·
Christian missionaries
·
During 16th century printing technology came to India
by Christians – group of Fathers were travelling through coastal areas to
convey news to public
·
Books, Dictionaries, Bible translation.
·
September 15th, 1556 first printing machine set up in
Goa, India.
·
September 6th, 1557 first book ‘Doutrina Christ’ was
published by St. Francis Xavier, they used Mental Typeface for printing.
·
In 1578 ‘Doutrina Christ’ was translated in Tamil and it’s the
first Tamil Book in Indian Language.
Printing Press in India
·
First printing press set up in Goa in 1556, September 15th
‘Doutrina Christ’ was printed.
·
Second printing press set up in Coramandal Coast, ‘Flos sancprum’
newsletter printed and it’s the first Tamil Nadu printing press.
·
Third printing press in Bombay, ‘Bhimji Parekh’ was printed.
·
Fourth printing press in Kerala, ‘Tamil Portuguese Dictionary’ was
printed.
·
Fifth printing press in Thanjore district and it’s the second
press in Tamil Nadu.
·
And next 15years many printing press were set up in India.
·
In 18th century Grammar books were published in
southern languages.
·
In 1714 first copy of New testimony in Tamil was published
·
In 1779 Tamil-English Dictionary was published.
Newspapers in India - 18th Century
·
In 1780, January 29th first newspaper ‘Bengal Gazette’
by James Augustus Hickey and Hickey is known as the Father of Journalism.
·
In 1780, November second newspaper ‘India Gazette’ by Bernard
Messnik and Peter reed.
·
In 1784 third newspaper ‘Calcutta Gazette’ alias ‘Oriental
Advertiser’
·
In 1785 fourth newspaper ‘Bengal Journal’ by Thomas Jones –
published government advertisement at free of cost (above papers were given
postal concession for wide circulation).
·
In 1785 ‘Madras Courier’ by Richard Johnston
·
In 1789 ‘Bombay Herald’
·
In 1790 ‘Bombay Courier’
·
In 1791 ‘Bombay Gazette’
·
In 1798 ‘Madras Gazette’ by Robert Williams.
·
In 1795 ‘Indian Herald’ by Humphreys.
·
In 1818 Culcutta Journal by James Silk Buckingham
Bengal
Gazette
It also known as ‘Calcutta
General Advertiser’, but it stays alive for two years only. Advertising was
prominent; the thickness of the paper is similar to hard board, hence the
printing wasn’t so clear. It has only two pages. Most of the news was taken
from European newspaper; therefore it did not attracted by Indian readers.
Government scandals were highlighted and its views were against the government,
hence to control the Bengal gazette, government of India started ‘India
Gazette’.
India
Gazette
It was supported by the Calcutta
government. Fancy journalism started in second newspaper itself. Aim of the
newspaper was to develop their business. Initially there was rift between
Bengal gazette and India gazette, typefaces were supplied to both the
newspapers but later it was stopped to Bengal gazette. The size of the
newspaper is 16x10 inches; it introduced the column news.
Calcutta Gazette alias Oriental Advertiser
It was a tabloid; it was the
first newspaper introduced in three languages (English, Persian and Bengali)
printing in single paper. Government supported the paper.
Newspapers in Madras
·
In 1785, ‘Madras Courier’ the first newspaper came to Madras, it
was a four pages newspaper two pages for news, third page for reader’s forum
and last page for advertisements, government decided to give advertisements.
·
To control the press, suddenly government passed ‘Censorship Act’
in 1795 in Madras (for particular newspapers). After 1799 the ‘Censorship Act’
was implemented to all newspapers in India. New laws to press, editors were
reqired to submit before publishing the news, proof sheets of the content to
the government. Hence ‘Bengal Gazette’ newspaper was banned.
Newspapers in Bombay
·
In 1789 ‘Bombay Herald’, first newspaper in Bombay and it was a
weekly.
·
In 1790 ‘Bombay Courier’, second newspaper in Bombay and founded
Lukensh Burner by employees of east India Company. Bombay courier later renamed
as ‘Bombay Times’ and in 1791, first newspaper published Indian language
advertisements in Gujarati.
·
Form Bombay Times two newspapers were originated, India Times and
Bombay Gazette. In 1791 Bombay Gazette newspaper gave importance to Letters to the
Editor.
Newspapers
in India - 19th Century
(Eventful period of newspapers
growth) Christian missionaries started newspapers in India and also
development of Vernacular newspapers started (Indian Language newspapers).
Lord Wilson wanted to control the
growth of Indian newspapers - news was against the government. Band for Sunday
newspapers, news should publish only after references, declaration (imprint,
about the newspaper details and these details filled in Magi state court)
should submit to the government, no military and political news, if press
violates the rules then immediate penalty/ punishments. Government introduced
concession deposit for newspapers.
·
Lord Milton gave liberty to newspapers; again ‘Bengal Gazette’
newspaper came into play in 1816, under the ownership of Gangadhar Bhattacharya
first Indian to own the newspapers - remembered as a pioneer of Indian own
newspaper.
·
Same year, James Mickenzie and John Bull started first Sunday
newspaper ‘Oriental star’ and government banned it. Later they got permission
from court and started the paper but court strictly ordered the paper’s
employee not to work Sundays. Slowly the liberty to press came into play.
·
In 1818, Sharapov missionaries started first newspaper ‘Dig
Darshan’ monthly, it space to historical data and political news. Dr. cray was
the editor, after gone through the laws of press the monthly became weekly then
changed the ‘Dig Darshan’ in Bengali (Vernacular language), it survived for
four months. After four month it renamed as ‘Samachar Darpan’. 1819 J.C.
Marshman took over as editor; paper sold for one rupee and it becomes bilingual
(Bengali-Hindi) in 1829.
·
In 1818, second newspaper ‘Friend of India’. The Sharapov
missionaries’ newspapers started to critic the Hindu religion values.
Origin and
Growth of Indian Press in modern India in Detail:
Calcutta the
Beginning:
No news paper had come to India, although printing press had been
installed by East India Company in 1674 (Bombay) 1772 (Madras) and 1779
(Calcutta) and in 1776 one European Mr. William Bolts, who had resigned from
East India Company’s services earlier due to a censure from the company.
The notice of his intention of starting a printing enterprise and
a paper made it known to the concerned authorities that he had,” in his
manuscript many things to communicate which most intimately concerned every
individual”. This evidently gave rise to alarm in official quarters. He was
directed to quit Bengal and proceed to Madras, and from there he took his
passage to Europe.
No attempt was made by anyone to emulate Mr. Bolt’s initiative for
twelve (12) years until 1780 when James Augustus Hicky ventured into
journalism, mainly because of his high connections in the East India Company
administration.
1. JAMES AUGUSTUS HICKY
Prior to the British rule, no Indian had thought of any advent in
Journalism in India. The News paper therefore, came to India only after the
British brought it to us and we almost unwillingly accepted it.
Even though the East India Company was not inclined to allow any
favorable view on Newspaper journalism in India, the officials were intolerant
of any kind of criticism. The notional support that the press in India got,
emanated from the control of press by the Englishmen, who drew strength from
the power of press in England.
James Augustus Hickey launched the first English newspaper. The 1st
publication of Hickey came to the stalls/readers on January 29 1780 in
Calcutta.
The paper had two sheets with three columns on each paper and it
was published weekly. The paper declared
it as a “weekly political and commercial paper open to all parties and
influenced by none.” The paper was named “Bengal Gazette” alias “Calcutta
Advertiser” It came to be known as Hickey’s Gazette also.
Hickey was very witty in comparing and criticizing Warren Hastings
the then Governor General of East India Company. He described Hastings as “Sir
F Wronghead” and “The great Moghul” and a “dictator.” He also earned wrath of
company officials whom he called morally corrupt and wrote about the private
lives officials in high positions in bad light and disdain.
Soon Hickey had to face the ill will of these high officials and
the Governor General. Hickey also maligned a Swedish missionary, John
Zachariah, whom he suspected of having supplied Types to his rival “Indian
Gazette”, which had come up in the same year as “Bengal Gazette” after a gape
of few months. The rival paper was much good in quality; it had four pages of
16 inches long, the types were better. It had three columns and it was well
printed on the other hand Hickey’s paper was having two pages of shorter size,
crudely printed having only two (2)
columns. Hickey had found his customers deserting him. In a fit of
dismay and anger Hickey attacked the proprietors of the “Indian Gazette”, Peter
Reed and Bertrand Messinck, one a salt merchant and other one a theatrical
producer. Both had started their paper to promote their business interest
through it and toed the Government line.
Authorities showed their favor for “Indian Gazette” and extended
postal facilities to it, which they denied to Hickey. On this discrimination
from the company Hickey was suggested by many to approach Mrs Hastings for her
intervention with Mr. Hastings, Hickey rejected this suggestion saying, “there
is something so sneaking and treacherous in going clandestinely to fawn and
take advantage of a good natured women to draw her into promise to getting that
done which I knew would be highly improper to ask her husband, though his
unbounded love for his wife would induce him to comply with”.
There is also description of a socialite named Miss Eruma Wrangham
whom Hacky reported by different names in various gossip and fashion columns,
he often used Nicknames for her and she too seemed to be enjoying it, Hicky and Hastings were not on good terms
with each other. Hicky was habitually and with malice and ridicule reporting
and giving publicity to the social life of European community in Calcutta.
While announcing marriages and engagements, he would publish news of
engagements anticipated and utilized this to hit those he disliked.
Hastings also had a limit to bear this all. He was under pressure
from his own officials who wanted action against Hicky. Hicky was reminded
repeatedly of his limits but he firmly believed in freedom of press and advocated
that authorities can function with responsibility only under the gaze of a
vibrant and active press. Hicky continued with his style and way and in view of
his undeterred will Hastings had to take action against Hicky. The members of
the council had already asked for an action against Hicky. Hicky was booked for
defamation on two counts in June 1781, convicted and sentenced to two years
imprisonment and a fine of Rs.2000.
The chief Justice also awarded damages to Hastings of Rs.500/- but
Hastings waived it. Although Hickey was in prison, his paper continued to
appear regularly, and mysteriously his column too appeared in the same defiant
tone.
The paper had great public support. Hastings took action in time
in March 1782. This resulted in confiscation of the types. On appeal to the
clerk of the King, the King’s judge released the types. This decision was
hailed by Hickey as protecting the liberty of the press. But that was the end
of Hickey’s Gazette which had barely life of two years.
Hickey had done some printing work for the Government on order of
the company he had printed 16800 sheets and submitted a bill to the value of
Rs.35000/- but same was not given to him for a long time. And after a long time
only Rs.6711/- were approved for the full and final payment for this work,
which Hickey did not accept for a long time asking the authorities that the
work was not valued in proper accounting light. But at last when Hickey was
rendered resource less and poor he in utter penury had accepted this paltry
amount. If Hickey was indomitable Warren Hastings was equally revengeful. This
is how Hickey’s paper was killed.
2. Indian Gazette
(May 1780)
Indian Gazette was started by Bernard Messinck and Peter Reed in
May 1780. While Messinick was a theatrical Producer Peter Reed was a salt
merchant. Their purpose behind coming up with a paper was purely monetary
gains. They wanted to boost their business through newspaper. Though both were businessman, they took fancy
for journalism, with an ulterior motive to promote and protect mainly their
business interest. They gave tough competition to James Augustus Hickey. They
had more of a personal gain in view in place of any public oriented
undertaking. Unlike Hickey they requested Warren Hastings to grant them postal
services for the circulation of their paper. They further requested him to
appoint them as printers to the East India Company. They assured him that they would
not violate any laws and regulations laid down by him in connection with
publication and circulation of the paper.
The Indian Gazette, though enjoyed the support and confidence of
the authorities, invited the wrath of Hickey, who strongly criticized, probably
out of jealousy the printer promoter and partners of the paper.
3. Calcutta Gazette and
Oriental Advertiser. (1784)
Calcutta Gazette and Oriental Advertiser
Third paper was started in February 1784 and was named Calcutta
Gazette alias Oriental advertiser. This paper was published in India with cent
percent Government assistance. It published notices in different languages like
Bengali, Persian, and English. Subsequently, it became the official gazette.
In February 1785 fourth paper named Bengal Journal was started by
Thomas Jones. Thomas Jones, who was a
businessman, had requested Supreme Court to grant him Postal Concessions for
his paper and he would in return publish all the Government advertisements free
of cost. Calcutta Amusement or Oriental
Magazine was also established as first monthly publication.
In 1786 Calcutta Chronicles was started by James Silk Buckingham.
If James Augustus Hicky is considered the founder of journalism in India, James
Silk Buckingham is the father of journalism in India. He worked in close
association with Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who was a reputed Social Reformer, and one
ardent journalist himself. Buckingham raised many issues concerned with the
native population, like Sati, Child marriage with the Government and worked
towards the abolition of these kinds of social evils in Hindus. He also opposed
the repressive press policy of the British Authorities and reminded them that a
free press was essential for it worked like eyes and ears of the ruling
authorities. But authorities got biased towards Buckingham and a tiff between
Buckingham and Warren Hastings resulted in deporting Buckingham to Europe.
There was protest against this in local papers but that did not help to stop
deporting Buckingham.
In 1791 William Duane in partnership with M/S Dimkin and Cassan
“acquired the Bengal Journal” and became its editor, William Duane landed
straight into trouble by publishing rumored death of Lord Cornwallis, while
campaigning in Maratha war. Duane attributed the report to an eminent
Frenchman, who was commandant of affairs of French Nation in India.
Duane could not continue as editor of Bengal Journal and started
another paper named “Indian World”.
Indian World was carried by Duane for three to four years. He
never remained in good books of Government and was a marked man. Government
raided his residence and searched it in 1794. He complained against this to
Supreme Court but did not receive justice. He was ordered to leave India for
England. In England he tried to raise issue of press freedom in India, this
alarmed the British and they became much strict with the press in India.
In 1794-1798 Dr. Charles Maclean started “Bengal Harakuru” . He
too had series of encounters with post master general, and accused him of
delaying his letters addressed to him. Yet another incident included a letter
edited by McKinley reflecting upon the conduct of a Magistrate of Ghazipore.
The editor McKinley apologized but Maclean refused to do so. Maclean was
deported. On his arrival in England, Maclean played an important part in
campaign against Lord Wellesley, the Governor General, which led to the
resignation of Lord Wellesley in 1805. This marked the remarkable end of one
century, which gave birth to journalism in India.
All these newspapers were published in English by the Englishmen
to be mostly circulated among Englishmen working in or affiliated to the
British East India Company: almost all of them carried gossips columns. Fresh
news from abroad could not be published because of lack of communication
facilities. Therefore, whatever news from abroad appeared in them was sterile
and outdated. Probably to compensate this they published scandals involving
officials as well as private affairs. Personal grudges were transformed into
public grievances.
MADRAS
In Madras around the same time period in 1785 first Newspaper “Madras Courier” was started by Richard
Johnson. Richard was printer to the Government , on 12 October 1785 he came up
with Madras Courier the Government
immediately recognized it and passed order that all advertisements issued by
the government officials could be published in this Courier and they should be
treated as official notifications for all practical purposes. It came up as a weekly, consisting of four
pages, enjoying full support of government, each copy was sold at the price of
one Rupee and postal charge for its circulation was waived by the Government.
News items stale and already published in European papers were published in two
pages. One page was reserved as the reader’s forum for Indian news. Poems and
display advertisements occupied the last page. The Government extended its
ungrudging help and unstinting co-operation as was evident from the fact that
it exempted Richard Johnson from paying duty when the latter imported printing
machinery from England.
Hugh Boyd, who was the editor of the Madras Courier in 1791 after
being suspected of the fact that he was the author of certain objectionable
letters published in the paper against the East India Company left Madras
Courier and later established an independent paper called Harakuru. It was published for two years and following the death of
Boyd its publication was ceased.
Weekly
Madras Gazette
In 1795, Robert
Williams published in Madras the Weekly Madras Gazette. Enraged at this competition,
the Madras Courier complained that it would adversely affect the interest of the Company.
Introduction of the Persian and other language types by the Gazette was brought
to the notice of the Government by the Courier. But the government kept quiet
instead of taking any
action against the Gazette.
action against the Gazette.
It may be observed here
that as Hicky could not tolerate his rival paper, the India Gazette, the Madras
Courier also did not want that its rival, the Madras Gazette, should
grow and flourish. Jealousy reigned supreme in both the Bengal Gazette and Madras courier. Like
the former, the latter also published certain malicious writings and
behaved in an irresponsible manner.
Indian Herald
After one year “Indian Herald” an “unauthorized”
Newspaper was started by a very noted Englishman, Humphrey. He is admired for
his skill of editing and quality journalism. Humphreys was punished for
printing his paper without seeking proper permission from the then authorities. Press censorship act had come in vogue
(1795), which required all the publishers and editors to produce the proof of
their newspaper for scrutiny of content to Government, before publishing it.
Humphrey had violated this law. His paper was confiscated and there ended its
publication too.
Early Newspapers in Bombay
There was no newspaper in Bombay (Mumbai) until 1789. Though Bombay
was under English domination much earlier than either Bengal or Madras, the first
English newspaper, the Bombay Herald, a weekly, appeared in 1789 only. Later it became a government paper as it catered to
the whims of the Authorities. Luke Ashburner,
Alderman of the Bombay Municipality
founded in 1790 the second newspaper, the Bombay Courier, a forerunner of the present Times of India.
In 1792 Bombay herald and Bombay Gazette merged and Bomaby courier had
come into existence. Later Bombay courier was renamed Bombay Times in 1838.It was in 1868 that Bombay Times was renamed Times of India.
Robert Knight who came to India as agent of Cutler palmer and Company,
(one of the four big trading companies then doing roaring business in India)
wrote powerful features for Bombay Times. Mr. George Buist the then editor of
the Bombay Times left for England in 1858. Robert Knight was given Charge of
Bombay Times and it was in 1861 that the paper was renamed “Times of India”
Robert Knight introduced campaign Journalism; he campaigned on issues of
matters covering, social, economic, and political spheres. He mobilized public
opinion successfully on various public issues. He was accessible to the common
people and he was always ready to help or render piece of advice as a friend,
philosopher and guide in true spirit. When
he decided to go back home to England the people of Bombay due to his unmatched
popularity, accorded a very warm send off to him. He was presented a purse of
Rupees one lakh as spontaneous gesture of good will: it was a rear honor to a
journalist.
Knight came back in 1868 for the love of India. He was shareholder of
“Times of India”. On some point of policy, he developed differences with the
other shareholders and in utter disgust, he sold off his share. He left for
Calcutta and started monthly journal under title “Indian Economist”. The Government
of Calcutta was so much impressed with his responsible journalistic writings
that it offered Knight Job of Assistant Secretary to the Government Department
of Agriculture. He was asked to edit “Agriculture Gazette of India”.
However, due to differences with officials he resigned and returned to
his own journalistic profession. He founded “The Statesman”. He bought
Serampora Baptist Mission mouthpiece Journal “Friend of India” for Rs.35000/-
and brought it to Calcutta.
He entertained and propagated radical views on trade; he advocated free
trade without fetters whatsoever. Knight ceaselessly worked for bringing the
British and the Indians closer/together. He was true Indian friend, considering
India as his second home. He rendered social service and backed many social
upliftment schemes. He made other editors, especially English editors,
conscious of their responsibility towards Indian subjects. He earned
distinction of being the last of the English journalists to combine so well the
role of professional journalist and social worker. His paper was very popular
costing just one anna a piece against 4 anna of other papers. Knight helped A O
Hume in forming Indian National Congress. He worked without fear and reproach.
Early
Newspapers: "British in Content"
These early newspapers were certainly an important source of information
and published as many news items as possible after borrowing them from
English newspapers. Taking steps so as not to antagonize the government, they
published "letters to the editors". But much space was devoted
to government notices, society news, the poet's corner, advertisements and fashion notes. News
items relating to births, marriages, deaths, arrivals and departures of
important Britishers also found their place in the newspapers. However,
much emphasis was laid on publishing foreign news than covering Indian
affairs. They were often least interested to highlight the Indian problems.
Editorials hardly bothered to draw the attention of the government to problems
afflicting the Indian society. Therefore, it would not be wrong to observe that
these early papers were mostly "British" in content and
nature.
Growth of
Indian Language Press
The pioneers of Indian Language journalism were the Serampore
missionaries with Bengali language monthly journal “ Digdarshan” in April 1818.
The Irish Chritain missionaries had come to India to disseminate (spread) the
gospel of holy Bible.
At that time people of the Serampore and the surrounding areas were
grinding in abject poverty. Missionaries took benefit of this situation and
under the cover of humanitarian service; they made an indirect effort to covert
people to their faith. By doing so, these missionaries also wanted to sense the
reaction of the East India Company in Calcutta to their act. They knew that the
company was not ready to offend local people whose religious sentiments these
missionaries had started attacking and criticizing.
Still, encouraged with the success of “Digdarshan” these missionaries
brought another journal in Bengali named “ Samachar Darpan” in April 1818 . Both the papers were
published by John Marshman. Soon another journal in Bengali language was
published by a teacher named Ganga Kishore Bhattacharya, he had named the
journal” Vengal Gazette”, He was having very progressive ideas and was greatly
influenced by the reformist ideas of Raja Ram Mohan Roy. Roy himself was a
reputed journalist already.
A strategy to propagate Christian religion, the missionaries attacked the
rituals, religious practices and beliefs of Hindus and Muslims. Lord Wellesley
the then Governor General of East India Company did not like such attacks of
the missionaries of other religious groups. However later Governors provided
facilities and other privileges to the Serampore publications. Theu encouraged missionaries for same would
provide vital and useful information of sensitive nature about the social and
political account of the people to the company.
Government contributed to these
journals of missionaries and “Samachar Darpan” , was granted further help in
1826 whereas an Indian Joogal Kishore Sookal was denied any kind of such help,
when he had applied for the same for his paper “Oodunt Martand”, claiming
parity with “Samachar Darpan”.
Government was compelled to withdraw concessions extended to “Samachar
Darpan”, which resulted in its heavy losses and its publication had to be
ceased in 1840. “Digdarshan” had already stopped in 1827.
Another pioneer in the local language press is Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who
had great hand in shaping and reforming the Hindu Society. He worked rigorously
for the total renaissance of the Hindus. He led a campaign in journals by
writing against the ills of Sati and Child marriage. He convinced authorities
in power to take sufficient measures for the betterment of Indians on the
whole.
He was a prolific writer, a great thinker and ardent social reformer. The
weekly periodicals and journals carried his articles very gladly. He started
his journey in journalism with sincerity and dedication.
He brought journals named “Brahminical Magzine”, in English, “Sambad
Kumudi”, in Bengali and “Mirat-ul-Akhbar” in Persian. He persuaded people to
fight for truth and uphold and evolve a way of life.
He was distressed by his opponents, who opposed him and harmed him in
many ways. He was against arbitrary press laws and had to stop publication of
Mirat-ul-Akhbar, in protest of these laws.
His efforts to oppose redundant religious customs and beliefs was
vehemently opposed by the “Samachar Chandrika”, another paper started by
Bhowani Chander Banerjee, who many think was editor of “Sambad Kumudi” and left
it after developing severe differences 0with Raja Ram Mohan Roy on his beliefs
regarding Sati and other evils, which Roy was opposing.
J Long a writer tells us that Lord William Bentinck had abolished Sati
and Lord had confessed that “Sambad Kumudi”, had played a great role in
motivation of this act. “Sambad Kumudi” has a record of having continued from
1819 to 1855 for about 33 years and it was edited by Tarachand Dutta and Baba
Bhubanicharan Budopadia. Mirat-ul-Akhbar was stopped within one year because of
press restrictions. Among other papers were “Samachar Chandrika”, Jame-Jahan-numa and a Persian newspaper
“Hurrehurdut” with Lala Sadha Sook as editor and “Shamas-ul-Akhbar” by Mohan
Mitter and Mnne Ram Thacoor which had
filed the dreaded declarations prescribed by the British to run a paper.
Amrit Bazar Patrika was another land mark in language press journalism in
the latter part of the nineteenth century. It was founded with joint efforts of
three Ghosh Brothers in 1868 as a weekly paper in Bengali language. The three
Brothers were Hemant Kumar Ghosh, Sisir Ghosh and Moti Lal Ghosh. They set up
the press and publication in Jessore which is now in Bangladesh. They published
without fear the ground realities of India and threw light on the
administrative aspects of the British Government preceded by the consequences
of the foreign rule in India.
There was very limited circulation; a few columns were published in
English. The paper and press moved to Calcutta in 1871. Ghosh brothers took
publishing a paper as mission. The patrika was persistently targeted by the
authorities but three brothers stood like a firm rock at their ground; they
continued with their journalism with all vigor and full nationalism. The Ghosh
brothers had good contacts at all levels in the administration and the Indian
society.
The vernacular press was gaining momentum and establishing credibility
with the Indian masses everywhere. The Government became increasingly
suspicious of vernacular press and wanted to control it through repressive
measures. It is this background, which promoted the Government to proclaim an
ordinance. Therefore, in 1878, vernacular press act was promulgated, effective
from March 21. 1878. The Ghosh, Brothers
particularly Moti Lal Ghosh, changed the language of the paper from Bengali to English
overnight to escape wrath of the pre-determined Government.
The effect was opposite in the case of the Patrika; its popularity
increased as it became more vigorous in English language. No one could muster courage in English
administration to curb this paper. It made British political Agent pack his
luggage to England, as his report to mitigate action against this paper was
rejected by the viceroy.
In fact Motilal Ghosh, who had good friendly relations with the then
viceroy Lord Curzon had helped S C Bose to be readmitted to Presidency College
Kolkata when he had been thrown out of the college on charges of carrying
activities of nationalism, which would offend British rulers. In 1920, James
Lewis, famous writer and editor had called Patrika best nationalist paper.
After the war of independence in 1857 called the press act of 1857 called
the gagging act, was passed to regulate the printing press in India. The Act:
1. Prohibited
the keeping or using of printing press without license from the Government,
which assumed discretionary powers to grant license, and to evoke these at any
time.
2. It conferred
on Government the power to prohibit the publication or circulation of any
Newspaper, book or other printed paper.
3. No
distinction was made between publications in English or other printed matter.
4. It was
applicable to whole of India and its duration was limited to one year till June
13 1858.
5. The procedure
for obtaining license
Another notable personality in Bengali Journalism was Dwarikanath Tagore.
He started “Bangadoot” in Bengali. He gave financial assistance to a number of
Newspapers, among them the Englishmen, when crisis took over them in 1830, he
saved many from extinction.
Other Bengali Journals and Newspapers are “Aajka”, a Bengali daily from
Kolkata, “Anand Bazar Patrika”, started by notable freedom fighter Praffula
Chandera Sarkar from Kolkta, Siliguri. “Bartaman Patrika”, is leading Bengali
Newspaper published from Kolkata, Siliguri, Burdwan, Malada and Midnapore. “Sangbad
Patrika was the first Bengali Newspaper to start online edition and published
from Kolkata, “Uttar Banga Sambad is Bengali paperfrom Cooch Bihar and Malada.
“Ganashakti”, is the official representative mouth piece of communist party of
India Marxist. It first appeared in 1967.
In fact the first Bengali daily Newspaer was published in 1839 titled
“Sambad Pravarkar”. It was patronized by Ishwar Chandera Gupta. Another Journal
during this time were, “Bangadoot”, “Vividhartha”, “Sangrah” (1851) “Masik
Patra” (1854) and “Som Prakash” (1851)
The first weekly within the
territory of today’s Bangladesh, “Rangpur Bartaba” was published in (1847) from
Rangpur. The first weekly from Dhaka,
“Dacca News” was published in 1856. The long lasting “Dhaka Prakash” was first
published in 1861 and Dhaka Darpan was published in 1863.
The Bengali press in fact played a great role in highlighting the
oppression of the British rulers and the Bengali press suffered the most
reprisals by the British Government after the mutiny in 1857.
A survey of Indian language press by sir George Compbell in 1876 showed
that half of the total number of 38 Newspapers was published from Kolkata.
However, by the end of the 19th century Newpapers had started their
publication from across the country. Some remarkable Newspapers were coming out
from Bengal. The “Sulava Samachar” in 1870 by
Keshab Chandera Sen. It was weekly priced one pice per paper. It had
circulation of 3500 copies. “Haiskar Patrika” by Babu Kisari Mohan Ganguli, “
Bharat Shramjibi” “Basumati”, edited by Krisana Kamal Bhattacharya.
“Bande Mataram”, by Aruobindo Ghosh, had given a new dimension to
political thought, “Nayak”, in 1908 by Panch Cowrie Banerjee and “Anand Bazar Patrika”,
by Mrinal Kanti Ghosh in 1922 with Prafulla Kumar Sarkar and Suresh Chandera
Majumdar , “Jugantar”, in 1937 by the Amrit Bazar Patrika Group had made mark
in the Indian Journalism of Bengali Language.
Bengali language Journalism suffered a lot due to partition. A good slice
of its readership went to the then East Pakistan.
Notable two papers were started after Independence by a congress
politician Atulay Ghosh, which included “Lokshakti”, and “Janasevak”.
The Bengali Press is in the third largest group after Hindi and English
in Country today. As per the Indian readership survey for the year 2011 results
the five most read Bengali Newspapers are:
Name
Paper Readership
1. Anand Bazar
Patrika 59.52 lakh
2. Bartaman 29.63
Lakh
3. Sangbad
Pratidin 9.58 Lakh
4. Ganashakti 7.90 Lakh
5. Aajkal 6.28
Lakh
HINDI
JOURNALISM
In initial phase the Hindi Press was concerned solely with the social and
religious questions and there was not much involvement in political affairs.
Attention was focused on ridding Hindu Society of Social evils like Sati, Child
Marriage and untouchability and so also on education. As such we can divide the development in the
fallowing manner;
The early Hindi Newspaper was started in Calcutta in 1826. It was a
weekly , Oodunt Martand, its editor Joogal Kishore, Shukla. He faced many
difficulties in running it.
To
understand and read Development of Hindi Journalism it is necessary to divide
different period eras. Trough this classification we would be able to
understand nature and role of Journalism.
Era of
Journalism
According
to Kashi Nagrik Pracharni in devlopnment of hindi literature following are main
eras:-
-:
First Development Era = 1826-1867
-:
Second Development Era = 1868-1920
-:
Third Development Era = After 1920
History
of the press in India
S.Natranjan
has classified the eras of journalism on following prospective
1. Seed
Time
2. Influence
British Opinion
3. The
National Awakening
4. Democracy
& the Press
Dr Ram
Chandra Tiwari has divided eras of journalism as following
1.
Rising Era {1826 – 1867 }
2.
Bhartandu Era {1868 - 1900}
3.
Drivedi or tilak Era {1900 - 1920}
4.
Gandhi Era {1921 – 1947 }
5.
Era after Independence {1947
– till date }
Rising
Era
In the
era before 19 century British government crushed Hindi and Hindi journalism.
Because of efforts of Raja Ram Mohan Roy Hindi journalism was not
fully trodden. The initial paper of Hindi journalism was mostly newspapers.
1. Digdarshan
( 1818 )
2. Gospal
Magzine ( 1820 )
3. Urdandh
Martandh ( 1826 )
Dr
Mahadev Saha has termed digdarshan as first Hindi newspaper on April 1818.This
was publish by “ kolkota School book Society ”The motive of the paper was for
the general studies and entertainment for Indian students. Today no issue of
this paper is available. In whole world digdarshan is known as a book not as a
newspaper. The shape of this paper was double crown. And it contains 16 pages
which was the normal size of books of that period. Only 2-3 edition was only
publish.
Dr J.H
Anand has termed gopspal magazine as first Hindi newspaper. This paper was
publish nearly for 5-6 years. Advertisement were also publish in this paper.
Some edition of this paper is available at London Library. This paper was
published by Kolkata’s Bangla Auxiliary Missionary Society. This paper contains
16 pages. According to modern research this was Hindi’s first newspaper but proof
of regular edition of the paper is not available.
Urdhand
Martandh is one of the golden points in the development of Hindi journalism.
This paper was started publishing on 30 May 1826 from kalkata. The publisher
and editor of this paper was Jugal Kishore Shukul. Meaning of urdhandh is news.
And meaning of mardhandh is sun. Like sun rays this paper Newspaper spread its
view among the populace. And worked as a light for movement. In first edition
of this paper Jugal Kishore Shukul wrote “Speakers of Hindi should read and
understand real news in their own language and try to cherish it. This is the
only motto of the publisher and editor of this paper.”This paper was the weekly
paper for which special permission was taken before publishing. The publisher
and manager of this paper was Munnu Thakur. The motto of this paper was to
spread education in the country.
Banaras Newspaper
was published from Banaras in 1845. This paper was the first Hindi weekly
newspaper which was published from a Hindi state. The editor of the paper was
Govind Nath Thatte and administrator was Shiv Prasad “Sitara Hind”. This paper
was published in Hindi language, flooded with Arabic and Farsi words.
“Sudahkar
” was published in the editor leadership of Tara Mohan Maitra in 1850.This
paper was published in both hindi and Bengali languages.From the view of
language this was the first paper of hindi state.The circulation of this paper
was 74.
In
1852, from Agra “Budhi Prakash” was started publishing under the editorship of
Lal Sada Sukh Lal.In this paper articles related to
History,Geogrphy,Education,Maths, Science etc were published. Government bought
200 copies of this paper and distributed them amongst various schools.
In
1855,from Agra Sarva Hith Karak .In 1859,from Ahmdabad Dharma Prakash
. And in 1863, from Sikandara Lokamt was published.
Samachar
Sudhavarshad is stated as first Hindi newspaper. This paper was published in
both hindi and Bengali languages. The editor of this paper was Shyam Sundar Sen
and the owner of the press was Mahendra Nath.
In
1854 , Prarambh jhas paper the starting two edition was in hindi and then the
two edition followed were in Bengali so this paper is considered as
two-language-newspaper .Beside Financial news and national news this paper also
contain ample amount of paranormal news. An article on accurate news was
also published. This paper use to give tempo and warning both to the British
Rules and Rule Makers. In this paper both National and International News was published.
But this paper was unable to boost the moral to fight against social injustice.
In this paper’s editorial page an article was published criticizing
Widow-Remarriage.This paper published till 1873.This was the first Indian Paper
which was published for so many years.
First Independence Revolution
The
story of Indian journalism is the story of Indian development. Both the things
are vice-versa interconnected to each other. Journalism gave platform for
nation’s development. Hindi Journalism was born to give a fire to National
movement providing and developing cultural awareness. It was not born for
financial profits in fact for sacrifice, meditation and felling to forgo. The
most important paper of this era was ‘Payama Azadi’. This was published on 8
February 1857 by leader of independence movement Azimulaah Khan .This was
published from Delhi. One edition of this paper in marathi was published
fromJhansi. This paper has that effect on populance that British Government was
frightened. Government tried all his hands to stop printing of this paper.
Whosoever was found with any edition of this paper was harassed. Son of Bhadur
Shah Jafar ‘Kedar Takht’ was the publisher-copier of this paper. Indian
populace were impressed with the agitate philosophy of Azimullah Khan . When on
8 April 1857, Mangal Pandey was hanged in whole country ample amount of mass
agitation started. Historical Article of Bahudur Shah Jafar was published.
Stories of Mangal Pandey,Tatya Topey,Maharani Laxmi bai and other revelatory
fighters were published. This paper was satisfactory on Political and Social
aspect.
In
1858 Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar published ‘Som Prakash’ in Bengali. This paper
became famous for it’s terrified and ineffable behavior. In 1861 Devendra
Nath Tagore and Manmohan ghosh started publishing –‘Indian Ghosh’.J.H
Stockyuglar started ‘English Men’,Jorge Alen started Pioneer in 1865,In 1868
Motilal Ghosh started Amrit Bazar Patrika. These papers worked for the
enlistment of Indian journalism and for the rights of Indian populace. This era
manufactured a strong base for the coming era journalism.
Bhartandu
era of Journalism
In
this era the impact of British rule was on it’s highest extent. Indian’s were
in very bad condition since they were harassed by the British. British get
alarmed when any new paper starts publishing they consider it as alarming for
their rule in our country. And they effetely off the new paper with hook or
crook. The prime agenda which was their with the journalist of Bhartandu Era
was to decelerate the English rule impact on our country. The journalists of
this era were familiar with the new technologies of journalism. The credit to
establish Hindi as a language goes to Bhartandu only. Bhartandu was the part of
each and every magazine and paper published in this era. This era is termed as
an era which was the opening of complete journalistic products. We can see
progressiveness in each and every printing product of this era. The subject and
content of the papers were unique. But time to time they can be unexceptional
also. On this basis the magazines-papers can be classified on following types
:-
1. Social
Magazines-Papers :-
The
main aim of magazines-papers of this group was to re-boost the moral of the
Indian society which has been socially harassed by the British. The main
content agenda on this papers were Children –Marriage , Widow-Remarriage,
Purdah Tradition, Female Education etc. Examples of this group papers are
Balabojhni-1889-Editor-Bhartandu, Bharatbandhu-1874,Mitravilas-1877,
Su-grehri-1889 etc.
2. Literature Magazines-Papers :-
The
credit to establish Hindi as an important language of our country goes to the
magazines-papers of this era. National Integration and desire
of Independence can be seen in the articles of this era. In these
magazines-papers Poems, Stories, Articles, Essay etc were published. Less space
were given to the content related to News. Every writing were comical or critic
note on any issue. Examples of important magazines-papers of this group are
Hindi Pradeep-1877, Harishchandra magazines-1873, brahmarh-1883, Kavya
Kala Nidhi-1900, Saraswati-1900 etc.
Tilak
Era of Journalism
This
era started from 1900 till 1920. The major emphasis of this era was from
Mahavir Prasad Drivedi and Lokmanyatilak. Through Saraswati Drivedi Ji provided
new platform to literature and language. In this era only through marathi daily
Kesari he provided a fire to the independence movement excluding all political
grievances. Dr Ram Chandra Tiwari divides magazines-papers of this era in two
types :-
1. Political
magazines-papers :-
To
demoralize national independence movement British government divided Bengal in
July 1905. On the result many magazines-papers were started publishing.
Yugantar-bengali, Sandhya-bengali, Vande Matram- English are some of the
important magazines-papers.Yugantar gave the Complete Independence issue
whereas through Vande Matram ,Mharahi Arvind informed the British that India is
for Indian’s. Lokmanyatilak through ‘Swaraj Hamara Janmasidhya Adhikar Hai aur
hum isi pa kar rahenge’ gave new base to the populace. Youth started working
towards complete independence. Two most important papers published in this era
are Maratha- English – 2 janvary 1881, Kesari- Marathi – 3 janvary 1881. In
1890 Lokmanya Tilak take over the editorship of Kesari. His motto was to
educate people and change their mind-set. He was in favour of freedom of words.
Writing of Lokmanya Tilak was very influential. He fight for the
independence through his aggressive writing. Lokmanya Tilak was the first who
explained the people about the political positivity of Journalism.
In
1903 from Nagpur ‘Kesari’ was started publishing. The editor of this
paper was Madhavrai Sapra. The translated hindi articles of lokmanya Tilak were
publish in hindi Kesari. This was the paper of the extremist. Kesari, Hindi
Kesari and Maratha played an important role in Freedom Movement.
In
1908 because of publishing of aggressive articles Madhavrav Sapre was jailed.
And in 1909 Hind Kesari was stopped publishing. On 9 november 1913
from Kanpur Pratap was started publishing. The editor of this weekly
paper was Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi. In the first edition Vidyarthi Ji wrote
“Benefit of all humankind is the prime motto of our paper, and one of the major
part of this motto is development of populace of our country”.
Weekly
‘Swadesh’ was started publishing from Gorakhpur in 1919.The editor and
estabisher of this paper was Dasrat Prasad Drivedi. Inspite of opposite
circumstances Drivedi Ji published it till 1939.To spread independence movement
in uttar Pradesh is credited to this weekly only. Because of Articles fulfilled
with national integration Pandit Pandey,Vechak Sharma Ugra and editor Dashradh
Prasad Drivedi has to go to jail from time to time.In 1907 from Kolkata
‘NriSingh’,In 1907 only ‘Abhudhya’ from Prayag, In 1909 from Prayag ‘Karmayogi’
are some of the majar political papers of this era.
2. Litrature
magazines-papers :-
Beside
Tilak art of aggressive political writing there were ample of literature and
language creations were also published. In 1900, ‘Saraswati’ from
Allahabad , In 1900 only ‘Sudharshan’ from Kashi, In 1902 ‘Samalochak’ from
Jaipur etc are some of the important papers-magazines of this era. The knot of
literature creations were handled by ‘Saraswati’ only. This magazines was
started publishing from Kashi by ‘Nagrik Pracharni Sabha’ in August 1899. In
1903, Pandit Mahaveer Prasad Drivedi became the editor of this magazines. In
this magazine creations related to litraure, art, culture , language were
important publishing items. Dr Ramratan Bhatnagar has considered it as an
important magazine. According to him this magazine has worked to make language
more influential and effortful by publishing contents and creations in ‘khadi
boli’ which include publishing related to science, history, social awareness
etc .It also used Sanskrit Vocabulary in it. And also given space to short
stories. So from all these examples we can termed ‘Saraswati’ as an important
pillar for the upliftment of journalism in India.
Religious
and ethnic magazines-papers :-
Ample
amount of newspapers were publish to spread religion.In this aspect many
religions like Arya Samaj, Vaisrav, Shaiv, Brahmo Samaj etc started their own
paper. Christains started working on this aspect. On 1 janvary 1863 ‘Lokmitra’
started publishing fromAgra. After that number of papers were started
publishing. Brahmo Samaj published ‘Jyan Padhin Magazine’ in 1866.Arya Samaj
started publishing ‘Arya Patrika’.
Satya
Prakash-1883, Do Sewak-1892, etc are some of the important papers.Besides these
Religious papers some cast papers were also published like ‘Jain Bodhak-1884’ ,
‘GorKayasth-1884’ , ‘Kayasth Panch-1890’ , ‘Brahmar Hitkari-1892’, ‘khatri
Hitkari-1888’, ‘Jat Samachar-1889’ , ‘Agrawal Upkarak-1889’, etc.
In
Bhartandu era paper related to health like ‘Aroogya Jiwan-1889’, ‘Aropaithik
Doctor-1895’were also published.And some Financial papers like ‘Vaipar Hitaishi-Kashi-1892’,
‘Deshi Vaipari-Kolkata-1884’ were also published.Agriculture related paper
‘Krishi Karak-Amrawati’ was also published in 1900.
The
content of this magazines-papers of the Bhartandu Era were very brief and
concise. So the exact classification is not possible.
1. Daily
Magazine-Papers :- ‘Samachar Sudhavarsan’, ‘Hindostan’, ‘Bharat Mitra’ etc
2. Weekly
Magazine-Papers :- ‘Kavi Vachan Sudha’ , ‘Sar Sudha Nidhi’ , ‘Rajasthan
Samachar’ etc
3. Half-Monthly
Magazine-Papers :- ‘Bhartandu’, ‘Budhi Prakash’ , ‘Kavi Vachan Sudha’ , ‘Bihar
Bandu’ etc
4. Monthly
Magazine-Papers :- ‘Bihar Bandhu’ , ‘Harish Chandra Magazine’ , ‘Hindi
Pradeep’ , ‘Bachmar’ etc
The
news of this era was appropriately edited with national attachment.
Nation’s Independence was the most significant point of this Era’s
Papers. Every paper tried to inform the populace all type of political and
social problems done by the English. To Attract the common people the heading
of the articles were very interstater and attracting. These Titles can have
critical or influential meaning. In the beginning of this era advertisement
were very less in number present in the papers. But with the development of
Journalism the number of advertisement also increased. Firstly the
advertisements were mostly about the new issue or new paper but with time
commercial advertisement also make a big place in the papers.
Style
of Vocabulary:-
Every
writer of this era was a journalist. This era not only made Hindi strong
grammatically but also set a platform to make it as our national language. All
writer-journalist and noble people worked for this all their life. They all
agreed that without development of our language development of our nation is
impossible. To develop Hindi as a language the papers of this era made every
effort through printing poems, stories, articles etc . All the
journalist-writer were also agreeable that there should be only one national language
and Hindi is the only language which can be made national language. The
journalist-writer of this era not only made Hindi a strong language
grammatically but made it language of communication also. But this exercise
made Hindi strong as communication language but not strong grammatically.
From
the above Para this is proven that Journalism of Bhartandu-Era was
full of hard work and helped in excluding Political incorrectness. This was
undoubtedly the ‘Golden Era of Journalism’.
Gandhi
era of Journalism
After
1920 the mentorship of Indian politics was taken by Mahatma Gandhi. The famous
formula of Gandhi that is non violence agitation and fighting for independence
peacefully the populace of India gave the independence struggle into
Gandhi’s hand. Gandhi was complete Journalist. The power of Journalism was
known to him. That is why he once said “Any struggle without base of newspaper
is not possible” . Gandhi Ji started and published “Indian Opinion” fromSouth
Africa on 4 June 1903. The language of this paper was Hindi, English,
Gujarati and Tamil. Gandhi was under cover Editor of this paper. It provided
awareness amongst Indians living outside their nation in Africa and
other countries. He also developed an air of national love and agitation
against wrong politics and social rights harassed by the English. Through his
magazine he also spread Indian culture and traditions through out the globe. At
that time the count of readers of that magazine crossed 2000 also. After the
‘Jaila wala Bagh’ tragedy English were at the back seat at that time
Young India was published. Editor of Young India was Gandhi
Ji only. After some days the gujrati edition of Young India was
published on July 1919 by name of ‘Navjivan’. These monthly papers were changed
to Weekly after some days. And together with that hindi edition was also
published. After some days, name of YoungIndia,Navjivan and Hindi Navjivan was
changed to “Harijan”. The name was the symbol of low group populace of our
country. So Harijan was published in Hindi, English and Gujrati. The major
point of these editions was that there were no advertisement printed in these
papers. The main co writers in Harijan with Gandhi were Mahadev Bhai Desai,
Beyogi Hari, Pyare Lal Ji, Ram Narayan Chaudhari etc. Popularity of Gandhi Ji
doubled as a journalist with the help of Harijan. Through this paper he
provided strength to the movements he launched like Non-Coperation Movement,
Salt Movement, Khilafat Movement etc. English Government tried all his hands to
stop these papers with the help of Press Act also. On 8 August 1942 from
an order all papers which were part of movement against British were banned.
With Gandhi Ji’s ideology only Sacha Sahitya Mandal started publishing ‘Tyag
Bhumi’ . The important content of this paper were related to Society
Devlopment,Against Child Marriage, Female Education etc. The other
important papers of this era are ‘Pratap-1913-Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi’,
‘Aaj-1920-’, ‘Sansar-1944-Kamla Pati Tripathi’, ‘Sangarsh-1937-Acharya Narayan
Dev’, ‘Navbharat-1934-Ram Gopal Maheswari’ etc. These all were political
papers. Some Literature Magazine were ‘Madhri-1922’ , ‘Chand-1922’ ,
‘Hans-1930-Premchand’ , ‘Matwala-Nirala’ etc.
Aaj,Arjun,Pratap,Hindustan,Navbharat,Visvabandhu and Aryaver also provided strength
to the national independence movement.
In
1920 literature paper ‘Karamveer’ was published. Publishing of Karamveer was an
important step of this era. This paper provided strength to the national
movement not by aggressive language but with peaceful agitation through words.
Hindi Poems were important content of this paper. This provided importance to
the Hindi Poems and given new platform.
Arjun
paper in 1923 became veer arjun in 1939 editor was Indra Vidya Vachaspati.
Undergrond publishing of the papers also started in this period. British
Government tried all his hands to stop all papers. Babu Rav Vishnu Pararkar and
Acharya Naryan Dev were important personalities of publishing underground
papers. They published Bavandur, Bol De Dhava, Sakhnad, Jyalamukhi etc were
printed in Cyclo Style and distributed amongst the populace. So we see Gandhi
Era was full with peaceful and aggressive both type of agitation. This era of
Journalism was full with NationalIndependence Movement, National
Integration and brotherhood amongst populace amongst populace.
Journalism
after Independence
Journalism
during Independence Movement was like a mission. The motto of this
era’s journalism was to increase unity, nation love and feeling of nationhood
amongst populace and to rebuild tradition and cultures of our nation.
Mostly all of the journalists were part of independence struggle. The
energy through which journalists work before independence vanished
afterwards. In other words Hindi Journalism after independence was on the
wrong track. Commercialization attained major portion then real Journalism.
Editor’s hijacked Newspapers with were owned by Industrialists. So the
competition also increased which was in terms of profit and loss. But with all
types of negative situations Hindi Journalism continued to develop society
normally and financially also. To make India a democratic country the
biggest contribution was from Hindi Journalism. Indian Journalism worked as a
middle point between Government and common people. According to one survey in
1979 it was proved that circulation digits of English Newspapers were
decelerated by Hindi Newspapers only. On one hand in that year the circulation
of Hindi Newspapers was 9706000. On the other hand the circulation of English
Newspapers was 9030000. Whether it was News Gathering , Printing Technology ,
Layout etc in every field development happened.
In
today’s time there are different columns for News , Literature , Society ,
Culture, Female world, Children, Music, Films, Finance, Industrial Area,
Sports, Health, Education , Critical Writing etc Magazines-Newspapers presents
a developed World of Journalism. Overall we can state that
after Independence Hindi Journalism attained a new platform. In these
National and Language Movement , Cultural Awareness, Historical Notes, Critical
Notes etc are printing day by day. The only Biggest Challenge which is there
for Hindi Journalism is Commercialization. In today’s time different Journalism
Agencies are competing with each other for Advertisement and are acting like a
puppets in hands of Industrialists and different Politicians. This is the
biggest danger on Indian Journalism.
Papers-Magzines
of Hindi
After
independence many daily, three days, weekly, fifteen days, monthly, quarterly,
six monthly ,three montly etc papers-magazines were published in massive
numbers on different types of issues .Newspapers are mostly daily
or weekly on one hand, on other hand magazines are mostly weekly,
fifteen days, monthly, quarterly, six monthly ,three monthly etc On different
types of newspapers-magazines published currently can be classified on
following classification :-
1. News-Social
Issues Newspapers-Magazines :-
According
to the survey digits in 1997 the total numbers of Hindi Daily Newspapers are
2004. And number of readers are 307500000. Newspapers-magazines which are read
by so many readers basically belong to content of news. This is the major motto
of Journalism. Daily Newspapers are mostly related to News-based stories.
According to 1997 survey only there were 31 Big, 130 Middle and 179 small
papers printed in 1996 with in 339. 156 papers gave 90% content space to News.
Some important papers of states are:-
Bihar
Aaj, Ranchi Express,
Prabhat Khabar{Jharkhand}
Madya
Pradesh
Navbharat,
Dainik Bhaskar, Nai Duniya, Desh Bandhu, Swadesh, Chota Sansar.
Uttar
Pradesh
Dainik
Jagran, Aaj, Amar Ujala, amrit Prabhat, Rashtriya Sahara,Hindustan
Delhi
Navbharat
Times, Jansatta, Hindustan, veer, Arjun etc
West
Bengal
Jansatta,
visvayudha, Samvad
Rajasthan
Dainik
Bhaskar, Rajdhut
Haryana
& Punjab
Punjab Kesari
Important
Magazines of news related contents are India Today, Outlook
,Sukhrvar, Senior India, India News etc
2 Literature
content Newspapers-Magazines :-
Magazines-papers
related to literature have there own share in the readers from years. It not
only develops human’s creativity but aspires populace also. The magazines of
this group have also developed Hindi as a language and given it a big platform.
Massive number of literature agitation has taken place with the base made by
these magazines only. These also develop new form of writing.Some of the
important in them are sakshakar, Ansh, Naya gyan uday, Rangayan, Katha kram,
katha desh etc. Indiais a country of diversity so all these religions
publish magazines to publicize their religions. The content of these magazines
was to publisise their religions but if also developed society.Some of mazor
Religious and philospical magazines are Akhand Yogi-Mathura, Aru Prad-Delhi,
Jid Vani-Jaipur, Santhan Dharam-Kashi, Sudarshan-Meerut etc
3. Films
& Sports Newspapers-Magazines
Indian
films are a prickly medium of Communication. All newspapers publish content
related films and entertainment may be in daily edition or special weekly
edition.Nai Duniya which is published fromIndore,publish special edition for
films this is considered as an important film magazine. Mayapuri,Filmi Duniya,
Chitra Rekha, Filmfare etc are some of the important film magazine. Because of
attraction towards sports and many youngsters making it as a carrier the
importance of sports papers-magazines have also increased. In every newspaper
we would definitely see a sports page.Some of important sports magazines are
Khel-Khiladi, Khel-Samachar, Cricket Samrat, Khel Bhartiye etc
4. Children
& Ladies Newspapers-Magazines
Children
have their own world. It have their own desire and aspiration. Children through
poems and short stories can understand Tuff Traditions, Education and
Social rules very easily. Children Magazines are in great numbers for kids.
Every paper contains special space for content related to Children. Nandan,
Champak, Chanda Mama, Lot-Pot etc are some of important magazines for children.
Some papers publish special issues for women. In these the content is related
to Lifestyle, Relationships, Care of Children, Decoration of House, Style of
living etc
5. Science
Newspapers-Magazines
Science
is an art of Creation. To publicize new creations and researches the credit is
unto the Journalist. And till time Journalist have performed this duty very
well. Some of important Science magazines-papers are Vigyan Aviskar, Vigyan
Pragati, etc
6. Surreptitious
& amp; thrill- Newspapers-Magazines
In
hindi there are several magazines-papers publish which are related to content
which is thrilling. In this stories which are fictional and related to police
fights are mostly published. Several Readers like these types of contents. In
1939 from Allahabad Mitra Prakashan published Manohar Kahani. The
stories which are published were related to murder, assassinate, slaughter,
killing, massacre, robbery, corruption etc This magazine was also published in
Gujrati. Some of the important magazines of this group are Satya Katha,Manohar
Kahania, Nutan Kahania. Mahanagar Kahania, Madhur Kahania etc
After
independence magazines were publish in which content related to
Education,Science,Farming,Finance,Computer,wrong beliefs etc So wholly we can
say after independence we can say Journalism attained more importance. Through
not only political news but with all type of stories whether it is culture or
social not only developed journalism of our country but also our nation. So
circulation of magazines-papers also increased in great numbers
after Independence. Journalism also highlighted problems faced by the
commoners. Hindi Journalism created a strong platform for populace who speak
Hindi, Write Hindi and also developed Hindi Literature and Language. Urdhand
Marthand showed the capability of our nation. Papers-Magazines like Kavi
Vachan, Sudha Hindi Pradeep, Brahman, Hindostan, Saraswati,Pratap,AAj,Karamveer
,Swadesh not only developed Hindi but also provided a light to fight
for Independence in Populace. These also provided a new base for
Hindi Journalism and gave the information to youngsters about our nation’s
culture, traditions etc.
Important
& Famous Hindi Magazines-Papers
1.
Udant martand
The
First newspaper of Hindi Udant martand was started publishing on
30,May,1826.This paper was published weekly from Calcutta. The content of
this papers has every type of stories. . Urdhand Mrtand was weekly Newspaper.
And it was published on every Tuesday. In this paper news related to transfer
of government workers,Time of Ships,Litraure Imfiormation and public Notices
were also important content published. So its circulation was in great numbers.
The main motto of this paper was to increase knowledge of Hindi speaking
Populace. Hindi,English,Sanskrit,Farsi and Braj Language were known to
Sukul Ji. So this paper was edited very efficiently. Sukul Ji use to read every
bit of content which was published in his paper and edit it carefully. The
reason for which this paper was published so that hindi speaking commoner can
read news in Hindi. That is why Braj Language and Khadi Boli were used in this
paper. At that time number of paper were published in English,Farsi,Bangla etc
In the first edition of this paper Sukul Ji wrote “Speakers of hindi should
read and understand real news in their own language and try to cherish it.This
is the only motto of the publisher and editor of this paper” . Unfortunately
because of scarcity of readers this paper was stopped publishing. In the last
edition of this paper Sukul Ji through his writing showed his sadness that the
paper is in it’s last edition.
2. Kavi
Sudha Vachan
Bhartandu
Harischand started publishing this magazine in 1867.This was published from
Kashi. This magazine was firstly monthly but afterwards it was transformed into
half-monthly magazine. And later on in 1868 this magazine was then converted
into weekly edition. Only 250 copies of this magazine was only published. Every
edition contains 22 pages. It also contains news and articles of different
issues. At that time it also take government help for publishing. But due to
editing style was beyond government rules this magazine was stopped. In 1885
this magazine was stopped publishing. Hindi’s Journalism Era of Bhartandu is
known for developing hindi Literature. The Leader of this Era was Bhartandu
Baba Harishchand. Begening of mass independence movement happened during
Bhartandu Era only. The Journalist Colleague of Bhartandu Ji also contains this
type of gesture and felling only. On one hand Bhartandu Era helped in
developing culture,developed country and developed society together on other
hand it also Criticized and opposed English government and Rule. Bhatandu Ji
was supporter of Swadeshi.Before years of Congress Swadeshi Movement Bhartandu
Ji was the maker of this agitation.English smelled nation’s love in Bhartandu
Ji so they stopped helping in publishing of his paper. On 15 Aug 1878 from
Kashi he started publishing & editorialship of Kavi Sudha Vachan a monthly
magazine. In begening this magazine was known for publishing poems of famous
poets. After some days only this magazine was transformed into half monthly
from monthly. After becoming half-monthly this magazine also published news and
articles related to Social Issues & Political Issues. Again in 1885 this
magazine was transformed into weekly. In 1885 this magazine was without a break
published in Hindi & English.
3. Hindoshtan
This
was the first hindi paper which was published outside India. This was
published three monthly[quatrely] by Raja Ram Pal Singh fromLondon. Besides
Hindi in this paper content in English and Urdu was also published. In 1885 it
was started publishing from Pratapgarh’s place named Kala Kakar by Raja Ram Pal
Singh only. Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya was its Editor in Chief. This was
published weekly. In 1887 this paper was transformed into a daily. Some of its
Editors are Amrit Lal Chakravorty, Sashi Bhushan Chakravorty, Pratap Narayan
Mishra, Bal Mukund Gupta, Gopal Ram Grehmari,Gulab Chandra Chaubey, Sheetal
Prasad Upadhay, Ram Prasad Singh, Shiv Narayan Singh. Its contribution in
development of Hindi Journalism is Uncountable.
4. Saraswati
Known
as Ganga of hindi Journalism this monthly paper was started
publishing from Kashi in 1900. The managing Director of this paper was Swami
Chinmayananda Bose of Indian Press Allahabad who published this paper
on request of Kashi Nagri Pracharni. At that time in editor’s list there was
Rai Krishna Das, Kartik Prasad Khatri, Jaganath Ratnakar and Shyam Sunder.
Afterwards this paper was started publishing from Prayag. And in 1903 the
editorship of this paper was taken by Acharya Mahavir Prasad Drivedi. Launching
of Saraswati gave a new base to Literature Journalism.For Hindi Grammer people
till now take name of saraswati. In developing hindi as a language also
Saraswari has its own share. It made Hindi complete by publishing all artcles
related to researches of different subjects. This paper also supported current
Agitations and Movement. In poems it used Khadi Boli instead of Braj Language.
This magazine was became more famous for its editing and content. Unfortunately
in 1970 it was stopped because of commercialization.
5. Pratap
Ganesh
Shankar Vidyarthi was great follower of Karamveer Rana Pratap. He belived in
Pratap only as it was his East god.In first edition of Pratap he wrote “
‘Pratap ?’ Our country’s Pratap ? Our’s cast Pratap ?You are not Pratap
of Dirtro and generosity only your fame and glory are Pratap.Till date
this country is there and in this world Generosity, freedom,
austerity and meditation has its place so till that time world will see with
honour. In every country you are prayed and your on your name anyone can do
anything. In Raibareli’s farmer moment it favored, Favouring commoners
,Champaran,Satyagrehe etc Pratap showed lots of Pratap.
How
name of Pratap was Formed
Pratap
was the base of kanpur’s Hindi Journalism. Firstly there was misconception
in giving the name to the paper. Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi desired to show it as
a tribute to Mahara Pratap. Pandit Shiv Narayan Mishra wanted to show it as a
tribute to Late Pandit Pratap Narayan Mishra. Weekly pratap not only worked as
a tribute to Maharana Pratap but also to Late Pandit Pratap Narayan Mishra. On
23 november 1920 daily edition was launched. In beginning it also received some
government help. But editing was beyond English Government rule so it was
stopped. Pratap became renowned with the efforts of Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi
and his efforts to highlight social issues and voice to populace of lower
category which basically include farmers.
6. Karamveer
On
16 Janvary 1920 in editorship of Pandit Makhanlal Chaturvedi started publishing
Karamveer. Paper was stopped for sometime because Editor was jailed. On 4 April
1925 again Karamveer was published from Khandhva and published till 11 July
1951. On his contribution to Hindi Journalism Makhanlal Chaturvedi said “ I
have given place to literature in my writings . I don’t understand Journalism
till bad effect is on Municipal in our nation. And Journalist dose not have a
success. If journalist has became popular by criticizing the system and
government than the effect is not there. Karamveer would be a weekly
paper which would develop Journalism with its true essence. At that time Kings
were fighting commoner with the help of British so he stated this.
Motto
of Karamveer
To
fight with the government for the wrong rules imposed and promote felling to
fight independence and not to sell our independence taking name of Lord for
financial profits is the main motto of Karamveer. Editor Makhan Lal Chaturvedi develops
a Code of Conduct for itself. This is implied till now in Journalism.
Not to
share Editing of Karamveer and problems faced by Karamveer family.
Never
publish anything for money.
Reject
articles of Mahatma Gandhi against extremist and members of extremist parties.
Not to
publish soft stories.
Not to
assign work to collect advertisements and never go to economical based parties.
What
was the contribution of Karamveer in national movement is appropriate from poem
of President of Haripura Congress Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose “ From last 14
years Karamveer has risen the flag of national Mahasabha and every week from
influential articles providing a light in youngsters from commoners. ”
7. Aaj
From Banaras in
5 September 1920 this important Hindi Newspaper was started publishing by Babu
Shiv Prasad Gupta. In 1920 Congress session with presidentship of Lala Lajpat
Rai and leadership of Mahatma Gandhi a moment to make Hindi national
language started. From this deem only Shiv Prasad Gupta started publishing Aaj.
In first editions editorial page of this Newspaper the technique and features
of editing was published. some of important points are as follow”Our motto is
to achieve independence in every aspect. We want to grab independence in each
and every aspect and make proud to our country. And make nation in such a way
that populace are proud of it. We can’t achieve Independence by
keeping quiet but we would achieve it by fighting. When we will honor ourselves
then only others will give honor to us. The biggest need is self establishment
and honoring ourselves not to excluding anything
else. Independence would be getable only when we have a felling of
achieving it. It would not come itself walking. And no need to reject any relation.
We can get independence only with our efforts. We should not only thing for
independence but also try to develop our country. “ A Newspaper inspired from
struggle for independence .Through out it agitated against wrong and
inappropriate rules made and imposed by English on us. The publishing also
stopped one two times because ban imposed by the English. As a agitation from
21 October 1930 to 8 march 1931 only one sentence was printed in this Newspaper
that is “Wrong behavior and rules against commoners, Indian Economy going from
our nation to abroad, beating populace from sticks, Jails full of commoners
full with spirit of national independence all these are editorial view and
would be printed on editorial page. To publish National-International News it
collaborated with Reuters Agency. The main motto to take help of British
Communication Department was to know about the rules which British are making
and trying to impose before they are imposed. Aaj was the first Indian
Newspaper which appointed correspondents in Foreign Countries. These
correspondents were rather educationist or social persons or imperative people.
Firstly they taken help of post but after telephones were launched
internationally they taken help of phones. Some of eminent correspondents of
Aaj are Mahatma Gandhi, Moti Lal Nehru, Jawahar Lal Nehru etc
Development
Of technology, role of aaj
Aaj
was the First Indian newspaper which who appointed special Correspondents in
Foreign Countries. It also collaborated with agencies like Reuters and
Associated Press [America]. At time of starting of Aaj it was morning paper but
after some time it transformed into Evening Paper. The reason of transformation
was the news and information sent by Foreign Correspondents are received by
editorial in morning so it was converted to evening then morning. Because of
old techniques of Printing it was published in Evening. And news after some
time became useless to publish. So after becoming evening paper it touched the
heart of populace with its effectiveness. After 25 years of evening version it
again became morning daily. Making collaboration with [A.P.I] it also set up
its office in its own building. Technique was built for converting roman words
in our language. With new techniques it also taken help of Telephone, Tele
printer, Fax, Modem etc To start its own Tele Printer Service goes to Aaj only.
Famous
Journalist of Hindi
1. Jugal
Kishore Sukul
In
development of Hindi Journalism Ugul Kishore Sukul has important place. Sukul
Ji was one of the First Journalist of our nation. He was born in Kanpur.
In search of Job he went to Calcutta. There he also practice as an
Advocate. After getting license on 16,Febrary,1826 he launched newspaper
‘Urdhand Martand’ on 30,May,1826.This was the first Hindi Newspaper. And this
was the beginning of Hindi Journalism. On launching day of this paper i.e 30
May 1826 is celebrated as Hindi Journalism Day. Urdhand Mrtand was weekly
Newspaper. And it was published on every Tuesday. In this paper news related to
transfer of government workers, Time of Ships, Literature Information and
public Notices were also important content published. So its circulation was in
great numbers. The main motto of this paper was to increase knowledge of Hindi
speaking Populace. Hindi,English,Sanskrit,Farsi and Braj Language were
known to Sukul Ji. So this paper was edited very efficiently. Sukul Ji use to
read every bit of content which was published in his paper and edit it
carefully. The reason for which this paper was published so that Hindi speaking
commoner can read news in Hindi. That is why Braj Language and Khadi Boli
were used in this paper. At that time number of paper were published in English
,Farsi & Bangla etc The motto of Sukul Ji was to promote Hindi Paper.
Unfortunately after 79 issues this paper was stopped. So after some time in
1850 Sukul Ji launched another paper Samdhand Martand. Unfortunately this paper
was also not publishing for long time. By Publishing these two papers Sukul Ji
gave lots of development to Hindi Journalism.
2. Bhartandu
Harishchand
Bhartandu
Harishchand was undoubtedly the master of Hindi Journalism. In a famous Agrawal
Family of Vanarasi Bhartandu Harishchand was born on 9 September 1950. In the
age of four-five years only he showed magic of his capability to his father.
Every one was depressed after the unfortunate unsuccessful independence
movement of 1857. Seeing society in a bad condition he was depressed. He was
depressed seeing economical, political and social condition of our country. He
also wrote one famous poem on the bad condition of our country. Later on he
wrote many articles and made this issue as his premier topic of writing. He gave
birth to the new generation idea. He and his friends shared this idea with the
new generation and helped Mahatma Gandhi’s Swadeshi and Satyagrhe Moment to be
a big success. He sparkled the new light in the populace of our country by
focusing on national issues and targeting social issues. He provided Hindi
literature a big development before him it was not used as such through his
writing he not only developed our nation but also made Hindi and Literature
bigger. Before Congress was formed and UN satisfaction moment he left the post
of Honorary Magistrate in the English Government so that he can target
Government wrong steps. Babu Harishchand was a big supporter of Hindi Language.
But he was not against Urdu. So he wrote in Urdu also. On 19 January 1874 an
advertisnment was published in Kavi Sudha Vachan it was about Bhartandu
Harishchand publishing new version of Muslim Holy Book Kuran. He also thought
of publishing a paper in Urdu with the name Kashid. He does not believe that
our language is only for literary work. He wanted to make our language as a
language for communication, writing, and science-technology and even for
advertising. He was confident that populace can read, write and even
communicate and understand in Hindi language. Not only on Science &
Technology but on each and every issue articles can be written and populace can
explicate their feelings in Hindi. Who so ever predict that there would be no
enlargement with Hindi language Babu Harishchand gave that predictor a hard
reply every time. Any issue can be enlightened in our language. Whatever
Harishchand Ji has done for Hindi he would be remembered forever. No body can
forget him as an effective Journalist and Writer.
3. Madan
Mohan Malviya
Man
who promoted felling of national love, promoting new ideas and cultural
movements is no other than important Hindi Journalist of our country that is
Madan Mohan Malviya. According to Visva Bandhu Babu he was pure like holy
river Ganga. From his capability he provided a big hard platform to Hindi
Journalism. From his lecture in a conference atLahore he provided
Journalist like point of view “Newspaper Workers are Priest of new light. They
for God, Nation and populace provide a new way. From one wrong story in a
newspaper society have a bad effect. I request Newspaper Workers not to publish
anything which had a wrong effect on society and populace has a wrong effect.
Whosoever writes should only write that writing that is fully researched and
right and also which can help is making our nation United. “ In 1886 on the
platform of National Mahasabha Malviya Ji showed his attractive behavior, his
clear thoughts ,truth ness and his excitement to unite country .Raja Ram Pal
Singh of Kala Kakar was in search of a efficient editor. So he requested Malviya
Ji to accept editorship of Hindostan and can serve the commoner. Light to unite
nation was there in him from beginning of his life only so he accepted the
editorship. He asked for one condition which was this that nobody dunked should
come to him and even talk to him. After Raja ram Pal Singh accepted his
condition he started living in Kala Kakar and published Hindi’s first news
paper Hindostan. Paper became famous from his writing. There was a competition
in readers for reading Editorial Pages. This was the first paper which
published content related to current Hot topics. After two and half years of
editorship one day Raja Sahab called him. Unfortunately that day Raja Saab was
dunked. Due to previous condition which he himself asked for he left the editorship
of Hindostan. At that time he was getting 200 rupees monthly. But as he was
firm on the condition he hat put into he left the paper. And he even did not
see the money. After some time Raja Sahab told him to study Law and all
finances would be given by Raja Sahab. Actually Raja Sahab wanted to
correct his fault. From Hindostan Malviya Ji not only developed Hindi and
nation but also made populaces proud. Some times before he wrote for
Hindi in Pandit Bal Krishna Bhatt’s “Hindi Pradeep”. On one hand supporter of
Indian national Congress Hindostan criticized wrong rules put into by the
English and on the other hand developed Indian Society. From 20 July 1933 on
the occasion of Guru Purnima weekly ‘Sanatan Dharam’ was published
from Kashi Hindi University in leadership of Pandit
Gnaesh Shankar Acharya Ji and in guidance of Malviya Ji . Till 1947 this
was the magazine which publisized Sanatan Religion. In this articles were
published related to religious topics. The first editor of this magazine was
Muneshwar nath mishra’Madhav’. After him Acharya Sitaram Chaturvedi and
Pandit gaya Prasad Jyotsi handled editorship of this magazine.
Established by Malviya Ji Sanatan religion magazines were mirror to Indian
culture, traditions and religion. Santhan Religion’s editions like
Basanth,Krishna,Ram naumi and holi were primarily helped in development of
Hindi Journalism. Malviya Ji was a successful Journalist. Journalism
mostly Hindi Journalism he worked like praising the God. He from his passion,
excitement and jesters not only developed Hindi, Hindi Journalism and our
nation but also made populace proud. So malviya Ji was History making
Journalist.
4. Mahavir
Prasad Drivedi
“The
standard which he has showed through his honesty, hard working, capability,
commitment, love for nation and straight forward attitude and put into for
Hindi journalists . It would take 20 years to reach to the position of Drivedi
Ji. Nobody whether Hindi journalist or Scholar of Hindi language can reach to
the point that Driwedi Ji has set to the world. “ This statement written by
Pandit Banarsi Das Chaturvedi was published in “Vishal Bharat” in 1929 edition
for Driwedi Ji. Indian Press was the main publisher of Hindi religious book
which was publishing in leadership of Chintamari Ghosh. On Raman and
Chatopadhay’s advice Ghosh thought of publishing one Hindi magazine. Under the
leadership of Shyam Sunder Das in 1902 five members team of editors started
editing of Saraswati. After the resignation of Babu Shyam Sunder Das there was
a search of an able editor. By stating the mistakes of magazine published by
Indian Press he presented a nice review. Sri Ghosh judged the ability of
Mahaveer Prasad Drivedi and requested him to accept editorship of Saraswati.
Leaving job of a railway employee where he was getting 160 rupees he joined
editorship of Saraswati at 20 rupees monthly and as an editor performed
remarkably well. After accepting editorship of Saraswati he set some rules
1. Time
Management
2. Building
good Relationship with the owner.
3. Not to
think profit for our self rather consider profit of the populace.
4. Not to
be influence by supporting party.
How
good was Drivedi Ji can be seen from his letter written to Maithli Saran Gupta
“We are not prominent poets rather we put lots of effort after that our
writings is ready for readers to read. You don’t want to do any thing from the
two. Writing anything and publishing is the only motto. You must have written
the content in less time but it takes four hours time to edit.”
Saraswati
and Drivedi Ji had a mass role in publishing writings and views of Gaya Prasad
Sukul’Snehi’, Ramnaresh Tripathi, Ramcharita Upadhay, Thakur Gopas Sharan
Gupta. In his 20 years tenure of Drivedi Ji as an editor he developed Hindi and
made it more advance. He also pointed out mistakes in Hindi Literature and
Grammer and worked for excluding those mistakes. This is the result of his
efforts only that now we are getting contents in Khadi Boli. He also worked for
Art.
Drivedi
Ji brought the cartoon images in Hindi Journalism. In 1903 Drivedi Ji started
Editing and his wonderful editing can be seen in every page of the magazine. He
was excellent in editing that can be seen from Editorial Page, Articles,
Contents, Reviews, Book Review, Entertainment Content, Proof Reading etc.
Drivedi Ji was worked for correction of Language and his whole life revolve
around Editor Drivedi. Drivedi Ji worked for developing Hindi Literature and
did a magnificent job. Overall drivedi Ji was one pillar of Hindi Journalism
who helped in developing it.
5. Ganesh
Shankar Vidyarthi
He was
born on 26,October, 1890 in Atarsui locality of Allahabad. He read all the
issues published of Extremist Sunder lal’s Karamyogi in 1901 while teaching
in Kanpur’s Pritvi Nath High School. Ganesh Ji use to see
all content daily and give instructions for the next issue. The standard of
Ganesh Ji editing and worship was of very high standard and quality. Firstly he
use to dictate Editorial Page content. For this he before only use to make
notes. While editing articles of Sub-Editors Vidyarthi Ji make the paper red
from ink. He use to do that much correction that the whole article most of the
times changed. A good and able Journalist is a good leader also. Time to time
he highlighted different aspects of a Journalist and he use to say” I believe
that Journalist is the guard of Truth, to unbutton the truth he burns like a
candle. The relation between Journalist & Truth is just like A loyally
committed wife with his man. That type of wife departs with her man’s dead
body. Journalist is the collector of the society. Only to give news, earn money
and to earn like that is wrong. Development of whole society is the main motive
of the Journalist and one more important point is development of our country.”
It was
believed that Vidyarthi Ji assimilated the coming trend of Journalist that is
why he said” In our nation also the motto of newspapers is becoming money. Only
for money they are published and sold. And I am unhappy to say that most of the
Journalist working in these type of organizations works for money. Till now
sunset has not happened but it seems that only few days are left. After some
days, Newspapers would be transformed as Machines and workers as parts of that
Machine. Personalities would not be there, difference between the truth and a
lie would not be there, to fight against wrong situations and against injustice
would not be there. The only thing which would be left is to run on a straight
line. I can’t say that that situation is right.”
The whole
one generation of Freedom fighters, Extremists, Journalists and Literarerians
were trained by the efforts of Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, he made Pratap proud.
Pratap was medium of communication. This was spectacular platform for
Indians.In fact the first time Chandsekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh meet was in
Pratap office only. The first literary creations of Ram Vriksha Benipuri and
Bhagoti Charan Verma was published in Pratap only. Ganesh Ji increased
confidence level of many literarians like Devvrat Shastri, Bhagauti Prasad
Vajpaye, Pandit Sriram Sharma, Jainendra Kumar, Kanailal Mishra Prabhakar,
Maithli Shran Gupta, Shivpujan Sahai, Siyaram Sharan Gupta, Nand Dulare
Vajpaye,Gaya Prasad Sukul, Ramnath Suman, etc
Vidyarthi
has a soft corner in his heart towards Extremist leaders. He belived that
extremists are people who sacrifise. In his paper Pratap published content
related to praising extremist. He was the first person who in Kakori Case
supported copulates and helped in advocacy of their criminal case. By bringing
Sardar Bhagat Singh in Pratap press he explained him how to write content.
Sardar Bhagat Singh wrote his articles in Pratap by name of Balwant Singh.
Vidyarthi Ji also helped Chandra Sekhar Azad and people who were jailed by the
English economically. He also have a soft corner in his heart for those who
were jailed by the British. From Pratap Vidyarthi Ji not only developed Hindi
,Hindi Journalism but our nation also. He was Journalist who was not frightened
of anybody. Vidyarthi Ji till date is been consider as idol for today’s era
Journalists.
Reason behind vernacular press act .
Lord Lytton was being bitterly criticized for the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–80). So, he promulgated the act with an aim to prevent the vernacular press from expressing criticism of British policies under him.
Nick name :- Gagging Act
What was there in act ?
Publishers have to submit the all the proof sheets of contents of papers to police before publication. The police used to decide what the seditious news was and deleted them. Thus many of the papers were fined and their editors jailed.
It was modeled on the Irish Press Laws.
It empowered the British colonial government with extensive rights to censor reports and editorials in vernacular news papers.
The Act directly aimed at curtailing the nationalist activities by clamping down on the Vernacular press.
Role of press in freedom struggle
Press play role in Indian struggle for freedom before 1857 revolt
It was in 1857 itself that Payam-e-Azadi started publication in Hindi and Urdu, calling upon the people to fight against the British.
The paper was soon confiscated and anyone found with a copy of the paper was prosecuted for sedition.
Again, the first Hindi daily, Samachar Sudhavarashan, and two newspapers in Urdu and Persian respectively, Doorbeen and Sultan-ul-Akbar,
It faced trial in 1857 for having published a 'Firman' by Bahadur Shah Zafar, urging the people to drive the British out of India.
Hindi patriot , established in 1853 publish a play neel darpan 1861 , which start a huge movement , the play urging the people to stop cultivating the Indigo crop for the white traders
Tilak kesri , A Marathi newspapaer became one of the leading media to propagate the message of freedom movement. It also made the anti-partition movement of Bengal a national issue.
When first ever meeting of congress held in Mumbai , 1885 , all the front seaters were editors of newspapers
first ever resolution proposed to congress was moved by the editor of the hindu , G. Subramanya Iyer. In this resolution, it was demanded that the government should appoint a committee to enquire into the functioning of Indian administration.
The second resolution was also moved by a journalist from Poona, Chiplunkar in which the Congress was urged to demand for the abolition of India Council which ruled the country from Britain.
the 3rd and 4th resolution proposed by dada bhai naroji who was famous journalist of that time
During his stay in South Africa, Gandhiji had brought out Indian Opinion and after settling in India, he started the publication of Young India; Navjeevan, Harijan, Harijan Sevak and Harijan Bandhu.
there were number of congress president who were editors like Ferozeshah Mehta who had started the Bombay Chronicle and Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya who edited the daily, Hindustan etc
Subash Chandra Bose and C.R. Das were not journalists but they acquired the papers like Forward and Advance which later attained national status. Jawaharlal Nehru founded the National Herald.
In case of the revolutionary movement, it did not begin with guns and bombs but it started with the publication of newspapers. The first to be mentioned in this context is Yugantar publication of which was started by Barindra Kumar Ghosh who edited it also.
When the Ghadar party was organised in America, Lala Hardayal started publication of the journal 'Ghadar'. Within one year, millions of copies of this journal were published in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi and English and sent to India and to all parts of the world· where Indians were residing
In 1905 Shyamji Krishna Verma started publication of a journal Indian Sociologist from London. It used to publish reports of political activities taking place at the India House in London.
The Bharat-Mitra was a famous Hindi journal of Calcutta which started its publication on May 17, 1878 as a fortnightly. It contributed a lot in propagating the cause of the freedom movement. The journal exposed the British conspiracy to usurp Kashmir
Lord Lytton was being bitterly criticized for the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–80). So, he promulgated the act with an aim to prevent the vernacular press from expressing criticism of British policies under him.
Nick name :- Gagging Act
What was there in act ?
Publishers have to submit the all the proof sheets of contents of papers to police before publication. The police used to decide what the seditious news was and deleted them. Thus many of the papers were fined and their editors jailed.
It was modeled on the Irish Press Laws.
It empowered the British colonial government with extensive rights to censor reports and editorials in vernacular news papers.
The Act directly aimed at curtailing the nationalist activities by clamping down on the Vernacular press.
Role of press in freedom struggle
Press play role in Indian struggle for freedom before 1857 revolt
It was in 1857 itself that Payam-e-Azadi started publication in Hindi and Urdu, calling upon the people to fight against the British.
The paper was soon confiscated and anyone found with a copy of the paper was prosecuted for sedition.
Again, the first Hindi daily, Samachar Sudhavarashan, and two newspapers in Urdu and Persian respectively, Doorbeen and Sultan-ul-Akbar,
It faced trial in 1857 for having published a 'Firman' by Bahadur Shah Zafar, urging the people to drive the British out of India.
Hindi patriot , established in 1853 publish a play neel darpan 1861 , which start a huge movement , the play urging the people to stop cultivating the Indigo crop for the white traders
Tilak kesri , A Marathi newspapaer became one of the leading media to propagate the message of freedom movement. It also made the anti-partition movement of Bengal a national issue.
When first ever meeting of congress held in Mumbai , 1885 , all the front seaters were editors of newspapers
first ever resolution proposed to congress was moved by the editor of the hindu , G. Subramanya Iyer. In this resolution, it was demanded that the government should appoint a committee to enquire into the functioning of Indian administration.
The second resolution was also moved by a journalist from Poona, Chiplunkar in which the Congress was urged to demand for the abolition of India Council which ruled the country from Britain.
the 3rd and 4th resolution proposed by dada bhai naroji who was famous journalist of that time
During his stay in South Africa, Gandhiji had brought out Indian Opinion and after settling in India, he started the publication of Young India; Navjeevan, Harijan, Harijan Sevak and Harijan Bandhu.
there were number of congress president who were editors like Ferozeshah Mehta who had started the Bombay Chronicle and Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya who edited the daily, Hindustan etc
Subash Chandra Bose and C.R. Das were not journalists but they acquired the papers like Forward and Advance which later attained national status. Jawaharlal Nehru founded the National Herald.
In case of the revolutionary movement, it did not begin with guns and bombs but it started with the publication of newspapers. The first to be mentioned in this context is Yugantar publication of which was started by Barindra Kumar Ghosh who edited it also.
When the Ghadar party was organised in America, Lala Hardayal started publication of the journal 'Ghadar'. Within one year, millions of copies of this journal were published in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi and English and sent to India and to all parts of the world· where Indians were residing
In 1905 Shyamji Krishna Verma started publication of a journal Indian Sociologist from London. It used to publish reports of political activities taking place at the India House in London.
The Bharat-Mitra was a famous Hindi journal of Calcutta which started its publication on May 17, 1878 as a fortnightly. It contributed a lot in propagating the cause of the freedom movement. The journal exposed the British conspiracy to usurp Kashmir
Role
of press after independence.
The print media scene
in India has changed beyond recognition in the last 50 years. There has been a
phenomenal rise in the number of newspapers and their circulation. The number
of pages has increased. The quality of production has improved all round. Even
medium Indian language newspapers have taken advantage of the advances in
printing and communication technology to bring out multiple edition dailies.
Newspapers of the big chains face a stiff competition from these newspapers
because they are equally well produced. What is more, being rooted in the soil
they are more aware of local problems. Colour printing has made the newspapers
more attractive. Areas of national activity like commerce now find a prominent
place in almost all-Indian language newspapers.
And yet, one will be deceiving himself to say that all is well with our print
media. The Press in India, particularly the Indian language newspapers, was in
the forefront of the struggle for freedom. Many leaders from Mahatma Gandhi downwards
used their newspapers to activate the people to participate in the freedom
struggle. But the newspapers are no longer active in the fight against poverty,
disease, illiteracy and superstition. Why have newspapers declined to play an
active role in this struggle? Why has the institution of the newspaper editor
declined? There may be some that may not like to ask these questions but they
are related to the role of a newspaper in a developing country. It is,
therefore; only proper to raise these questions and to seek answers because
questioning leads to introspection and introspection is the key to progress.
Growth
But before taking up these points, let us first look at the positive side. In
its report, the first Press Commission said that at the end of 1952, there were
330 daily newspapers, 1,189 weeklies and 1,733 newspapers of other periodicity
in India. Except for some lean years, the number of newspapers has gone up on
an average by 5 per cent every year. At the end of 1998, there were 43,828
newspapers as against 41,705 in 1997. Of these, there were 4,890 dailies, 331
tri-and biweeklies, 15,645 weeklies, 12,965 monthlies, 5,913 fortnightlies,
3,127 quarterlies, 383 annuals and 1,474 publications with other periodicities.
It will thus be seen that the number of daily newspapers went up more than 15
times since 1952.
The rise in circulation was even more
remarkable. The latest break-down available is for 1996 and it shows that the
daily newspapers that year had a circulation of 4,02,25,000. It must have gone
up further in the next two years. The total circulation of all newspapers in
1998 was 12,68,49,500. An idea of the acceleration in the growth of circulation
can be had from the fact that while circulation increased by 50 per cent
between 1987-96, it went up by 42 per cent in just two years between 1996 and
1998.
Condition
Political leaders used the Press to rouse the people. It was, therefore,
natural that the British rulers of India used every weapon in their armory to
silence the nationalist press. Newspapers always had the sword of Damocles
hanging over their head. Security was asked at the slightest pretext and
editors and publishers were prosecuted for sedition. Some editors were even
transported to the Andaman’s. For the editors and people who worked in
newspapers, journalism was a mission. Even captains of commerce who published
newspapers treated this activity as their contribution to the struggle for
freedom. Wages for journalists were poor and there was no security. Newspaper
publication was not profitable and journalism was not paying as compared to
other professions.
Things changed after Independence and each year saw acceleration in change. New
sectors of commerce and industry became available to businessmen. They found
newspapers useful in influencing the Government and the people. Some
British-owned newspapers passed into Indian hands and started newspapers in
Hindi and other Indian languages. The government accepted the demand for
security of service for people working in newspapers and news agencies. All
this helped in the growth in the number of newspapers and their circulation.
The eighties and nineties saw the growth of medium Indian language newspapers.
They adapted the latest printing and communication technology to bring out
multiple editions.
Tendency
But this prosperity, both for newspaper publishers and the people working
there, had some unforeseen results. The publisher was now more interested in
profits. The earlier generation of publishers brought out serious literary and
political journals even at a loss. That, they felt, was their duty to society.
They ploughed the profits from viable publications to such journals. The new
generation of industrialist-publishers felt no such obligation. They,
therefore, closed down serious literary and political publications so as to
retain the profit from the flagship publications. The tendency grew to treat
the newspaper more as a marketable product than as an instrument of social
change. At the root of it was the question of linkage between the newspaper
publication and other industries. This problem was examined by the two Press
Commissions and other bodies but no satisfactory solution has been found.
The change in the Press scenario has had unforeseen results in other areas
also. In the pre-Independence era, the editorial in a newspaper was widely read
for the lead it gave. In the new era, the editorial became shorter in length
and weak in impact. The general line of least resistance often adopted was
"things are bad – should have been better – but could have been
worse". Before Independence, the readers were shocked when the renowned
journalist, Pothan Joesph, editor of the nationalist Hindustan
Times left the paper and became the editor of the Dawn,
the mouthpiece of the Muslim League. Now not even an eyebrow is raised when
professional editors switch over from one newspaper to another having
diametrically opposite views. That is not the irony. The real irony is that the
editor thinks he is entitled to the same respect that the editor of the earlier
era enjoyed. The editor has become an ‘endangered species’. He ranks lower than
not only the proprietor but also even the manager. Frequently, proprietors
without any experience don the mantle of editors.
Journalists today are better paid and have greater security. Electronics has
given them the tools to correct the copy as it appears on the computer screen.
In the earlier era, there was the tribe of backroom boys called proofreaders.
They scanned the copy with hawk-like eyes for mistakes of spelling or grammar.
Readers often laid and, bet to find even one mistake of spelling in some of the
prestigious dailies.
Today, with all available gadgets one often finds the same news item appearing
on different pages of a daily newspaper on the same day. Even the entire third
editorial was reproduced verbatim in a leading newspaper the next day. Another
newspaper merrily printed the name of the Governor of the State wrongly many
times. What else but carelessness could be the reason? The American automobile
magnate, Henry Ford, had said that if people were paid well, they worked
better. Obviously, this dictum like many others has been proved wrong in the
Indian context.
Prospect
Newspaper circulation in western countries and advertisement revenue has fallen
because of the spread of television. Though cable television has made many
channels available to the Indian viewer, there is little danger of a fall in
newspaper circulation in India in the foreseeable future. This is because
electricity has yet to reach all the villages and television sets run on
batteries, if designed at all, will be costly to run. The rise in population
and literacy will be insurance at least for some time against the threat from
television. There has, however, been a loss on revenue from advertisement. But
if newspapers are to meet the challenge they will have to define their role.
The two Press Commissions have commented adversely on undue importance our
newspapers give to petty politics but this continues to be staple food for
them.
The National Literacy Mission is making millions of people literate. These
neo-literates are not children. They are adults who are playing a useful role
as heads of families and as kisans and workers. They want reading material
suited to their age and taste. They are prospective readers. How are our
newspapers handling the question of turning these neo-literates into readers?
So far, our newspapers have a pronounced urban bias. They are produced and read
in big and small cities. If the newspapers are to maintain the increase in
circulation, they have to take up the challenge of diversifying their approach
and content and to relate more to the man living in the village than they have
done so far.
*Former
Registrar of Newspapers for India.
Conclusion
The Role of
the Press:
Prior to Independence, the press in India had
a clear-cut role to play in the nation's struggle against British rule. It had
put up a brave fight in its heroic effort to expose the brutality of the
regime. Particularly in its suppression of
the freedom movement. Many editors of
the Indian language press defied censorship regulations to keep the nation
informed (and agitated) about the progress of the movement, and especially of the plight of national leaders
like Gandhi and Nehru. With the goal of Independence being achieved at
long last, the Indian press seemed to have lost its moorings. It was in a
quandary. Should it play the role of an adversary to the government in power- the role it had played with remarkable success -
or. Should it transform itself into an ally, and support the government in its
efforts at national development? That quandary of the press has yet to
be resolved, (Girilal Jain, the late editor of The Times of India believed that
one is an "Indian first, and a journalist next.’ According to the first
Press Commission, the press should help secure and protect a social order in
which justice (social, economic and political) would prevail.
But the
role of the press in India need not be that of an adversary or of an
ally of' the government. The press should be a watch-dog and act as a catalytic agent to hasten the
process of social and economic change. The perspective of an adversary
role for the press derives from the assumption that the press is the voice of
the public, is above corruption, and that the government, though deriving power
from the people, might misuse it. It must be noted that the press is part of'
the political process, craves for power, is made up of people with personal
ambitions and aversions, preferences and prejudices. As perhaps the largest
advertiser, the government supports and strengthens the press. Both the
government and the press represent the 'power elites and therefore reflect
their interests. This is why the interests
of the poor are rarely on the agenda of public discussion.
The press is so obsessed with politics that
even a silly rumor hits the front page. What the press urgently needs is
creative, investigative and development reporting chiefly on non-political
themes like unemployment, malnutrition, exploitation of the poor. Miscarriage
of justice, police atrocities, development schemes and the like. The exposure
of the blinding incidents at Bhagalpur, which would have never come to light
but for the alert press, is just one example of the heights the Indian press
can sometimes scale? Recent samples include the Bo for s pay-offs, the Harshad
Mehta securities scam. The 'havvala' payments to top politicians, and the
animal husbandry scandal in Bihar. But
follow-up investigations of these public scams are lacking, and are rarely
pursued to the end. The press whips up interest in a scam to a crescendo, and
then forgets about it when another scam is unearthed. Such 'crisis' reporting
sells newspapers but does little to bring the guilty to book or to educate the
public about the contexts of corruption.
Credibility is indeed the very life-blood of
the press, no matter which government is in
power. The period of the Emergency showed how the credibility of the press
could suffer. There are other reasons why credibility suffers, the chief being the unduly heavy dependence on official
press handouts by business and government. When, for example, there is a strike
or riot, the Police Department's handout is printed without comment.
On-the-spot investigative reports are few and far between. Further, journalists
are inclined to accept many favors from Government such as subsidized housing
and medical facilities, and it is therefore not surprising that they rush to
the same government when they have differences with editors, and with
management, or when they demand higher salaries and better working conditions.
"An awesome responsibility", remarks the veteran editor, S. Nihal
Singh, "rests on the shoulders of journalists because in the final
analysis they are the custodians of the freedom of the press. If, they prefer
careerism to standing up for their rights, they are letting down their
profession." However, the press is much too important in a democracy to be
entrusted entirely to journalists; a vigilant public, the courts and the Press
Council are needed to keep a watchful eye on it.
The 'Power' of the Press:
The ‘power' of the
press to bring about social and political change or economic development is
extremely limited. In capitalist societies, the press is primarily like any
other business or industry: it exists to raise advertising revenue and
circulation with the aim of making profits. 'Public service' and 'public
interest' are not the main concerns. This is not to suggest that the press does
not make attempts to exercise its 'power' in favour of one political or
economic ideology over another, or of one group or class or caste over another.
These attempts, it must be acknowledged, are sometimes successful and at other
limes disastrous failures. At most of the times, however, the attempts are not
paid much heed to, unless it affects some group's interests in a radical
manner. In the ultimate analysis the ‘power’ of the press depends on its
credibility among readers, as well as on how the new s reported is understood
and interpreted. Different groups 'read' the same news item in varied ways
depending on their own social backgrounds. I low news is read is not entirely
in the hands of journalists. Indeed, the press often succeeds only in
reinforcing widely held beliefs and the status quo rather than bringing about
change and development.
Does the [Mess 'set the agenda" for us
and for society? There is no doubt that the [tress keeps us informed about
selected events, issues and people. But the public too has a role in 'setting
the agenda' of the press. The public has interests, beliefs and expectations
that are catered to by the press. While the press tells us what to think about,
and also what to think, it has little power to change our ideas, beliefs and
altitudes even when it attempts to do so. Only when there is a general
consensus on an issue among all the elements of the press and the other media,
and this consensus fits in with a community's needs, is there some likelihood
of a change being affected. Even in this case, several other factors would have
to come into play before any real change can be felt.
The public attitude to the 'internal
emergency' imposed by the Indira Gandhi regime is a case in point. One could
argue, however, that it was mil so much the press that brought about the
downfall of that regime as the people's hostility to the crackdown on their
fundamental rights. The press, after all, was easily silenced during the
emergency. In the post-emergency period, the press only reflected the public's
seething anger against the regime.
But and large, then, the press rarely
initiates change, innovation and development. Because of its dependence on
commercial interests and the dominant groups, it is of necessity conservative
and status- quoits. The widespread support that the anti-Mandal riots and the “liberalization'
policies of the Government have received from the 'national" and the
'regional’ [tress is a reflection of that dependence.
The current news values of Indian journalists
are no different from the news values of their counterparts in the West. These
are timeliness, immediacy, proximity, oddity. Conflict, mystery, suspense,
curiosity, and novelty. The new development alternative journalists, however,
challenge these elite- and immediacy-oriented values and the man-bites-dog
approach to news. They believe that the voice of the silent, suffering majority
should be heard through the press. Not politics, business, finance. Sports
should lie the staple of news but rather what is of value in terms of equality,
social justice and peace.
A recap of the major laws from the above ones:
Two, a declaration must be made before the district, Presidency or Sub-divisional Magistrate within whose jurisdiction the newspaper is to be published, stating name of the printer and publisher, premises where printing and publishing is conducted, the title, language and periodicity of the newspaper. The printer and publisher either in person or through an authorized agent should make the declaration. If the printer or publisher is not the owner of the paper, the declaration should specify the name of the owner. Note: Similarly, no printing press can be set without making a relevant declaration. The act requires that Every time a press is shifted to a new place a fresh declaration is necessary. But if the change of the place is for a period less than 60 days, the new location also falls within the jurisdiction of the same Magistrate, and the keeper of the Press continues to be the same. No fresh declaration need to be made. In that case an intimation regarding the change of place sent within 24 hours will suffice.
India has more than forty domestic news agencies. The Express News Service, the Press Trust of India, and the United News of India are among the major news agencies. They are headquartered in Delhi, Bombay, and New Delhi, respectively, and employ foreign correspondents.
Although freedom of the press in India is the legal norm--it is constitutionally guaranteed--the scope of this freedom has often been contested by the government. Rigid press censorship was imposed during the Emergency starting in 1975 but quickly retracted in 1977. The government has continued, however, to exercise more indirect controls. Government advertising accounts for as much as 50 percent of all advertisements in Indian newspapers, providing a monetary incentive to limit harsh criticism of the administration. Until 1992, when government regulation of access to newsprint was liberalized, controls on the distribution of newsprint could also be used to reward favored publications and threaten those that fell into disfavor. In 1988, at a time when the Indian press was publishing investigative reports about corruption and abuse of power in government, Parliament passed a tough defamation bill that mandated prison sentences for offending journalists. Vociferous protests from journalists and opposition party leaders ultimately forced the government to withdraw the bill. Since the late 1980s, the independence of India's press has been bolstered by the liberalization of government economic policy and the increase of private-sector advertising provided by the growth of India's private sector and the spread of consumerism.
India Independence Agencies
HISTORY OF PTI
Asia Pulse:
An on-tine data bank on economic developments and business opportunities in
Asian countries. Formed by PTI and four other Asian media organisations, Asia
Pulse International is registered as a company in Singapore .
HINDUSTAN SAMACHAR
Mission
The Golden Era of Indian Mission Journalism (1920 – 1947)
·
Declaration
of non-cooperation movement against British rule in India.
·
Press
marched shoulder to shoulder with satyagrahis.
·
Mahatma
Gandhi lauded for freedom of expression, ideas and people’s sentiments
Gandhi would not accept adv., he believed newspapers should survive on the revenue from subscribers
Gandhi would not accept adv., he believed newspapers should survive on the revenue from subscribers
·
He would not
accept any restrictions on the paper, he rather close it down
·
His writings
were widely circulated and reproduced in the newspapers all over the country
·
A big
challenge to non-Gandhian newspapers. Gandhi declared ‘Salt Satyagraha’ in 1930
·
The
nationalist press played a memorable role, which perhaps is unique in the
history of any freedom movement.
·
Press
ordinance issued in 1930 to suppress Indian press through heavy security
deposits.
·
When second
world war broke out , British rulers became more suppressive to the Indian press
·
In 1940 UP
government directed the press to submit the headlines of the news to the
secretary of the information department for his pre- approval
·
In response
to this, National Herald (newspaper run by Jawaharlal Neharu) published the
news without headlines Second world war and freedom fight gave more fuel to
Indian press Britishers charged them as ‘ pro-Hitler’
·
All India
Newspaper Editors Conference held in 1940 at Delhi voiced against the
suppressive attitude of the British govt.
·
Fresh
suppression and struggle started from 1942 when Quit India Movement initiated
·
Many press,
publications and journalists including Neharu suspended and arrested in1942
It continued until the declaration of independence in1947 August
K. Rama Rao, Editor, Swarajya “It was more than a vocation, it was a mission
and the newspaper was a noble enterprise working for patriotic purpose”.
Role of
Newspapers in India's Struggle for Freedom - Jagdish Prasad Chaturvedi
At the time of the first war of independence, any number of papers
was in operation in the country. Many of these like Bangadoot of Ram
Mohan Roy, Rastiguftar of Dadabhai Naoroji and Gyaneneshun
advocated social reforms and thus helped arouse national awakening.
It was in 1857 itself that Payam-e-Azadi started publication
in Hindi and Urdu, calling upon the people to fight against the British. The
paper was soon confiscated and anyone found with a copy of the paper was
presecuted for sedition. Again, the first hindi daily, Samachar
Sudhavarashan, and two newspapers in Urdu and Persian respectively, Doorbeen
and Sultan-ul-Akbar, faced trial in 1857 for having published a 'Firman'
by Bahadur Shah Zafar, urging the people to drive the British out of India.
This was followed by the notroius Gagging Act of Lord Canning, under
which restrictions were imposed on the newspapers and periodicals.
Prominent Role
In the struggle against the British, some newspapers played
a very notable role. This included the Hindi Patriot! Established in
1853, by the author and playwright, Grish Chandra Ghosh, it became popular
under the editorship of Harish Chandra Mukherjee. In 1861, the paper published
a play, "Neel Darpan" and launched a movement against the British,
urging the people to stop cultivating the crop for the white traders. This
resulted in the formation of a Neel Commission. Later, the paper was taken over
by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. The paper strongly opposed the Government's
excesses and demanded that Indians be appointed to top government posts. The Indian Mirror was the other
contemporary of this paper which was very popular among the reading public.
Yet another weekly, Amrita
Bazar Patrika which was being published from Jessore, was critical of
the government, with the result that its proprietors faced trial and
conviction. In 1871, the Patrika
moved to Calcutta and another Act was passed to supress it and other native
journals.
Marathi Press
Mahadev Govind Rande, a leading leader of Maharashtra, used to
write in Gyan Prakash as well as in Indu Prakash. Both these
journals helped awaken the conscience of the downtrodden masses. Another
Marathi weekly, Kesari was started by Tilak from January 1, 1881. He
aIongwith Agarkar and Chiplunkar started another weekly journal, Mratha
in English. The Editor of the 'Daccan Star' Nam Joshi also joined them
and his paper was incorporated with Maratha. Tilak and Agarkar were
convicted for writings against the British and the Diwan of Kolhapur.
Tilak's Kesari became one of the leading media to propagate the message
of freedom movement. It also made the anti-partition movement of Bengal a
national issue. In 1908, Tilak opposed the Sedition ordinace. He was later
exiled from the country for six years. Hindi edition of Kesari was started
from Nagpur and Banaras.
Press and the First Session of Congress
The Editors commanded a very high reputation at the time of the
birth of the Indian National Congress. One could measure the extent of this
respect from the fact that those who occupied the frontline seats in the first
ever Congress session held in Bombay in December 1885 included some of the
editors of Indian newspapers. The firstever resolution at this Session was
proposed by the editor of The Hindu, G. Subramanya Iyer. In this resolution,
it was demanded that the government should appoint a committee to enquire into
the functioning of Indian administration. The second resolution was also moved
by a journalist from Poona, Chiplunkar in which the Congress was urged
to demand for the abolition of India Council which ruled the country from
Britain. The third resolution was supported by Dadabhai Naoroji who was a noted
journalist of his time. The fourth resolution was proposed by Dadabhai Naoroji.
There were many Congress Presidents who had either been the
editors or had started the publication of one or the other newspapers. In this
context, particular mention may be made of Ferozeshah Mehta who had started the
Bombay Chronide and Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya who edited daily, Hindustan. He
also helped the publication of Leader from Allahabad. Moti Lal Nehru was
the first Chairman of the Board of Directors of the leader. Lala Lajpat Rai
inspired the publication of three journals, the Punjabi, Bandematram
and the People from Lahore. During his stay in South Africa, Gandhiji
had brought out Indian Opinion and after settling in India, he started
the publication of Young India; Navjeevan, Harijan, Harijan Sevak and Harijan
Bandhu. Subash Chandra Bose and C.R. Das were not journalists but they
acquired the papers like Forward and Advance which later attained
national status. Jawaharlal Nehru founded the National Herald.
Revolutionary Movement and the Press
So far as the revolutionary movement is concerned, it did
not begin with guns and bombs but it started with the publication of
newspapers. The first to be mentioned in this context is Yugantar publication
of which was started by Barindra Kumar Ghosh who edited it also.
When the Ghadar party was organised in Amenca, Lala Hardayal
started publication of the journal 'Ghadar'. Within one year, millions
of copies of this journal were published in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Gujarati,
Marathi and English and sent to India and to all parts of the world· where
Indians were residing. In the beginning the copies of the journal were
concealed in parcels of foreign cloth sent to Delhi. It was also planned to
smuggle the printing press into India for this purpose. But then the war broke
out and it became almost impossible to import printing machinery from abroad.
Lala Hardayal was arrested in America and deported to India. One of his
followers Pandit Ramchandra started publishing Hindustan Ghadar in
English. With the U.S. joining the war, the Ghadar party workers were arrested
by the American Government. When the trail was on, one of the rivals of Pandit
Ramchandra managed to obtain a gun and shoot him dead in the jail itself. The
death of Ram chandra led to the closure of this paper.
In 1905 Shyamji Krishna Verma started publication of a journal Indian
Sociologist from London. It used to publish reports of political activities
taking place at the India House in London. In 1909 two printers of this journal
were convicted. Shyamji Krishna Verma left England for Paris from where he
started the publication of the journal. Later on, he had to leave for Geneva.
He countinued to bring out the journal from there for two or three years more.
In Paris, Lala Hardayal, in collaboration with Madam Cama and Sardar
Singhraoji Rana brought out Vandematram and Talwar.
After Yugantar, it was Vandematram that played a
significant role in the freedom struggle. This journal was established by
Subodha Chandra Malik, C.R. Das and Bipin Chandra Pal on August 6, 1906. Its
editor, Aurobindo Ghosh, the editor of Sandhya, B. Upadhyay and editor
of Yugantar B. N. Dutt had to a face a trial for espousing the cause of
freedom.
So far as the Hindi papers were concerned, they looked to
government for support for some time. Bhartendu Harish Chandra was the first to
start a journal Kavi Vachan Sudha in 1868. Its policy was to give vent
to the miseries of the people of India. When the Prince of Wales visited India,
a poem was published in his honour. The British authorities were given to
understand that the poem had two meanings and that one word used in the peom
could also mean that the Prince of Wales should get a shoe-beating.
The government aid to journals like Kavi Vachan Sudha was
stopped for publishing what was objectionable from the government point of
view. Bhartendu Harish Chandra resigned from his post of an honorary
Magistrate. His two friends, Pratap Narain Mishra and Bal Krishna Bhatt started
publication of two important political journals Pradeep from Allahabad,
and Brahman from Kanpur. The Pradeep was ordered to be closed
down in 1910 for espousing the cause of freedom.
The Bharat-Mitra was a famous Hindi journal of Calcutta
which started its publication on May 17, 1878 as a fortnighly. It contributed a
lot in propagating the cause of freedom movement. The journal exposed the
British conspiracy to usurp Kashmir. Several other papers published from
Calcutta which played an important role in freedom struggle included Ambika
Prasad Vajpayee's Swantrtmtra, Ramanand Chatterjee's Modern Review'
in English, Pravasi Patra' in Bengali and Vishal Bharat in Hindi.
One of the foremost Hindi journalist who has earned a name for his
patriotism was Ganesh Shanker Vidyarthi. In 1913, he brought out weekly Pratap
from Kanpur. He made the supreme sacrifice in 1931 in the cause of Hindu-Muslim
unity. Krishna Dutt Paliwal brought out Sainik from Agra which became a
staunch propagator of nationalism in Western U. P. The noted Congress leader,
Swami Shradhanand, started the publication of Hindi journal Vir Arjun'
and Urdu journal Tej. After the assassination of Swami Shradhanand,
Vidyavachaspathi and Lala Deshbandhu Gupta continued the publication of these
journals. They were themselves prominent Congress leaders.
In Lahore, Mahashaya Khushal Chand brought out Milap and
Mahashaya Krishna started publishing urdu journals which helped a lot in
promoting the national cause. In 1881, Sardar Dayal Singh Majitha on the advice
of Surendra Nath Bannerjee brought out Tribune under the editorship of
Sheetala Kant Chatterjee. Bipin Chandra Pal also edited this paper for some
time. Later in 1917, Kalinath Rai joined the paper as its editor.
There is not a single privince in India which did not produce a
journal or newspaper to uphold the cause of freedom struggle. A. G. Horniman
made the Bombay Chronicle' a powerful instrument to promote militant
nationalism. He himself took part in the meetings where Satyagraha used to be
planned. He published vivid accounts of Jallianwala Bagh carnage for which one
correspondent of his paper, Goverdhan Das, was sentenced to three years'
imprisonment by a military court. Horniman too was arrested and deported to
London even though he was ill at that time. Amritlal Shet brought out the
Gujarati journal Janmabhumi which was an organ of the people of the
princely states of Kathiawad, but it became a mouthpiece of national struggle.
Similarly another Gujarati journal Saanjvartman played a prominent role
under the editorship of Sanwal Das Gandhi, who played a very significant role
in the Quit India Movement in 1942. It was soon after independent formed a parallel
Government in Junagarh and forced the Nawab of Junagarh to leave the country.
The three editors of the Sindhi journal Hindi Jairam Das Daulatram, Dr.
choithram Gidwani and Hiranand karamchand, were arrested, their press closed
and the property of the paper confiscated.
In Bihar the tradition of national newspapers was carried forward
by Sachidanand Sinha, who had started the publication of Searchlight
under the editorship of Murtimanohar Sinha. Dev Brat Shastri started
publication of 'Nav Shakti and Rashtra Vani'. The weekly yogi
and the Hunkar' also contributed very much to the general awakening.
British Curbs on Indian Press:
Tipu Sultan was a friend of the French. The Marathas had won the
war against the Nizam. Thus the British tried to maintain a strict control over
the Press. Thus came the earliest regulatory measures in 1799 when Lord
Wellesley promulgated the Press Regulations, which imposed press censorship on
an infant newspaper publishing industry. What was followed was a set of laws
one after another with a single objective, “To suppress and control the Press”.
The British colonial rule: Press Laws and Regulations (1799-1947)
1. First Censorship Law (1799)
2. Censorship Law Modifications (1813)
3. Censorship Law Modifications (1813)
4. Regulations for Registration (1823)
5. Metcalfe’s Act of 1835 (Registration of the Press Act)
6. New Regulations on Printing Presses (1857)
7. Indian Penal Code (1860)
8. Press and Registration Act 1867
9. Vernacular Press Act (1878)
10. Criminal Procedure Code (1898)
11. Newspapers (Incitement to Offences) Act (1908)
12. Indian Press Act (1910)
13. Official Secrets Act (1923)
14. Indian Press (Emergency Power) (1931)
A recap of the major laws from the above ones:
The1835 Press Act undid most of the repressive features of earlier
legislations on the subject. On 18th June 1857, the government passed the
‘Gagging Act’, which among various other things re-introduced the pre 1835
situation. It introduced compulsory licensing for the owning or running of
printing presses; empowered the government to prohibit the publication or
circulation of any newspaper, book or other printed material and banned the
publication or dissemination of statements or news stories which had a tendency
to cause a furor against the government, thereby weakening its authority. The
1860 Indian Penal Code (IPC) gave the government powers to search and forfeit
publications which violated Sections like 124A, 153A or 295A.
Next came the ‘Press and Registration of Books Act’ in 1867 which continues
to remain in force till date. After the criticism of Lord Lytton’s role in the
second Afghan War by the Indian Press, Governor General Lord Lytton promulgated
the ‘Vernacular Press Act’ of 1878 allowing the government to clamp down on the
publication of vernacular language writings deemed seditious and to impose
punitive sanctions on printers and publishers who failed to fall in line.
One of the last major Press Law of the British rule came in 1908
when Lord Minto promulgated the ‘Newspapers (Incitement to Offences) Act, 1908.
It authorized local authorities to take action against the editor of any
newspaper that published matter deemed to constitute an incitement to
rebellion.
But the most stringent law came in 1923in the form of the Official
Secrets Act (OSA). This prohibited the publication of classified official
information. Lots of information vital to the public was withheld from the
press in the name of OSA till recently until the RTI was passed.
Press & Registration of Books Act 1867:
During the reign of the British Government in India writing of
books and other informatory material took a concrete shape and with the advent
of printing presses various books on almost all the subjects and periodicals
touching every aspect of life started appearing. Thrust on education gave an
impetus to this with the result that lot of printed material became available.
Those in the field of writing, publishing and printing gave a
thought to organize a system for keeping a record of the publications. The then
East India Company was urged to keep a record of the publications. An attempt
was made by the authorities to make a collection of the books and other
publications emanating from the various printing presses throughout India.
Board of Directors of East India Company issued an instruction
that copies of every important and interesting work published in India should
be dispatched to England to be deposited in the library of India House. Such an
instruction had a slow impact. A system of voluntary registrations of
publications was evolved but it failed. It was found necessary to establish a
system of compulsory sale to Government, of three copies of each work in India.
So was brought the Act, the oldest to survive: Press and Registration of Books
Act (PRB), 1867.
Since 1867 PRB Act remained the fundamental law governing the
rules for the regulation of the publication of newspapers and of having
printing presses. Though no license or permission is required for starting and
running a newspaper, no paper can be published without complying with the
provision of this act. Two conditions are necessary to be fulfilled for
publishing a newspaper:
One, the name of the printer, the place of printing and the name
of the publisher and place of publication must be legibly printed on every book
or newspaper printed/published within India.
Two, a declaration must be made before the district, Presidency or Sub-divisional Magistrate within whose jurisdiction the newspaper is to be published, stating name of the printer and publisher, premises where printing and publishing is conducted, the title, language and periodicity of the newspaper. The printer and publisher either in person or through an authorized agent should make the declaration. If the printer or publisher is not the owner of the paper, the declaration should specify the name of the owner. Note: Similarly, no printing press can be set without making a relevant declaration. The act requires that Every time a press is shifted to a new place a fresh declaration is necessary. But if the change of the place is for a period less than 60 days, the new location also falls within the jurisdiction of the same Magistrate, and the keeper of the Press continues to be the same. No fresh declaration need to be made. In that case an intimation regarding the change of place sent within 24 hours will suffice.
But, making a declaration does not automatically pave the way for
publishing a newspaper. Publication can be started only after the said
Magistrate authenticates the declaration.
Every time the title, language or periodicity is changed a fresh declaration must be made. A similarly declaration is necessary as often as the ownership or the place of printing or publication of the newspaper is changed.
Every time the title, language or periodicity is changed a fresh declaration must be made. A similarly declaration is necessary as often as the ownership or the place of printing or publication of the newspaper is changed.
However, only a statement furnished to the Magistrate will suffice
if the change of place is for a period not exceeding 30 days or if he is by
infirmity or otherwise incapable of carrying out his duties for more than 90
days, then a fresh declaration will have to be made. Note: No person who does
not ordinarily reside in India or a minor can file a declaration or edit a
newspaper.
If the declaration is made in accordance with the provisions of
the law and if no other paper bearing the same or similar title is already in
existence in the same language or the same state, then the Magistrate cannot
refuse to authenticate the declaration. However, before authentication he must
make an inquiry from the Registrar or newspapers for India (RNI) about the
existence of such other paper. After authentication the paper must be started
within a specific period.
The declaration in respect of a newspaper to be published once a
week or more shall be void if it is not commenced within six weeks of the
authentication. In case of all other newspapers the time limit for commencing
publication is three months. If in any period of three months, a daily, a
tri-weekly, a biweekly or a fortnightly newspaper publishes less than half the
number of issues, which it should have published in accordance with the declaration,
the newspaper shall cease to publish. A fresh declaration must be filed before
it can be started again.
In case of any other newspaper the maximum period of
non-publication must not exceed 12 months.
Two copies of each issue of a newspaper and up to three copies of
each book must be delivered, in a prescribed manner to the Government free of
expense. The Magistrate can cancel the declaration after giving opportunity to
show cause to the person concerned, if the Magistrate is satisfied on the
following counts:
•The newspaper is being published in contravention of the
provisions of this Act or rules made under it, or
•The newspaper bears a title which is the same as, or similar to
that of any other newspaper published either in the same language or in the
same state, or
•The printer or publisher has ceased to be so, or
•The declaration was made on false representation on concealment
of any material fact.
The Magistrate’s decision can be challenged in an appeal before the Press and Registration Appellate Board comprising a Chairman and another member nominated by the Press Council of India.
The Magistrate’s decision can be challenged in an appeal before the Press and Registration Appellate Board comprising a Chairman and another member nominated by the Press Council of India.
Penalties:
If a newspaper (or a book) is printed or published without legibly printing the name of the printer and publisher as also the name of the place of printing/publishing, the printer or publisher can be fined up to two thousand rupees or imprisoned up to six months or punished by both.
If a newspaper (or a book) is printed or published without legibly printing the name of the printer and publisher as also the name of the place of printing/publishing, the printer or publisher can be fined up to two thousand rupees or imprisoned up to six months or punished by both.
The same punishment can be awarded for keeping a press without
making declaration or for making false statement or for editing, printing or
publishing a newspaper without conforming to the rules. In the last case the
Magistrate, may in addition to this punishment also cancel the declaration in
respect of the newspaper.
Non-compliance with the requirement regarding the delivery of
copies of newspaper will invite a penalty of up to Rs 30 for each default.In
case of publication of a book, the value of the copies of the book may be
charged.
Registrar of Newspaper:
There is a provision for appointment of a Press Registrar by the
Government of India for the whole of the country. The Press Registrar maintains
a register containing the following particulars of each newspaper:
Title, language, periodicity, name of the editor, printer and
publisher, place of printing and publication, average number of pages per week,
number of days of publication in the year, average number of copies printed,
sold and distributed free, retail selling price per copy, and name and
addresses of owners.
The Press Registrar also issues a certificate of registration to
the publisher of the newspaper. He does this on receipt of a copy of the
declaration from the Magistrate who has authenticated it.
The publisher has to furnish to the Press Registrar an annual statement
for the above particulars about his newspaper.
The publisher has to publish all such particulars in the newspaper
as may be specified by the Press Registrar. The Rules require the publication
in the first issue after the last day of February each year, the name, address,
nationality of the editor and publisher, and the name of all those holding one
percent or more shares in the newspaper.
The newspaper is also obliged to furnish returns, statistics and
other information as the Press Registrar may from time to time require.
Non-compliance attracts a fine of five hundred rupees. The Press Registrar has
a right of access to record and documents of the newspaper for the purpose of
collection of any information about it.
Vernacular Press Act 1878:
Vernacular Press Act 1878 was enacted to curtail the freedom of
the Indian-language (i.e., non-English) press. Notably Lord Lytton was being
bitterly criticized for the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–80). So, he
promulgated the act with an aim to prevent the vernacular press from expressing
criticism of British policies under him. The act excluded English-language
publications. It elicited strong and sustained protests from a wide spectrum of
the Indian populace.
It was nicknamed Gagging Act. For the first any Act empowered the
govt. to issue search warrants and enter newspaper premises even without court
orders. The IPC already gave powers to the govt. to search and forfeit
publications which violated Sections like 124A, 153A or 295A. More stringent
anti-press laws were enacted in the passage of time, particularly when the
freedom movement gained momentum. British govt. wanted to curb the activities
of revolutionaries and the right of newspapers to report these. Reporting was
closely monitored and comments against govt. were not tolerated.
The law was repealed in 1881 by Lytton’s successor as viceroy,
Lord Ripon (governed 1880–84). However, the resentment it produced among
Indians became one of the catalysts giving rise to India’s growing independence
movement. Among the act’s most vocal critics was the Indian Association
(founded 1876), which is generally considered to be one of the precursors of
the Indian National Congress (founded 1885). Later in 1882 due to the efforts
of Lord Ripon the Act was repealed in 1882
Indian Press after Independence:
Compared with many other developing countries, the Indian press has flourished since independence and
exercises a large degree of independence. British colonialism allowed for the
development of a tradition of freedom of the press, and many of India's great
English-language newspapers and some of its Indian-language press were begun
during the nineteenth century. As India became independent, ownership of
India's leading English-language newspapers was transferred from British to
Indian business groups, and the fact that most English-language newspapers have
the backing of large business houses has contributed to their independence from
the government. The Indian press has experienced impressive growth since
independence. In 1950 there were 214 daily newspapers, with forty-four in
English and the rest in Indian languages. By 1990 the number of daily
newspapers had grown to 2,856, with 209 in English and 2,647 in indigenous
languages. The expansion of literacy and the spread of consumerism during the
1980s fueled the rapid growth of news weeklies and other periodicals. By 1993
India had 35,595 newspapers--of which 3,805 were dailies--and other periodicals.
Although the majority of publications are in indigenous languages, the
English-language press, which has widespread appeal to the expanding middle
class, has a wide multicity circulation throughout India.
There are
four major publishing groups in India, each of which controls national and
regional English-language and vernacular publications. They are the Times of
India Group, the Indian Express Group, the Hindustan Times Group, and the
Anandabazar Patrika Group. The Times of
India is India's largest English-language daily, with a circulation
of 656,000 published in six cities. The Indian
Express , with a daily circulation of 519,000, is published in
seventeen cities. There also are seven other daily newspapers with circulations
of between 134,000 and 477,000, all in English and all competitive with one
another. Indian-language newspapers also enjoy large circulations but usually
on a statewide or citywide basis. For example, the Malayalam-language daily Malayala Manorama circulates
673,000 copies in Kerala; the Hindi-language Dainik
Jagran circulates widely in Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi, with 580,000 copies per
day; Punjab Kesari , also
published in Hindi and available throughout Punjab and New Delhi, has a daily circulation of 562,000; and the Anandabazar Patrika , published
in Calcutta in Bengali, has a daily circulation of
435,000. There are also numerous smaller publications throughout the nation.
The combined circulation of India's newspapers and periodicals is in the order
of 60 million, published daily in more than ninety languages.India has more than forty domestic news agencies. The Express News Service, the Press Trust of India, and the United News of India are among the major news agencies. They are headquartered in Delhi, Bombay, and New Delhi, respectively, and employ foreign correspondents.
Although freedom of the press in India is the legal norm--it is constitutionally guaranteed--the scope of this freedom has often been contested by the government. Rigid press censorship was imposed during the Emergency starting in 1975 but quickly retracted in 1977. The government has continued, however, to exercise more indirect controls. Government advertising accounts for as much as 50 percent of all advertisements in Indian newspapers, providing a monetary incentive to limit harsh criticism of the administration. Until 1992, when government regulation of access to newsprint was liberalized, controls on the distribution of newsprint could also be used to reward favored publications and threaten those that fell into disfavor. In 1988, at a time when the Indian press was publishing investigative reports about corruption and abuse of power in government, Parliament passed a tough defamation bill that mandated prison sentences for offending journalists. Vociferous protests from journalists and opposition party leaders ultimately forced the government to withdraw the bill. Since the late 1980s, the independence of India's press has been bolstered by the liberalization of government economic policy and the increase of private-sector advertising provided by the growth of India's private sector and the spread of consumerism.
1947 Onwards
·
India
received independence from British rule on 1947 August 15th
·
The press
celebrated the independence, because it was their victory too.
·
At the
beginning of independence the relation between the national govt. and press was
good, but a year after situation was changed.
·
P. M.
Neharu, Sardar Ballav Bhai Patel, etc. we’re not happy with the press.
·
Press
Commission- 1952, report- 1954
·
Recommendations
– Press Council, press registrar, minimum basic salary for working journalists,
strengthen the role of the editors
·
The working
journalist act-1955
·
The
newspaper (price and page) act- 1956
·
Press
Council established – 1965
·
P.M. Mrs.
Indira Gandhi declared state of emergency on 1975 June It was a shocking blow
to the freedom of press Ignored the press freedom guaranteed by article 19 (1)
in the constitution Heavy censorship during the emergency period under Defence
Rule “ in order to maintain public order…”
·
1975 Dec 8th
ordinance banned the publication of all ‘ objectionable matter’, no permission
to report parliament, close down Press Council , blaming it was failed to curb
provocative writings
·
During 19
months of emergency 253 journalists detained and 7 foreign correspondence
expelled When Janata Dal came into power, all the restrictions over press were
removed
·
After emergency
Indian press became more professional along with high tech., simultaneous
publications increased, tremendous change in the contents, more supplements,
booming of specialized magazines
Growth of
National Press:
Newspaper reading in a community depends on a
number of factors. The availability of newspapers, their quality and local
relevance are important. The level of literacy and the prosperity of the
community have also a bearing. In India, language 'patriotism' is playing an
important role in the growth of newspapers. Bilinguals in the community have a
greater choice of newspapers.
Malayalam speakers are the most literate
community and Malayalam papers occupying the first rank for this reason is no
surprise. Urdu speakers are dispersed through out the country and most of them
have no access to quality Urdu newspapers. In addition, a large number of them
are bilinguals and may be reading newspapers in the languages of their
residence. Urdu newspapers having the last rank is also understandable.
However, in between the top and bottom there are many surprises.
Punjabi speakers are the most prosperous
community and still Punjabi newspapers rank very low. Tamil and Bengali
speakers are extremely proud of their languages but their newspaper reading is
not as high as one would have expected. The newspaper revolution in Andhra
Pradesh has been widely reported but still Telugu newspapers have
(comparatively) low reach. Assamese ranking above Telugu and Bengali is a real
surprise. A deeper study of readership in each of the languages will help in a
better understanding of the factors that are helping or hampering the growth of
newspapers in regional languages.
Such a detailed analysis of the status of
newspapers in different languages, starting with English followed by the other
languages in the descending order of speakers in different languages, is
attempted in the following paragraphs.
English Newspapers
Some of the popular English newspapers of
today have more than 150 years of history.? Newspaper publishing in India
started in English and English newspapers have the greatest influence on the
opinion makers of the country. Some English newspapers consider themselves as
"National" sometimes even proclaiming so in their mastheads. Until
recently the area of influence of any one English newspaper was limited to the
city of its publication like Delhi- Hindustan Times, Mumbai - Times
of India, Chennai- Hindu, Bangalore- Deccan Herald etc. Only
in the last decade, some of these newspapers have tried to extend their reach
to more than one major city. In spite of this even today there is no English newspaper,
which has good presence in more than two states.
At the All-India level only 2.7 percent of the
total population and 8.2 percent of the urban population read English
newspapers. Even in the top eight metro cities only 16.5 percent of the population
read English newspapers. English newspapers are more widely read in Bangalore
(28.1 percent), Delhi (21.9), Hyderabad (20.6) and Mumbai (17.3) compared to
other metros Chennai (15.2), Kanpur (14.4), Calcutta (10.4) and Ahmedabad
(4.2).
The share of English newspapers at the
national level is 11.7 percent, that is, 11.7?
Percent of all newspaper readers in the country read English
newspapers.? The share for the urban areas is 18.7 percent and for the eight
metro cities 28.7 percent. English newspapers do offer competition to (or take
readers away from) regional language newspapers in some cities, which are in
the real sense metropolitan like Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. In other
cities including Delhi, Chennai and Calcutta newspapers in the languages of the
region predominate.
Hindi Newspapers:
Newspaper reading has been lower in the Hindi
states than in other parts of the country for various reasons. Because of this
low readership in the 1970s, the share of Hindi newspapers was less than 16
percent. This share has now increased to 33.5 percent, which is a vast
improvement and is the result of some fine entrepreneurship among the Hindi
newspaper owners. Newspaper publication in Hindi has seen a revolution in
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Western parts of Uttar Pradesh in the last decade
and two Hindi newspapers, Dainik
Bhaskar and Dainik Jagran now
reach more than 10 million readers.
Newspaper reading among Hindi speakers is
still below the national average and the reach of Hindi newspapers is only 19.0
percent. This situation could change in the next few years if the present tempo
of growth is maintained. There are wide differences in reach within the Hindi
states. The percentage of newspaper readers (most of them are Hindi speakers
and read Hindi newspapers only) in Rajasthan is 23.3 percent, (48.7 percent in
urban areas and 15.9 percent in rural areas) which is comparable to some of the
more developed states. In Bihar, the reach of Hindi newspapers is just 8.7
percent, the lowest among all states.
The reach of Hindi newspapers in the state, in
the urban and rural areas respectively, for the four Hindi speaking states are:
Bihar- 8.7: 32.1: 5.2, Madhya Pradesh- 16.8: 41.8: 8.1, Rajasthan- 23.3: 48.7:
14.9 and Uttar Pradesh- 13.9: 35.0: 8.2. In Delhi 36.6 percent read Hindi
newspapers and separate figures are not available for Haryana and Himachal
Pradesh.
Bengali Newspapers:
Bengal has been in the forefront in newspaper
publication as the first Indian language newspaper was published in Bengali. Among
Bengali speakers 20.8 percent read Bengali newspapers, which puts the reach of
Bengali newspapers below the national average of 22.8. Looking in a slightly
different way Bengali speakers form 8.3 percent of the population of the
country but the share of Bengali newspapers is 7.5 percent.?
Bengali newspapers reach 35.1 percent of the
urban and 12.4 percent of the rural population of West Bengal. The reach of
newspapers in the state itself is low in spite of the fact that Bengal is one
of the most politically active states. Perhaps the absence of quality
newspapers in North Bengal may be one of the reasons for this situation.
Bengali newspapers have hardly any competition from other language newspapers
as the share of Bengali newspapers in West Bengal is 90 percent. Even in
Calcutta, the share of Bengali newspapers is 82 percent.
The top-two Bengali newspapers are read by 92
percent and the top-five is 124 percent of all Bengali newspaper readers. A
political party runs one of the top-five Bengali newspapers. It is most likely
that some of the newspapers in the top-five supplement the two main newspapers.
Telugu Newspapers:
The phenomenal growth of Eenadu, the
top Telugu newspaper, through multiple local editions in the 1990s attracted
attention throughout the country. Nevertheless, Telugu newspapers reach only 21
percent of the Telugu speakers, which is below the national average, and very
much below the reach of other South Indian languages newspapers.? Telugu
speakers form 7.87 percent of the population of the country and the share of
Telugu newspapers is 7.2 percent.
In Andhra Pradesh, the share of Telugu
newspapers is 91 percent whereas the corresponding figures for Tamil Nadu and
Kerala are 95 and 98 respectively (the figure for Karnataka is 84, but more
about it later). In Hyderabad the share of Telugu newspapers is 62 percent and
that of English newspapers is 47 percent, which means English newspapers do
offer some competition to Telugu newspapers. On the other hand, in
Vishakapatnam, the other large city in the state, the share of Telugu
newspapers is 93 percent and of English newspapers? 22 percent and here English
newspapers supplement rather than compete with Telugu newspapers.
The share of the top Telugu newspaper among
all Telugu newspaper readers is 85 percent. The number-two also has substantial
readership and the combined readership of the top-two is 1.21 times the total
readership of Telugu newspapers, which means that even the second paper largely
supplements the top one. The situation in the newspaper industry in Telugu is
perhaps comparable to what people say about Mrs. Gandhi occupying number one to
ten positions in the Congress party hierarchy.
Urdu Newspapers:
Urdu speakers form 5.18 percent of the
population of the country but the share of Urdu newspapers is less than one
percent of the total newspaper readership. The reach of Urdu newspapers is just
4.1 percent among the Urdu speakers and there are many reasons for this very
low reach. Urdu speakers are spread throughout the country and Urdu language
newspapers cannot reach a vast majority of them. A large proportion of Urdu
speakers are bilinguals and they may be reading newspapers in the language of
the area they live. Urdu speakers are the least prosperous community and their
level of literacy is also low.
There are very few Urdu newspapers and the
top-two have a share 63 percent and the top- five 98 percent of all Urdu
newspaper readers. The readership to Urdu newspapers is so low that reading to
more than one newspaper is non-existent.
Gujarati Newspapers:
Limca Book of Records says that Mumbai
Samachar, the Gujarati daily started in 1822, is the oldest
surviving newspaper of Asia. The reach of Gujarati newspapers is 32.2 percent
among Gujarati speakers and this is well above the national average of 22.8.?
Gujarati speakers form 4.85 percent of the population of the country and the
share of Gujarati newspapers is 6.8 percent. Gujarat is one of the most
prosperous states of the country and the higher reach of Gujarati newspapers is
on the expected lines. However, there is a greater urban-rural divide as only
32 percent of Gujarati newspaper readers live in rural areas.
In Gujarat, the share of Gujarati newspapers
is 99 percent and that of English newspapers is just 4 percent in spite of the
fact that there are three cities in the state- Ahmedabad, Vadodra and
Surat.with a million-plus population and English newspapers are published from
Ahmedabad and Vadodra. In Ahmedabad, the share of Gujarati newspapers is 98
percent and just 8 percent of all newspaper readers read English newspapers.
The shares of Gujarati and English newspapers for the other two cities are:
Surat- 99:3 and Vadodra- 97:13. Gujarati newspapers have virtually no
competition from newspapers of other languages.
There are only two Gujarati newspapers with
mass circulation reaching almost an equal number of readers. The cumulative
share of these two newspapers is 110 percent and that of the top- five
newspapers is 116 percent.
Kannada Newspapers:
The first modern Kannada newspaper Prajavani
started publication in Bangalore in 1948 and remained the market leader for
more than half-a-century. North and coastal Karnataka had their own popular
newspapers and the reach of the market leader was minimal in those areas. Only
in the last few years, this paper and many other Kannada newspapers are trying
to reach the whole state through multi-city editions.
Kannada speakers form 3.9 percent of the
population of the country and the share of Kannada newspapers is 4.9 percent of
all newspaper readers. Kannada newspapers reach 29 percent of Kannada newspaper
readers. This is well above the national average of 22.8 percent, which is an
achievement when one considers that Kannada newspapers face the most severe
competition from newspapers of other languages.
In Karnataka the share of Kannada newspapers
is only 84 percent whereas the share figures of the respective regional
language newspapers for some other states are: Gujarat-99, Kerala- 98 and?
Tamilnadu- 95. The competition for Kannada newspapers is mainly from English
newspapers. As already pointed out English newspapers are more widely read in
Karnataka with a share of 22 percent, which is the highest for any state.
In Bangalore, Kannada and English newspapers
share an equal number of readers- 56 percent of all newspaper readers reading
newspapers in these languages. In this respect, Bangalore is more
'cosmopolitan' than even Mumbai, where the share of Marathi and English
newspapers are 52 and 30 percent respectively. In Bangalore, newspapers in
other languages like Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam and Telugu have a share of 10
percent. In the last few months, Bangalore city editions of popular Hindi and
Telugu newspapers have also been introduced and this share of 10 percent might
have further increased.
The top-two Kannada newspapers have a share of
81 percent and the top-five 128 percent of all Kannada newspaper readers. In
the last few months, the circulation of Vijaya Karnataka, a five-year
old Kannada daily, has risen phenomenally and the readership of this paper has
not been properly accounted in NRS 2001. This newspaper, which was in the
fourth position among Kannada newspaper in NRS 2001, has emerged as the leader
in NRS 2002.
Malayalam Newspapers:
For a long time, the two Malayalam
newspapers -Malayala Manorama and Mathrubhumi have been among the
ten most widely circulated newspapers of the country. In NRS 2002, Malayala
Manorama, has recorded a readership of over ten million. It is an
interesting feature of the Indian newspaper industry that while 11.2 percent of
the population of the country has good knowledge English and Malayalam is
spoken by less than 4 percent, a Malayalam daily reaches almost twice as many
readers as the most popular English newspaper of the country.
Malayalam speakers form 3.62 percent of the
country and the share of Malayalam newspapers is 10.1 percent of all newspaper
readers. The reach of Malayalam newspapers among the Malayalam speakers is 64.1
which is three-times the all-India average. In the two large cities of Kerala,
Kochi and Tiruvananthapuram, the reach of Malayalam newspaper goes up to 74
percent.
Among Malayalam speakers more than 22 percent
(the highest for any language group) have knowledge of English and newspapers
in English are published from three cities, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode.
In spite of these facts, in Kerala, the share of Malayalam newspapers is 98
percent and that of English newspapers is 5 percent. Even in the large cities,
Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi the share of Malayalam newspapers is 98 percent.
However, in these two cities 14 percent of newspaper readers also read English
newspapers. In Kerala, English newspapers supplement rather than compete with
Malayalam newspapers.
The combined share of the top-two Malayalam
newspapers is 112 percent and that of the top-five newspapers is 145 percent of
all Malayalam newspaper readers. A substantial number of Malayalam speakers
read more than one newspaper. A political party runs the third most popular
newspaper in Malayalam and in this respect; there is similarity between West
Bengal and Kerala.
Oriya Newspapers:
The state of Orissa is low down in literacy
and prosperity and the reach of Oriya newspapers among the Oriya speakers being
14.6, well below the national average is not surprising. Oriya speakers form
3.35 percent of the population of the country but the share of Oriya newspapers
is just 2.1 percent. NRS-2002 has recorded more than average growth in the
readership of Oriya newspapers but even this growth has not made much
difference on the reach of Oriya newspapers. In Orissa, among all the newspaper
readers 95 percent read Oriya newspapers and 13 percent read English
newspapers.
The top- three newspapers in Oriya reach
almost an equal number of readers and cover the entire readership of Oriya
newspapers. Other newspapers appear to supplement these three. Orissa is one of
the least urbanised states and there are more readers for Oriya newspapers in
the rural areas than in the urban areas.
Punjabi Newspapers:
Punjabi speakers form 2.79 percent of the
population of the country but the share of Punjabi newspaper is only 1.8
percent. Punjab is one of the most prosperous states of the country where even
the villagers have a high level of purchasing power. Still the reach of Punjabi
newspapers is quite low -15 percent among Punjabi speakers. Punjab is highly
urbanised but still Punjabi newspapers have more readers in rural areas (62
percent) than in urban areas. The reason for this is that in urban Punjab a
vast majority is bilingual, familiar with both Hindi and Punjabi and prefers
Hindi newspapers.
In Punjab, the share of Punjabi newspapers is
60 percent and that of Hindi newspapers is 45 percent. English newspapers also
have a share of 10 percent. In Jalandhar, a prominent city in the heart of
Punjab, the share of Punjabi newspapers is just 35 percent and the share of
Hindi and English newspapers are respectively 62 and 14 percents. Punjabi
newspapers face severe competition from Hindi newspapers. NRS-2001 has covered
only three Punjabi newspapers and the share of the top-two newspapers is 99
percent of the total Punjabi newspaper readership.
Assamese Newspapers:
Speakers of Assamese language form 1.56
percent of the population of the country but the share of Assamese newspapers
is 1.8 percent. The reach of Assamese newspapers- 26.2 percent among Assamese
language speakers, is well above the national average. Assam is low down in the
level of urbanisation and Assamese newspapers have a larger number of readers
in rural areas (59 percent) than in urban areas. Data about newspaper reading
for the state of Assam is not available separately, as the whole of North East
has been taken as one region in NRS. There are also no metro cities in the
state. The top-two Assamese newspaper share 81 percent and the top-5, 139 percent
of the total readership of Assamese newspapers.
Introduction:
A news agency is an organization which collects or
gathers
news and supplies it to different newspapers,
magazines, radio stations and television stations subscribing to its service.
News gathered/reported by reporters/correspondents is sent to newspapers via
electronic teleprinters or computers. These newspapers, in turn, pay a monthly
subscription to use news agencies for the news they receive.
A news agency office is always buzzing with
activity, since it has to serve not only the print media within the country,
but also transmit news to All India Radio and Doordarshan. It also supplies
news to newspapers and other agencies all over the world. Thus, the news agency
works round the clock as there may be some newspapers somewhere in the world
going to the press (that is about to be printed) or some radio or TV bulletin
about to go on air.
Different
between News Agency & News Paper:
Firstly, the news agency does not publish any
newspaper of its own. Whatever its reporters write/report, is transmitted to
the newspapers and radio and television stations. It is then up
to the newspaper to use the news item sent by one news agency or that sent by another news
agency, or use the report prepared by its own reporter. In fact, at times, a newspaper may
even prepare an item quoting some paragraphs from one agency, and some from another
agency. The choice of what item to use will depend on which agency sends its copy faster and which agency has sent a better written copy.
to the newspaper to use the news item sent by one news agency or that sent by another news
agency, or use the report prepared by its own reporter. In fact, at times, a newspaper may
even prepare an item quoting some paragraphs from one agency, and some from another
agency. The choice of what item to use will depend on which agency sends its copy faster and which agency has sent a better written copy.
Thus, there is a constant low of news from the
news agency 24 hours a day, whereas a
newspaper 'goes to sleep' (the printing press) aftermidnight every night. There are two
other significant differences. Every news agency report has to be attributed to a source,
unlike a newspaper story. Furthermore, there will be no comments, editorializing or
interpretation in a news agency report and it will be purely a factual report.
newspaper 'goes to sleep' (the printing press) after
other significant differences. Every news agency report has to be attributed to a source,
unlike a newspaper story. Furthermore, there will be no comments, editorializing or
interpretation in a news agency report and it will be purely a factual report.
Ownership
Pattern:
We are sure that a lot of people, including
perhaps yourself, think that the news agencies are Owned wholly or partly by
the Government. This is not so. But, one wonders then, how the agencies run a national and sometimes an
international operation without substantial financial support. In other words,
who owns or finances these agencies?
Well, both the main agencies the—Press Trust of
India (PTI) and the United News of India (UNI) are trusts, registered under the
Registration of Societies Act. They are owned by groups of newspapers who have
bought shares to run them.
These newspapers have established Boards of
Directors, each headed by a Chairman, to make the policies of the respective
news agencies. The Boards have representatives of prominent newspapers as well as public figures.
As you will realise, the same newspapers may be
on the Boards of both PTI and UNI. But
do not forget that there is a constant professional competition between the two agencies and, therefore, the Boards may take decisions on how to keep ahead of the other agency.
Naturally, it would not be appropriate to have the same person sitting on both Boards.
Therefore, the newspapers assign different representatives on the Boards. For example, the Editor of "The Statesman" is on the PTI Board, the newspaper's proprietor or some other
nominee will be on the UNI Board.
do not forget that there is a constant professional competition between the two agencies and, therefore, the Boards may take decisions on how to keep ahead of the other agency.
Naturally, it would not be appropriate to have the same person sitting on both Boards.
Therefore, the newspapers assign different representatives on the Boards. For example, the Editor of "The Statesman" is on the PTI Board, the newspaper's proprietor or some other
nominee will be on the UNI Board.
But apart from meeting four or five times in a
year to decide on policy matters, the Boards do not interfere in the day-to-day
functioning of the agencies.
Financial
Structure:
As you have already seen, various newspapers and
the electronic media, apart from
government departments and private entrepreneurs, buy the news from the agencies.
government departments and private entrepreneurs, buy the news from the agencies.
For this purpose, a teleprinter/computer is
installed at the office of the subscriber. This is
maintained by the agency, just like the telephone in your house is maintained by the
Telephone Department. Thus, any repairs are carried out by technicians of the agency
concerned.
maintained by the agency, just like the telephone in your house is maintained by the
Telephone Department. Thus, any repairs are carried out by technicians of the agency
concerned.
The newspapers and other subscribers pay a
monthly subscription fee, plus rental charges for the computer/teleprinter, apart from the installation charges paid
when the subscription was first
taken. The rate of subscription is determined by specific criteria like
circulation of a newspaper, and it remains the same, irrespective of whether
the newspaper uses the news items
sent out by the agency or not.
As we said earlier, the Government docs not own
the agencies. But like other subscribers,
the Government—All India Radio, Doordarshan, various Ministers, Ministerial offices and
other governmental departments—is also a subscriber. Ultimately, the Government is the
largest subscriber.
the Government—All India Radio, Doordarshan, various Ministers, Ministerial offices and
other governmental departments—is also a subscriber. Ultimately, the Government is the
largest subscriber.
The
Organisational Structure:
As slated earlier, the Board does not interfere in
the day-to-day functioning of the agency. The agency is run by a General Manager-cum-Chief Editor, who is
assisted by Deputy General Managers
or Deputy Editors.
The Editorial Desk, which we loosely refer to as
the Desk, is under the charge of a News
Editor, while the reporting section is under the charge of a Chief of Bureau. The reporting
staff is divided into two groups: the Reporters who deal with day-to-day reporting are under
a Chief Reporter and the Correspondents who deal with Ministerial or Legislative reporting
are under the Chief of Bureau. Thus, the Chief Reporter is also answerable to the Chief of
Bureau.
Editor, while the reporting section is under the charge of a Chief of Bureau. The reporting
staff is divided into two groups: the Reporters who deal with day-to-day reporting are under
a Chief Reporter and the Correspondents who deal with Ministerial or Legislative reporting
are under the Chief of Bureau. Thus, the Chief Reporter is also answerable to the Chief of
Bureau.
Apart from this, there are the transmission,
technical, administration and account, from where it is immediately sent to the subscribers. Meanwhile, one or two
reporters rush to the
scene, and collect whatever facts they can get from eyewitnesses and police, and then either file the story by telephone or rush back to give their stories. (All the reporters are expected
to know how to type.) Thus, within two or three minutes of the phone call by the caller, the first report would go out to the world. The other reports may also be on the wire within
hours.
scene, and collect whatever facts they can get from eyewitnesses and police, and then either file the story by telephone or rush back to give their stories. (All the reporters are expected
to know how to type.) Thus, within two or three minutes of the phone call by the caller, the first report would go out to the world. The other reports may also be on the wire within
hours.
The agencies have offices in all the state
capitals, and full-time or part-time (stringers) reporters in almost all the
districts. They also have correspondents in many world capitals and at the United Nations. News agencies do not
generally accept contributions from freelancers
unless commissioned by the agency for particular event.
The news agencies are generally the first to get
wind of a news break, be it disaster, announcement, or election result. Each
agency takes pride in being the first to break the news to its subscribers;
thus beating the other agency. For instance, PTI was the first to break the news of former Prime Minister, Rajiv
Gandhi's assassination. Similarly, UNI was the first to report that Mr Premdasa of Sri Lanka September 30, 1993 , to the world about an hour
before PTI. The news of the Sati by Roop Kanwar which shook the nation some
years ago was also highlighted by the UNI.
So fast is the functioning of the agencies that a
news report on the bomb blast at the Youth Congress office in Delhi
Growth of the news agency in India
As you know by now, there are two main English
news agencies operating in the country
the United News of India and the Press Trust of India and they have also established their
language wings. There are a few other smaller English and Hindi news agencies too, but
more of that later.
the United News of India and the Press Trust of India and they have also established their
language wings. There are a few other smaller English and Hindi news agencies too, but
more of that later.
When India attained its independence from British
rule on August 15, 1947. Some vestiges of
the British remained behind. The news agencies operating in the country at that
time were cither foreign agencies with offices in India
The foreign agencies operating in India India
Reuter, the United Press International, and the Agency France Press etc. The Associated Press
came sometime later.
Reuter, the United Press International, and the Agency France Press etc. The Associated Press
came sometime later.
In addition, there were India-based news agencies
like the United Press of India and the Associated Press of India, both of which
had owners who were only too willing to leave the
country for their homeland at the time of independence. They soon began winding up
operations.
country for their homeland at the time of independence. They soon began winding up
operations.
Formation
of Various Indian Agencies:
The Government of Independent India, under Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru, had begun encouraging Indians to start their own Indian news
agencies, so that these would give a more balanced picture of the developmental activities going on at the time.
Encouraged by the Government, some major
newspapers joined together to form a trust, and then sct up independent India's
first news agency, the Press Trust of India (PTI) in 1949. It took over the
business of the Associated Press of India, which was in the process of winding
up. The API had been a subsidiary of the Reuters.
The PTI functioned as the only agency for the
next eleven years. It will surprise you to know that although both PTI and the
United News of India (UNI) arc professional rivals, the UNI owes its birth to PTI.
Since PTI has little competition, its working was
not considered good enough for the standard of a news agency. The PTI Board of
Directors felt that something needed to be done to pull it out of its lethargy.
One immediate solution was that another Indian agency should be set up to compete with the PTI.
Thus the United News of India was formed in 1961
and registered under the Societies Act. Like PTI, the UNI was. also lucky to inherit the assets of the United
Press of India, then in the process
of winding up.
The PTI had headquarters in Bombay Delhi Delhi
Earlier, in 1948, a Hindi news agency had come into being.
Called the Hindustan Samachar,
it was backed by some political and private groups. Later, in 1966, another Hindi agency,
the Samachar Bharti, came into being. Although both agencies had limited subscribers
conined to certain areas of the country, they functioned more or less on the same lines as of PTI and UNI. Another news agency, the Asia News International (ANI) came up in the late eighties, but is yet to start all-India operations.
it was backed by some political and private groups. Later, in 1966, another Hindi agency,
the Samachar Bharti, came into being. Although both agencies had limited subscribers
conined to certain areas of the country, they functioned more or less on the same lines as of PTI and UNI. Another news agency, the Asia News International (ANI) came up in the late eighties, but is yet to start all-India operations.
Emergency:
The Era of Samachar:
All the four agencies saw their ups and downs.
The PTI, being the oldest, was more stable than the others. The Hindi agencies were never on a very solid ground,
financially, since their inception.
The UNI started gaining its strength, since 1969.
Several political events were happening in the
mid-seventies, after the then Prime Minister,
Mrs Indira Gandhi had signalled certain changes. Following the events that took place as a
consequence of the Supreme Court judgement in an election petition against Mrs. Gandhi, the Prime Minister suddenly promulgated a National Emergency in the entire country on
June 25, 1975 .
Mrs Indira Gandhi had signalled certain changes. Following the events that took place as a
consequence of the Supreme Court judgement in an election petition against Mrs. Gandhi, the Prime Minister suddenly promulgated a National Emergency in the entire country on
One of me stipulations of the Emergency was
imposition of press censorship in the entire
country. For the agencies, this functioned in a very special way. A Censor Office was
established in the Press Information Bureau which is the publicity wing of the government
and the news agencies were directed to send all their copy (news items typed by reporters)
to this office every hour. After the Censor Officers had gone through the news items and
used their red pencil to cut out what should not go, the rest was sent back, to be used.
country. For the agencies, this functioned in a very special way. A Censor Office was
established in the Press Information Bureau which is the publicity wing of the government
and the news agencies were directed to send all their copy (news items typed by reporters)
to this office every hour. After the Censor Officers had gone through the news items and
used their red pencil to cut out what should not go, the rest was sent back, to be used.
From time to time, the Government also issued
certain directives about what to report and what not to report. For example,
the Government asked the news agencies to stop reporting cases relating to the Maintenance of Internal
Security Act (MISA) pending in various High Courts or in the Supreme Court.
However, the Government felt that not all the
agencies were following these directives, and
the impression began to gain ground that one agency was less controlled than the other.
the impression began to gain ground that one agency was less controlled than the other.
Consequently, in a surprise action, the
government decided to merge the news agencies into a single unit so that it would be easier to
control.
On February 16, 1976 , orders were received by the agencies
that all of them had ceased to exist
and a new news agency called Samachar had been created. The surprise order said
that the UNI and the two Hindi
agencies would be shut down, and Samachar would operate from the building of the former PTI. The managerial and
editing staff was also reorganized, and the topmost posts were given to the staff of the PTI.
The Hindi agencies, which were not doing well
financially, welcomed this merger. However,
the UNI staff felt let down. But the situation was accepted and the agency
continued to work as one, under a new regime. Naturally, parity was brought in
the wages of the staff, since the PTI
salaries were higher than the salaries in the other agencies. For this purpose, the Government gave financial help on a
tapering basis.
Late in 1977, circumstances forced Mrs. Gandhi to
order General Elections, and she was
thrown out of power. The Janata Party, led by Mr. Morarji Desai, was swept to power. After the new government came to power, large sections of the staff of Samachar, mostly belonging to the former UNI, demonstrated with the Government. After much deliberation, in April, 1978, the Government announced that Samachar would cease to exist from September, 1978 and the former four news agencies would be brought to life again.
thrown out of power. The Janata Party, led by Mr. Morarji Desai, was swept to power. After the new government came to power, large sections of the staff of Samachar, mostly belonging to the former UNI, demonstrated with the Government. After much deliberation, in April, 1978, the Government announced that Samachar would cease to exist from September, 1978 and the former four news agencies would be brought to life again.
Thus, you can sec that the news agencies saw some
very interesting changes in the mid-
seventies. The four news agencies came back to life in September, 1978. But the Hindi agencies, whose general income was low, began to crumble under the weight of the increased wages and higher costs.
seventies. The four news agencies came back to life in September, 1978. But the Hindi agencies, whose general income was low, began to crumble under the weight of the increased wages and higher costs.
Growth of
Language Wings:
With the two existing Hindi agencies not being
able to work efficiently to meet the demands of the newspapers, the UNI in 1982
launched UNIVARTA, its Hindi Wing. Since it was a wing of UNI, it worked
initially only on translated stories. However, it gradually built up its own
staff for both editing and reporting.
Naturally, the emergence of a new Hindi agency
further damaged the existing Hindi
agencies, since the staff came mostly from Samachar Bharti and Hindustan Samachar. A couple of years later, the PTI also started its Hindi wing, called PTI Bhasha. Today, both the Hindi wings are serving the majority of language newspapers in the country, and the Hindustan Samachar and Samachar Bharti, arc virtually shut down, though they continue to work in pockets in the country. In May 1992, the UNI look one other step, by introducing the world's irst Urdu News Service. Thus, for the irst time in the world, Urdu news is being transmitted by teleprinter/ computer using Arabic script.
agencies, since the staff came mostly from Samachar Bharti and Hindustan Samachar. A couple of years later, the PTI also started its Hindi wing, called PTI Bhasha. Today, both the Hindi wings are serving the majority of language newspapers in the country, and the Hindustan Samachar and Samachar Bharti, arc virtually shut down, though they continue to work in pockets in the country. In May 1992, the UNI look one other step, by introducing the world's irst Urdu News Service. Thus, for the irst time in the world, Urdu news is being transmitted by teleprinter/ computer using Arabic script.
Difference
in operation of news agencies and
newspapers:
Well, we have already seen that a news agency works
for newspapers, collecting news on their behalf. It is. in fact, financed by
newspapers. Unlike newspapers which may be owned by an individual or a company,
a news agency is owned by a trust jointly formed by newspapers. Unlike
newspapers which may be owned by an individual or a company, a news agency is
owned by a trust jointly formed by newspapers. A news agency,
furthermore, does not publish any newspaper of its own.
furthermore, does not publish any newspaper of its own.
Differences
in Working:
Apart from these basic differences, there are some
other differences in the working. These may be summed up as below:
v In the first place, the news agencies work
round-the-clock. Whereas, a newspaper
may "go to sleep" (go for printing) after midnight or soon afterwards, the news
agencies arc sending and receiving news twenty four hours a day. Thus, its sub¬
editors, and reporters, have to be alert all the time.
may "go to sleep" (go for printing) after midnight or soon afterwards, the news
agencies arc sending and receiving news twenty four hours a day. Thus, its sub¬
editors, and reporters, have to be alert all the time.
v For the news agencies, it is deadline every-minute.
Since a newspaper goes to the
press aftermidnight , a
reporter knows that he has plenty of time to file his report.
But a news agency reporter must file his report immediately, since he may have to catch a newspaper deadline, inIndia or abroad, a radio or a
television bulletin. And,
since there is keen competition, each agency tries to outdo the other, as we have
already seen.
press after
But a news agency reporter must file his report immediately, since he may have to catch a newspaper deadline, in
since there is keen competition, each agency tries to outdo the other, as we have
already seen.
v Accuracy and speed being very essential for a news
agency, it becomes important
that a news agency report should be crisp, precise, and to-the-point. In fact, news
agencies apply the 'Inverted Triangle' principle. This means that the first paragraph
gives the crux—the main gist—of a news story. The second paragraph will add more
details and the third and subsequent paragraph will give details in order of
diminishing importance. The aim is to answer the five Ws and the one H what,
where, when, who and why, and how—in the first two or three paragraphs.
that a news agency report should be crisp, precise, and to-the-point. In fact, news
agencies apply the 'Inverted Triangle' principle. This means that the first paragraph
gives the crux—the main gist—of a news story. The second paragraph will add more
details and the third and subsequent paragraph will give details in order of
diminishing importance. The aim is to answer the five Ws and the one H what,
where, when, who and why, and how—in the first two or three paragraphs.
v Since there is no time for a news agency reporter
to confirm or re-confirm facts, it is important
that there is an eye on accuracy. The newspaper reporter gives a report in the
morning, but has the whole day to correct any mistake. But a news agency
reporter will not get another chance.
reporter will not get another chance.
v You might remember that when the Janata Dal came to
power in December, 1989, a
meeting of the party's Parliamentary Party had unanimously elected Mr. Devi Lai as
the leader. Well, the news agencies immediately Hashed that Mr. Devi Lai was to be
the next Prime Minister. But you will recall that at the end of his speech, Mr. Devi
Lai had pleaded that the burden should be placed on younger shoulders and had
proposed Mr. V.P. Singh's name! Thus, you can see how speed can be a boon, as
also a bane.
meeting of the party's Parliamentary Party had unanimously elected Mr. Devi Lai as
the leader. Well, the news agencies immediately Hashed that Mr. Devi Lai was to be
the next Prime Minister. But you will recall that at the end of his speech, Mr. Devi
Lai had pleaded that the burden should be placed on younger shoulders and had
proposed Mr. V.P. Singh's name! Thus, you can see how speed can be a boon, as
also a bane.
v Because a news agency’s news is considered the last
word, it is necessary that every news item is attributed to a source. In other
words, every news item has to be quoted from someone, unlike in a newspaper
where a reporter can give his/her own version.
v A news agency is not serving the city in which it
works, but the whole nation and beyond. Therefore, its news will not be purely
from a local perspective. What is more, it will often ignore a purely localised
event and will prefer to report something which will be of interest to readers
elsewhere. However, every newspaper devotes lots of space to local news
stories, reporting the events in great detail.
v A news agency generally avoids publicity of
commercial units. Of course, this is Only a general guideline and the decision
is taken on the merit of each situation. A newspaper of course may not mind
publicising an individual.
v A news agency always gives its news without any
comment or personal opinion. This .is
unlike a newspaper which may be permitted not only to give a news item without a source, but also to put in reasonable
comments. Objectivity is the buzz word
for news agencies.
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA
Press
Trust of India (PTI) is India ’s
premier news agency, having a reach as vast as the Indian Railways. It employs
more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and
small town in India .
Collectively, they put out more than 2,000 stories and 200 photographs a day to
feed the expansive appetite of the diverse subscribers, who include the
mainstream media, the specialised presses, research groups, companies, and
government and non-governmental organisations.
PTI
correspondents are also based in leading capitals and important business and
administrative centres around the world. It also has exchange arrangements with
several foreign news agencies to magnify its global news footprint.Currently,
PTI commands 90 per cent of new agency market share in India .
PTI was registered in 1947 and
started functioning in 1949. Today, after 60 years of its service, PTI can well
and truly take pride in the legacy of its work, and in its contribution towards
the building of a free and fair Press in India . On its golden jubilee in 1999,
President K R Narayanan said: “We got independence in August 1947. But
independence in news and information we got only with the establishment of PTI
in 1949. That is the significance of PTI…”
It exchanges information with
several other news agencies including 100 news agencies based outside India , such as
Associated Press, Agency France-Presse, The New York Times and Bloomberg L.P.. Major Indian
subscribers of PTI include Times of
India, the Indian Express,
the Hindustan Times, the All
India Radio and Doordarshan.
PTI has a wide global presence with offices in Bangkok , Beijing , Colombo , Dubai , Islamabad ,
Kuala Lumpur , Moscow , New York
Press
Trust of India is the only news agency in South Asia
which operates its own communication satellite, an INSAT, to broadcast news and
information. Its current chairman is Mr. V.K. Chopra
HISTORY OF PTI
|
Time
|
Event
|
|
1910
|
Birth
of Associated Press of India, PTI's forerunner floated by K C Roy
|
|
1919
|
Reuters
takes over operations of API but still uses API credit line
|
|
1945
|
API registered
as a private limited Indian company wholly owned by Reuters
|
|
1947,
August 27
|
Press
Trust of India incorporated in
|
|
1949,
February 1
|
PTI
begins news services, taking over operations from API but still maintains
links with Reuters.
|
|
1953
|
PTI
becomes a free agent, independent of Reuters
|
|
1976
|
PTI
Economic Service is launched
|
|
1976,
February
|
PTI,
UNI, Samachar Bharati and Hindustan Samachar merge under pressure during
emergency to become 'Samachar'
|
|
1978,
April
|
PTI
and the other three news agencies go back to their original units to restrart
independent news operations
|
|
1980,
July
|
PTI
Feature Service launched
|
|
1981,
October
|
PTI
Science Service launched
|
|
1982,
November
|
PTI
launches Scan, on-screen news display service
|
|
1984
|
PTI
service launched for subscribers in
|
|
1985
|
Computerisation
of news operations starts PTI service launched for subscribers in
|
|
1986,
February
|
PTI-TV
launched
|
|
1986,
April
|
PTI-Bhasha
launched
|
|
1986,
August
|
Experimental
broadcast of news and pix via Insat-IB begins, Computer system made fully
operational
|
|
1987,
August
|
Stock
scan I launched
|
|
1987,
October
|
PTI
photo service launched
|
|
1992,
August
|
PTI
Mag launched
|
|
1993,
August
|
PTI
Graphics service launched
|
|
1995,
March
|
PTI
launches Stock Scan II
|
|
1996,
February
|
PTI
invests for the first time in a foreign registered Company, Asia Pulse, which
provides an on-line data bank on economic opportunities in Asian countries
|
|
1997,
December
|
PTI
introduces photo-dial up facility
|
|
1999,
March
|
PTI
celebrates Golden Jubilee. PTI goes on internet
|
|
2003,
September
|
PTI
launches internet delivery of its news and photo services
|
For operational purposes, the country is
divided into four regions with the offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and
Chennai functioning as regional’ headquarters. In Delhi there are also separate bureaus for
political, economic and sports coverage. Major services offered by PTI are:
English
News Service: PTI news service in
English is available in two forms. The ‘Core’ service coven major developments
segmented service allows papers to pick up additional inputs from segments of
their choice—National/Regional News, Economics/Commercial News, International
News, and Sports News. Core Service puts out about 40,000 words and the full
segmented service over 1000,000 words per day.
Bhasha:
Launched in 1936, the Hindi language news service has its own network in the
Hindi-speaking states. Drawing on PTI files as well, Bhasha puts out about
40,000 words per day.
Photo
Service: Launched in 1987, PTI Photo Service accounts for the bulk of the
agency photos in the Indian media. Broadcast by satellite the service is
available all over the country. The 6 colour service of Associated Press of
America (AP) is made available with the authorisation of PTI
Economic
Service: The fortnightly economic journal provides analytical reports
besides a data update on the Indian economy.
Science
Service: Reports on the developments in science and technology both in India and
abroad in a fortnightly mailer.
PTI
Feature: A package of four weekly features provides an analytical insight
on topical national, international and general events.
PTI
Mag: Provides ten special stories on topics ranging from Arts to Business
to Science in mailer weekly package. Also available on the wire service.
Graphics:
A weekly mailer package of 14, PTI Graphics coven all major developments—be it
economic, sports or elections, On special occasions like the budget the
graphics are broadcast via satellite with the photo service.
News
– Scan: Displays news in capsule form on video monitors. Major developments
in the country and abroad are covered.
Stockscan:
Provides stock market information on video terminals for group display
Stockscan Select of individual users is an interactive version of the service.
PTI-TV:
Provides spot and documentary cover for the small screen on contract, Among the
more famous programmes done by PTI-TV are ‘Money Matters’ and Tana Bana.
Non-Aligned
News Agencies Pool (NANAP): PTI is a redistribution centre for this part of
the world for news exchange among news agencies of the non-aligned countries.
NANAP came into being in 1976.
Organisation
of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) : A grouping of about 30 news agencies
of the Asian-Pacific region, includes PTI and UNI of India. Founded in 1961,
OANA has been acting as a forum for exchange of news, besides facilitating
professional interaction. PTI has covered 50 years of its operation. Its
services are available on net too.
UNITED
NEWS OF INDIA
UNI, founded by newspapers themselves to
promote competition between the country’s two news agencies. Started operations
in March 1961.
Since 1968, the agency’s communication
network has expanded and it now has one of the largest news agency teleprinter
networks in the developing world.
The number of subscribers has increased
seven-fold. The agency was reaching about 1100 subscribers by teleprinter.
These included a dozen in six Gulf countries, linked to UNI through an
exclusive satellite channel. The agency now has reporters in 400 big and small
towns manned by 300 staffers and 400 stringers.
The agency’s pioneering Gulf news
operations launched in 1980 now cover the UAE. Bahrain, Quatar, Kuwait, Oman
and Saudi Arabia. The UNI news service now also goes to Singapore and Mauritius .
In May 1982, UNI went bilingual when it
launched its Hindi Service-UNIVARTA. Today UNIVARTA dominates the news columns
of Hindi newspapers in all the Hindi states and even in places as for away as Hyderabad , Ahmedabad and Calcutta . The service
grew fast and in fifteen years, nearly 250 newspapers published from more than
60 centers in Hindi heartland have begun subscribing to UNIVARTA. More than 100
of these newspapers depend exclusively on UNIVARTA.
UNI foreign news comes mainly from the
Associated Press of America (A which has been collaborating with UNI from the
very first day of its operation. Another foreign collaborator from the agency’s
early days in DPA. UNI also has collaboration arrangements with 15 other wire
services, including most of the Gulf agencies. UNI’s own correspondents ably
supplement agency news coverage from abroad. Nepal was the first county where
UNI posted a correspondent way back in 1968. Now foreign reports come in from
22 UNI correspondents based in 20 countries in five continents.
UNI
is said to be the first news agency in India to launch a Finance service, a
Stock Exchange service and a National Photo service. Other services offered
include:
§ UNIDARSHAN
(TV news and features)
§ UNISCAN
(News display on TV sets for hotels, and government or corporate clients)
§ UNIDirect
(Services for executives in government, corporate and other sectors)
§ UNI
GRAPHICS (Ready-to-use computer-designed graphics)
From Cycle to Satellite:
Initially,
UNI news messages were sent out on cycle to subscribers in New Delhi . This was on March 21, 1961 . Today, UN! News reaches
out to subscribers over a dedicated teleprinter network stretching over 85.000
kilometers, linking more than 100 towns and cities of India .
UNI
was the first news agency in India
to go on to satellite communication The Bo York satellite channel was
commissioned on June 6, 1979 ,
for receipt of AF service. An exclusive UNI Bombay-Dubai channel was
commissioned on April 1, 1981 .
UNI computerized its news operations in metropolitan centers, and at present is
poised to upgrade the system all over the country with slate of art technology.
The present UNI activities include: Wire Services UNI General Service, UNI
Overseas Service, and UNI Financial Service. UNI Banking Service. UNI Stock
Exchange Service. UNI Language Service (UNIVARTA). UNI World TV News Service
(UNISCAN) and UNI Urdu Service.
Mailer Services: UNI Backgrounder
Service (Weekly). UNI Agricultural Service (Weekly). UNI Energy Service (Twice
a week), and UNI Economic Service (Weekly)
UNI- VARTA
v United News of 'India launched
UNIVARTA in Hindi in 1982 and pioneered a wire service in Urdu in 1 992.
v Now it is serving more than 300
newspaper and non-newspaper subscriber in several states across India .
v
Besides
spot news, UNIVARTA provides news features on a wide variety of topics,
including art and culture, science, agriculture, economy, heritage and India 's neighbors.
PTI-BHASHA
v Hindi News services are provided
through its agency named - 'BHASHA’ started its Hindi service in 1986 - PTI BHASHA.
v Bhasha is the Hindi language news
service of PTI. With its own network in the Hindi
-speaking states and drawing on PTI files, Bhasha puts out about 40,000 words per day.
v India 's first multilingual agency.
v The Hindustan Samachar was set up in Bombay
as private limited company in 1945 by S.S.Apte.
v Its avowed aim was to educate the
masses to take to take part in national development and to strive for national development and integration through the promotion of
all Indian languages.
v In 1 957,
it became a society called Hindustan Samachar Cooperative Society, with its headquarters in New Delhi .
v Being workers cooperative, it remained free of the
control of both the government as well as the
big newspaper proprietors
v
The agency fed news to its
more than 135 subscribers in 10 languages.
v
It used to bring out a
book in Hindi entitled Varshiki. A monthly feature service named Yugarta was also brought
out containing a minimum of 15 news features on themes odd topical interests.
SAMACHAR
BHARTI
v
The second language agency, the samachar bharti,
was registered as a company in 1062, was inaugurated on 2 October, 1966 and commenced
commercial distribution of news to newspapers from January1, 1967.
v In 1970, the agency was converted
almost into a government company with the State governments of Bihar , Gujarat .
Rajasthan and karnatka holding more than 50 percent of the company’s share.
v In 1970, the agency was converted
almost into a government company with the State governments of Bihar , Gujarat .
Rajasthan and karnatka holding more than 50 percent of the company’s share.
v In spite of its heavy share-capital,
the SB remained financially weak.
v However, despite the financial
handicaps the agency rendered valuable Services in supplying news to the language papers, most of
them small and medium news papers.
v Not merely in Hindi but also in
Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Urdu and Punjabi.
v Among its subscribers were 50
newspapers, the AIR and state information agencies.
v It also started annual reference manual
in Hindi Desh aur Duniva
v
It
also had feature service called Bharti.
SAMACHAR
v The four agencies, PTI, UNI, Hindustan
Samachar and Samachar Bharti Merged their separate identities into what came to be known as
"Samachar" in
February 1976.
v The decision to “restructure" the
four teleprinter news agencies had been taken by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
at a meeting held at her office on 26 July1975.
v The employees" unions of the four
agencies passed resolutions accepting the Ideas of a single national news agency.
v On 21 January 1976 , V.C. Shukla made a statement in
the Lok Sabha saying that the Government welcomed the initiatives taken by the
news agencies towards the merger.towards the merger.
v As a result a society was registered
under the Societies Registration Act.1860,
on an application signed by seven persons on 24 January, 1976 .
v The credit line Samachar had started appearing
from1February 1976. Following an
agreement sinned by the four agencies on 29 January1976.
2.FEATURE SERVICES AND SYNDICATES
INFA
India News and Feature Alliance
(INFA) is India ’s leading news and feature
agency. An independent syndicate, it was founded in 1959 by Durga Das following his retirement as
the Editor-in-Chief of the Hindustan Times.
INFA will turn 50 on 14 November 2009 . For nearly half a
century, it has been crusading to strengthen India ’s young democracy at the
grassroots through a better-informed public opinion. It has endeavoured to
achieve this by providing a daily service of articles on topical issues by
leading experts giving background, inside information and in-depth analysis.
INFA service comprises daily columns, exclusive
off-beat news items, backgrounders and special features. Also provided
are news items of different interest, both domestic and foreign, parliamentary
service, INFA Digest as well as Dossiers on request. It also has a Publication
Division, wherein important books are brought out annually.
INFA is functioning from New Delhi . It is owned by Durga Das private
Ltd.
Features:
INFA service is
provided by e-mail both in English and Hindi. The service comprises a column a
day or 30 articles a month for the editorial page together with two to three
exclusive off-beat news items. It also provides tailormade writeups on request
from its clients, such as newspapers, government organisations, conglomerates
etc. INFA columns cover a wide spectrum and are written by
acknowledged experts. These are released under seven titles each week:
Political Diary, a
weekly column on national affairs with inside information and relevant
background.
Round the World, analysis
of international events as viewed from New
Delhi .
Round the States, a weekly focus on the highlights of developments in
the States together with the Union Government’s reactions to them.
Defence Notes, a
fortnightly column analyzing the national defence policies and activities
and international developments related to the country.
Economic Highlights, a
weekly feature with analysis of the latest business and economic developments.
Open Forum, invites
a cross-section of top leaders of various political parties to raise and debate
topical issues of national or regional concern.
Events and Issues, a commentary on major issues and happenings.
People and Their Problems, deals with a
cross-section of basic and other issues concerning the common man.
Parliament gets special attention in view of its central role in a
democracy through which the will of the people is expressed, laws passed and
the Government held to account.
Spotlight,
Off-beat news items on issues such as
environment, health, scientific developments etc
Special Article:
Analysis of current and controversial issues, both national and
international.
INFA take great pride in our objectivity, credibility, and
fair and balanced reporting. We give equal importance to analysis, which to us
is as important as news, sometimes even more important. The same applies to
special dossiers supplied on any subject on request by our clients. In its 49
years of experience INFA has not faced even a single contradiction.
Publication Syndicate:
Publication
means that which is published or made known; especially, any book, pamphlet,
etc., offered for sale or to public notice; as, a daily or monthly publication.
and syndicate is an association of people or firm authorized to undertake a
duty or transact specific business. Or an agency that sells articles, features,
or photographs for publication in a number of newspaper or periodical
simultaneously.
The
aim of the publication syndicate is to help members to improve rate and
standard of publications. It will provide supportive feedback and discussion
within a semi-formal format. Here’s what members will have to do:
·
Commit to being an active member of the group
for at least 6 months (this is a minimum commitment of reading circulated
material and providing comment when asked).
·
The group will meet for face-to-face discussion
every Wednesday 1-2pm after
regular Catalyst meetings. (we recognize that people have other commitments
that prevent them from attending every meeting which is why we separated the
reading and discussing aspects of the syndicate)
·
Every Wednesday the Convener will send out the
material to be read for next Wednesday
·
Some people will be asked to provide written
comments by the following Monday night so that the author can consider them
before Wednesday’s meeting
·
At the Wednesday meeting, authors who have had
comments will lead discussion (here’s the comments I got…, here’s what I intend
to do…, I’d appreciate some discussion about… sort of thing.)
·
Convener role to circulate monthly (see PD
below)
·
If you have indicated the intention to submit
something for reading, you do so on time and in the provided format.
We
can review these guidelines as we go along of course.
·
Convener’s duties (1 month terms)
·
Gather
papers/ideas etc that people want comment on and make sure the author has
indicated what they are seeking from group and any deadlines
·
Organise
agenda to balance topics and meet deadlines if any
·
Select
2-4 readers and send next week’s material out by Wednesday night
·
Make
sure there’s someone to take the job on next month
PTI Feature
PTI
feature service was launched 1980. The service was launched keeping in mind
The small
and medium size newspapers. The small and medium size newspapers
cannot afford to hire expert writers or specialist writers. PTI feature equip such
newspapers with their feature service. Whereas the big newspaper can afford
syndicate writers and the experts so they are less inclined towards this service.
cannot afford to hire expert writers or specialist writers. PTI feature equip such
newspapers with their feature service. Whereas the big newspaper can afford
syndicate writers and the experts so they are less inclined towards this service.
Four commentaries or articles are
provided to the subscribers weekly. The writers of these articles or features
can he from PTIs pool or some independent expert too.
3.INTRODUCTION TO
INTERNATIONAL NEWS AGENCY PHOTO AGENCIES
Foreign News Agencies In India
Reuter is a private
British news agency named after its founder, Paul Julius Von Reuter. It was founded in 1851. Associated Press (AP) is a news agency that was established in New York Paris United States India
A new entrant is the India Abroad News-Service. This is
owned by Mr. Gopal Raju, a
non-resident Indian inNew York
from that city.
non-resident Indian in
from that city.
How They Operate in the
Country:
Soon after the country became independent, it was
decided that the foreign agencies will not operate directly in the country:
they had to enter into collaboration with Indian agencies as subscribers. Thus,
Indian newspapers get news transmitted by AP or DPA through UNI, and that transmitted by AFP, Reuters or
UP1 through PTI. Similarly, while they do have their own bureaus here, they depend mostly on
the Indian agency they subscribe to and then add their own background before
transmitting any news abroad. However, some news agencies have now sought permission
to operate directly, especially with regard to commercial news, and this is being considered by the
government.
REUTERS
Reuters
was set up in 1851 by Paul Julius Reuter, a German-born immigrant. He opened an
office in the City of London which transmitted stock market quotations between
London and Paris via the new Calais-Dover cable. Two years earlier he had used
pigeons to fly stock prices between Aachen and Brussels.
Reuters,
as the agency soon became known, eventually extended its service to the whole
British press as well as to other European countries. It also expanded to
include general and economic news from across the world. Its reputation rapidly
gained ground thanks to a series of major scoops.
The
one Reuters journalists love to cite most was in 1865 when the company was
first in Europe with news of US President Lincoln's assassination. Advances in
overland telegraphs and undersea cables allowed the news wire to expand into
the Far East in 1872 and South America in 1874. In 1883 Reuters started
transmitting messages electrically to London newspapers and in 1923 it
pioneered the use of radio to transmit news internationally.
The
firm has always been fiercely independent and has clear principles for all its
reporters across text and television on objective reporting. However, during
both world wars, it came under pressure from the British government to serve
national interests. In 1941 Reuters deflected the pressure by restructuring
itself as a private company.
The
new owners, the British national and regional press, formed the Reuters Trust,
with independent trustees who must safeguard the group's independence and neutrality.
The group listed in 1984 and has not always had an easy time on the public
markets. Its share price shot up during the dotcom boom but fell back sharply
along with the fortunes of investment banks after 2001.
Lean
times in the City and on Wall Street forced many traders to pick between their
Reuters screen and Bloomberg's rival service. Still, in the last few year chief
executive Tom Glocer has pushed through a turnaround strategy and the share
price has gradually recovered, not least thanks to renewed boom times in
banking. Katie Allen
Key Dates:
·
1851: Julius Reuter opens the Submarine Telegraph Office in
London.
·
1865: Reuter incorporates Reuter's Telegram Company Limited;
first office outside of Europe opens in
Alexandria, Egypt.
·
1916: Roderick Jones, managing director of the company, and Mark
Napier, chairman, form group to buy entire shareholding of Reuters Telegraph,
forming a new, private company, Reuters Limited.
·
1925: The Press Association acquires majority stake in Reuters.
·
1941: The Reuter Trust is formed, a joint company owned by the
Press Association and the Newspaper Proprietors' Association.
·
1947: The Australian Associated Press and the New Zealand Press
Association join the Reuters Trust.
·
1973: Reuter Monitor Money Rates service is formed; Reuters
creates Information, Dissemination and Retrieval Inc., a U.S.-based subsidiary.
·
1993: Reuters New Media Inc. is formed.
·
1997: Reuters establishes Global Technical Centre in Geneva.
·
2003: Reuters launches the Fast Forward Programme.
THE
ASSOCIATED PRESS (“AP”)
The
Associated Press (“AP”) is the essential global news network, delivering fast,
unbiased news from every corner of the world to all media platforms and
formats. On any given day, more than half the world’s population sees news from
the AP. Founded in 1846, the AP today is one of the largest and most trusted
sources of independent newsgathering. The AP considers itself to be the
backbone of the world’s information system, serving thousands of daily
newspaper, radio, television, and online customers with coverage in text,
photos, graphics, audio and video.
Headquartered
in New York, the AP’s mission is to be the essential global news network,
providing distinctive news services of the highest quality, reliability, and
objectivity with reports that are accurate balanced and informed. About 3,700
employees – two-thirds of them news gatherers – work in more than 300 locations
worldwide
The
Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative
owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the
United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written
by its staff journalists. Many newspapers and broadcasters outside the United
States are AP subscribers, paying a fee to use AP material without being
contributing members of the cooperative.
As
of 2005,
the news collected by the AP is published and republished by more than 1,700
newspapers, in addition to more than 5,000 television and radio broadcasters.
The photograph library of the AP consists of over 10 million images. The
Associated Press operates 243 news bureaus, and it serves at least 120 countries,
with an international staff located all over the world.
Associated
Press also operates The Associated Press Radio Network, which provides
newscasts twice hourly for broadcast and satellite radio and television
stations. The AP Radio also offers news and public affairs features, feeds of
news sound bites, and long form coverage of major events.
The AP has received 49 Pulitzer Prizes, more than any
other news organization in the categories for which it can compete. It also has
30 photo Pulitzers, the most of any news organization.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESS (AFP),
Agence
France-Presse (AFP) is a French news agency, the oldest one in the
world, and one of the three largest with Associated Press and Reuters. It is
also the largest French news agency. Currently, its CEO is Emmanuel Hoog and
its news director Philippe Massonnet.
AFP is
based in Paris, with regional centres in Washington, Hong Kong, Nicosia, São
Paulo, Montevideo and bureaux in 110 countries. It transmits news in French,
English, Arabic, Spanish, German, and Portuguese.
Agence France-Press (AFP), French
cooperative news agency, one of the world’s great wire news
services. It is based in Paris ,
where it was founded under its current name in 1944, but its roots go to the
Bureau Havas, which was created in 1832 by Charles-Louis Havas, who translated
reports from foreign papers and distributed them to Paris and provincial newspapers. In 1835 the
Bureau Havas became the Agence Havas, the world’s first
true news agency. Stressing rapid transmission of the news,
Agence Havas established the first telegraph service in France in 1845.
Between 1852 and 1919 the agency worked in close collaboration with an
advertising firm, the Correspondance General Havas. Staff correspondents for
the agency were stationed in many world capitals by the late 1800s.
The
German occupation of France
suppressed Agence Havas in 1940, and many of its personnel were active in the
underground. After the liberation of Paris
in 1944, underground journalists emerged to set up AFP as a wire-service voice
for liberated France .
The postwar French government gave AFP the assets of Agence Havas, including
the Paris
building that became its headquarters. AFP quickly joined Reuters (United Kingdom ),
TASS (U.S.S.R.; later, ITAR-TASS of Russia ), and the U.S. agencies
Associated Press (AP) and United Press International (UPI) as one of the
world’s leading news agencies. In addition to having bureaus in major French
cities, it has bureaus and correspondents in important world capitals. Besides
having contracts with AP, Reuters, and ITAR-TASS for exchange of news reports,
it sells a domestic French news report to most of the world’s news agencies and
provides its worldwide report to many of them. AFP also has a photo service and
a number of specialized news reports, several concerned with African matters.
UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL (UPI)
United Press International (UPI), American-based
news agency,
one of the largest proprietary news wire services in the world. It was created
in 1958 upon the merger of the United Press (UP; 1907)
with the International News Service (INS). UPI and its
precursor agencies pioneered in some key areas of news coverage, including the
wired transmission of news photographs in 1925.
United
Press International was born June
21, 1907 , as the United Press Associations because its founder
believed there should be no restrictions on who could buy news from a news
service. Today, with more than 7,000 subscribers throughout the world, its
ownership and management still subscribe to that belief.
UPI
is the only major news service in the world under private ownership. It was
founded by E.W. Scripps, then publisher of the Scripps-McRae Newspapers (later
Scripps-Howard), at a time when the world news scene was dominated by the
Associated Press in the United
States and by government-subsidized or
government-controlled agencies abroad.
Expansion Overseas:
Its
success in this endeavor led to an invitation in 1912 for UP to ally itself
with Reuters, then the dominant European news gathering organization, which the
young news agency rejected. Such a move would have put United Press in alliance
with agencies controlled or dominated by foreign governments, tying it in with
an international news cartel which at that time was the foundation of the AP's
foreign service. Instead, it set a course of aggressive, independent coverage
and broad dissemination of its services. As its foreign news resources and
clientele grew, the effectiveness of the allied agencies' control gradually
declined, although it was not until 1934 that they formally gave up trying to
retain their particular spheres of influence.
At
its beginning in 1907, United Press served 369 newspapers in the United States .
Its news went to European newspapers through the British agency, Exchange
Telegraph. Two years later, in 1909, United Press began a cable service to
Nippon Dempo Tsushin Sha, the Japanese Telegraph News Agency, later merged into
Domei. This service was to continue until December 7, 1941, when the Japanese
attacked Pearl Harbor.
By
1914, the UP's clientele had doubled. With the outbreak of World War I,
newspapers in South American began chafing under the allied agencies'
restrictions which compelled them to get their war news from the French agency,
Havas. The South Americans said it was officially subsidized and covered only
the allied side of the war. To get the news of both sides, they turned to
United Press. It began its first news file to South
America in 1915. La Prensa of Buenos Aires, started using United
Press service in 1919.
Direct
UP service to newspapers in Europe was
inaugurated after the first World War, in 1921, to clients in Cologne , Frankfurt
and Vienna .
United Press service direct to newspapers on the Asian mainland followed in
1922, to publications in Peking and Tienstsin.
In
1922, the British United Press Ltd., was organized to serve newspapers
throughout the British Empire .
By
1929, the United Press was serving 1,170 newspapers in 45 countries and
territories.
Development of Services:
During
these years, in addition to pioneering new territories, the United Press broke
new ground in news agency style and method. It was the first service to
emphasize the by-line of the correspondent writing the dispatch. It introduced
the big-name interview and developed the feature story as an important part of
the daily news report. It encouraged its writers to tell their stories in terms
of people. It gathered its own news. It strove for penetrating reporting and
excellent writing.
In
1935, United Press became the first major American news service to supply news
to radio stations.
At
the outbreak of World War II, in 1939, the number of United Press clients had
grown to 1,715 newspaper and radio stations, in 52 countries and territories.
These included 486 newspapers outside the United States of which 194 were in
nations which went to war with the U.S. in 1941 or in territories
occupied by them. The war cost UP those 194 papers, yet before it was over,
UP's list of clients was greater than ever. In 1944, the total was 543.
In
1951 United Press added to its facilities the teletypesetter which sent news
dispatches by wire, and linked to a typesetting machine, automatically set them
in type in newspaper offices.
In
1951 it launched the first major international newsfilm service for television
stations.
On
January 1, 1952 ,
United Press entered the newspictures field on a worldwide basis. Within two
years it developed a fully automatic facsimile receiver to supplement the
traditional Telephoto service, a photographic process using manually operated
equipment. The first facsimile service was for television stations. Early in
1954, as quality improved, it was extended to newspapers.
Begun
also in 1952 was the complete conversion of overseas radio transmissions from
Morse to radioprinter.
On
the occasion of UP's 50th anniversary, June 21, 1957, TIME magazine said:
"The first major U.S. news service to prosper as a commercial undertaking,
the United Press today is the world's most enterprising wire-news
merchant."
Now,
entering its 71st year, UPI serves 7,079 subscribers worldwide. It's 2,246
clients outside of the U.S.
include more than 30 national and other news agencies which relay its reports
to additional thousands of newspapers and broadcasters. In the U.S., UPI's
clients include 1,134 newspapers and other publications and 3,699 broadcasters. Petersburg Telegraph Agency (SPTA
)TASS
On July
10, 1925 the Telegraph Agency of the Soviet Union (TASS) was
founded and took over the main functions of the Russian Telegraph Agency as the
central information agency of the country. TASS enjoyed "exclusive right
to gather and distribute information outside the Soviet
Union , as well as the right to distribute foreign and domestic
information within the Soviet Union , and
manage the news agencies of the Soviet republics". TASS comprised news
agencies of all the Soviet republics: RATAU (Ukraine), BELTA (Byelorussia),
UZTAG (Uzbekistan), KAZTAG (Kazakhstan), GRUZINFORM (Georgia), AZERINFORM
(Azerbaijan), ELTA (Lithuania), ATEM (Moldavia), LATINFORM (Latvia), KIRTAG
(Kirghizia), TAJIKTA (Tajikistan), ARMENPRESS (Armenia), TURKMENINFORM
(Turkmenia), ETA (Estonia). TASS news and photos were received by 4,000 Soviet
newspapers, TV and radio stations and over a thousand foreign media outlets.
The news agency ran one of the biggest networks of correspondents in the world
- 682 offices in the country and 94 bureaus abroad, and employed close to 2,000
journalists and photo correspondents…
IThe news agency was
named the Information Telegraph Agency of Russia (ITAR-TASS) in January 1992
after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the
proclamation of sovereignty by democratic Russia . Today ITAR-TASS is a major
world news agency and preserves the status of the central state information
agency of the country.
ITAR-TASS constantly works to expand the list of
subscribers and to suit the demands of major national publications, news agencies
and TV channels, as well as of small regional media outlets. We closely
cooperate with authorities, political parties and movements, public and
humanitarian organizations, government ministries and business structures. The
potential of our news agency can quench any information thirst.
ITAR-TASS motto is REALTIME, RELIABLE AND QUALITY NEWS:
In
existence since 1904, The Russian News Agency ITAR-TASS is one of the world's
largest international information agencies. The successor to the Soviet TASS
news agency, it was re-named in 1992, when Russia proclaimed its sovereignty
following the collapse of the USSR .
It has retained its status of being the state central information agency.
Previously
available to only a select few, the agency's resources are now available to
anyone who is interested, both within and outside Russia; the mass media,
academic institutions, organizations and private individuals.
To
better serve a rapidly growing number of subscribers, the agency has developed
a new set priorities designed to streamline and improve key aspects of its
operation: how topics are selected, expansion of news coverage, and timely
delivery of news on the wire. As the very nature of news production continues
to evolve, the agency will continually make use of the very latest available
technologies in order to make real-time news distribution faster and more
efficient.
ITAR-TASS
relies on a widespread net of correspondents. Currently, It has more than 130
bureaus and offices in Russia
and abroad. ITAR-TASS also cooperates with more than 80 foreign news agencies.
ITAR-TASS' editorial and other desks process information from correspondents,
check and analyze facts, and translate into five foreign languages.
ITAR-TASS
has accumulated a rich body of experience throughout the course of its 100-year
history. The agency's widespread network of correspondents, its modern means of
distributing and storing information, and a well-oiled mechanism of cooperation
between its editorial, reference and reporter departments, all enable ITAR-TASS
to provide quick and full coverage of all kinds of events shaping Russia and the
world. ITAR-TASS offers today 45 round-the-clock news cycles in six languages
and more than 40 information bulletins.
The
agency also operates a photo service, the largest of its kind in Russia . This
unique service offers pictures of the latest breaking developments, available
for prompt transmission in digital form. Clients also have access to an
extremely rich photo archive dating back to the beginning of the 20th century.
Also
available is the INFO-TASS electronic data bank, which contains all agency
materials produced since 1987, multimedia products, and unique reference books
on Russia
and other CIS member states, which are regularly updated. On a daily basis,
ITAR-TASS produces and transmits to its subscribers around the world materials
that can cover 700 newspaper pages.
4.GOVERNMENT MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS
PRESS
INFORMATION BUREAU(PIB)
The
Press Information Bureau (PIB) is the nodal agency of the Government of India
to disseminate information to the print and electronic media on its various
policies, and programmes. The organisation is headed by the Principal
Information Officer. There are 8 regional offices and 35 branch offices for
disseminating information. The Bureau at the headquarters has a team of
officers attached to various Ministries and Departments for the purpose of
assisting them in the management of the media and public relations. The PIB
acts as an interface between the Government and the media and the Information
Officers serve as official spokesmen for the Government.
The Principal Information Officer is the Media Advisor to the Government of India. The important functions of PIB are:
The Principal Information Officer is the Media Advisor to the Government of India. The important functions of PIB are:
·
The
accreditation of Indian and foreign media representatives.
·
Press
briefings and press conferences.
·
Feedback
to the Government on the press and public reaction.
·
Special
service for Urdu and small newspapers
·
Conduct
of press tours to the development projects, remote and backward areas.
·
Organising special workshops, trainings etc.
The
information material released by the Bureau in Hindi, English, Urdu and other
regional languages reaches to over 8408 newspapers and media organizations. The
Bureau at Headquarters has a team of officers who are attached to various
Ministries and Departments for the purpose of assisting them in dissemination
of information to the media. They also provide feedback to their assigned Ministries
/ Departments on people's reaction being reflected in media towards Government
policies and programmes. As part of the Special Services the Feedback Cell
prepares daily digest and special digests based on news stories and editorials
from national as well as regional dailies and periodicals. The Features Unit of
the Bureau provides backgrounders, updates, info nuggets, features and
graphics. These are circulated on the national network and on the Internet and
are also sent to the Regional and Branch Offices for translation and
circulation to the local press. PIB arranges photo coverage of Government
activities and the photographs are supplied to dailies and periodicals
published in English and other Indian languages all over the country.
PIB
is connected to 29 Regional Centre’s by video conferencing system through
NIC studios. This enables media persons at Regional Centers to participate in
Press Conference in New Delhi
and also in other parts of the country.
PIB
provides accreditation facility to media persons so as to make easy access to
information from the Government sources.
PHOTO DIVISION
Photo
Division, an independent media unit meant for visual support for the varied
activities of the Government of India, is a subordinate office of the Ministry
of Information and Broadcasting and the biggest production unit of its kind in
the country in the field of photography.
Photo
Division was established on 6 th October 1959 as an integrated Photo Unit which
was renamed as Photo Division in the early sixties. Government of India took a
decision to establish this organization in the end of fifties, integrating the
photo studio of the Publication Division and the Photo Unit of the Press
Information Bureau & D.A.V.P. in view of the importance of the medium for
right projection of the development of the country and also keeping in view of
eliminating the duplication of the activities.
The
Division is responsible for visual documentation and the preparing photographs
both in Black & White and Colour initially for both of internal and
external publicity on behalf of the Government of India.
Function programme:
The
major function of the Photo Division is to document photographically, the
growth, Development and the political, economical and social changes in the
country and to provide visuals (still) to the media units of the Ministry of
Information & Broadcasting and other Central and State Government Agencies,
Ministries/Departments including President Secretariat, Vice-President
Secretariat, Prime Minister’s Office, Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Secretariats
and Indian Missions abroad through XP Division of the Ministry of External
Affairs.
External
Publicity Division of the Ministry of External Affairs and the P.I.B get the
major chunks of the services provided by the Photo Division. While PIB uses the
picture taken by the Division for the day-today feeding to the Press through
Internet, DAVP depends
On
the complete visual support from the archives of the Division, which is
developed during the last four decades for the preparation/production of
various kind of Exhibition/advertising materials to be circulated amongst the
large population of the country. On the other hand External Publicity Division
of the Ministry of External Affairs takes major chunks of its production for
the external publicity of the Government of India. This includes extensive
documentation of the visit of all the Heads of States/Government of Foreign
countries and presentation of the albums of the documentation of those visits
on the departure of VVIP’s.
The
Division also supplies photographs on payment both in Black & White and
Colour to the non-publicity organizations and general public through its
Pricing Scheme.
Organisational set up:
Photo
Division is housed in Soochna Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road , new Delhi Curzon Road , New Delhi
The
Division is headed by a Director, with one Deputy Director, Senior Photographic
Officer, seven Photographic Officers, Administrative Officer, Accounts Officer
and technical and non-ministerial staff. For use of Rajbhasa as Official
Language, the Division has a Hindi Section with a Hindi Translator (Junior) and
Hindi Typist (LDC) working directly under the Director for implementation of
Hindi. The present total sanctioned staff of the Division is 110 including its
regional Offices and its Unit.
Technical
Officers including the Director, Deputy Director, Senior Photographic Officer
and the Photographic Officers of this Division have to accompany the VVIPs
(Prime Minister, Vice-President etc.) for providing photo coverage of their
visit within the country and also the visit to abroad. Division takes up the
documentation work particularly the Developmental activities, social and
economic changes time to time for enriching its collection for the posterity.
One
Officer of the Division accompany the visiting Heads of States and a special
Album containing the entire documentation of the visit of the Dignitaries are
presented just before their departure from the country, even it is outside the
Headquarter.
DAVP
DIRECTORATE OF ADVERTISING & VISUAL PUBLICITY
The Directorate of Advertising & Visual
Publicity (DAVP) is the nodal agency to undertake multi-media advertising and
publicity for various Ministries and Departments of Government of India. Some
of the Autonomous Bodies also route their advertisements through DAVP. As a
service agency, it endeavours to communicate at grass roots level on behalf of
various Central Government Ministries.
The origin of DAVP can be traced to the times
of World War-II. Immediately after the out-break of Second World War, the
erstwhile government of India
appointed a Chief Press Advisor. Besides other things, advertising was also the
responsibility of the Chief Press Advisor. A post of Advertising Consultant was
created in June 1941 under the Chief Press Advisor. This is where DAVP has its
roots. On March 1, 1942 ,
the Advertising Consultant Office became the Advertising Branch of the
Department of Information & Broadcasting. Following the expansion in its
scope, functions and activities, this Advertising unit was declared an Attached
Office of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on October 1, 1955 . The office
also assumed the name of Directorate of Advertising & Visual
Publicity(DAVP). DAVP was further declared as Head of a Department on April 4, 1959 . By virtue of
this declaration, financial and administrative powers were delegated to DAVP.
DAVP has been working as a catalyst of social
change and economic growth over the years. It has been instrumental in creating
awareness amongst masses on socio-economic themes, seeking their participation
in developmental activities and for eradication of poverty and social evils.
·
To
perform the functions of a multi-media advertising agency for the Central
Government.
·
To act
as service agency for Central Government ministries/departments to meet their
publicity needs including production of media inputs as well as dissemination
of messages/information.
·
To help
Central Government departments in formulating communication strategies/media
plans and help implement them at the grass-root level by providing multi-media
support.
The channels of communication used are:
·
Advertisements
- Release of press ads
·
Exhibitions
- Putting up exhibitions
·
Outdoor
Publicity - Display of hoardings, kiosks, bus panels, wall paintings, cinema
slides, banners etc.
·
Printed
Publicity - Booklets, folders, posters, leaflets, calendars, diaries etc.
·
Audio
& Visual Publicity - Spots/Quickies, jingles, sponsored programmes, short
films etc.
·
Mailing
of publicity material - Distribution of publicity material
The main set-up of DAVP at the
headquarters consists of:
·
Campaign
Wing - for coordinating publicity campaigns
·
Advertising
Wing - for release of press advertisement
·
Outdoor
Publicity Wing - for display of outdoor publicity material
·
Printed
Publicity Wing - for printing of publicity material
·
Exhibition
Wing - for putting-up exhibitions
·
Mass
Mailing Wing - for distribution of publicity material
·
Audio-Visual
Cell - for production of audio/video programmes
·
Studio
with DTP facility - for designing
·
Copy
Wing - for making copy
·
Coordination
Cell - for coordinating PQs,VIP ref., Parl.Committees
·
Electronic
Data Processing Centre - for processing of bills.
·
Accounts
Wing
2. Administration Wing
DAVP has a network of offices spread all over
the country. DAVP has:-
·
Two
Regional Offices at Bangalore
and Guwahati to coordinate the Directorate’s activities in the region.
·
Two
Regional Distribution Centres at Calcutta
and Chennai look after distribution of publicity material in eastern and
southern regions, respectively.
·
35 Field
Exhibition Units which include seven mobile exhibition vans, seven family
welfare units and 21 general field exhibition units.
·
Regional
Exhibition Workshop at Chennai and Exhibition Kit Production Centre at Guwahati
assist the Exhibition Division at
headquarters in designing and fabricating exhibits.
Some of the important subjects
publicised by DAVP include:-
·
Health
& Family Welfare
·
Drug
Abuse & Prohibition
·
Women
& Child Development
·
Upliftment
of Girl Child
·
Education
·
Adult
Education
·
Non-Conventional
Energy Sources
·
Mahila
Samridhi Yojana
·
National
Integration & Communal Harmony
·
Creating
public opinion against dowry, female infanticide,child labour, beggery etc.
·
Blood
Donation
·
AIDS
Awareness
·
Consumer
Protection
·
Safe
Drinking Water
·
Welfare
of the Handicapped
·
Water-Borne
Diseases
·
Handicrafts
·
Social
Welfare Programmes
·
Agriculture
·
Food
& Nutrition
·
National
Social Assistance Programmes
·
TRYSEM
·
IRDP
·
DWCRA
·
Employment
Assurance Scheme
·
Jawahar
Rozgar Yojana
·
Panchayati
Raj and
·
Commemoration
of 50 Years of India Independence
(RNI) THE REGISTRAR OF NEWSPAPERS FOR INDIA
The
Office of the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) also commonly known as
the Press Registrar was created on 1st July 1956 , pursuant to a recommendation of the First
Press Commission by an amendment of the Press and Registration of Books Act I
Functions:
It
functions as a central government body responsible for the completion of a
Register giving particulars like ownership and circulation of all newspapers
published in India .
It
oversees the allocation of titles, newsprint and certificates for the import of
printing and allied machinery required by newspaper establishments and also
sees to the enforcement of the provisions of the Press and Registration of
Books Act, and has the authority to inspect newspaper records and documents.
The
RNI carries out frequent checks to find out whether the newspapers registered
with it are published regularly and also whether the circulation figures
claimed by newspapers are credible.
It
is the duty of the Press Registrar to register all newspapers published in the
country to issue certificate of registration to them, to maintain the
particular rating to them in a register and to submit to the Central Govt. an
annual report carat a summary by the information obtained by him during the
previous year in respect of newspapers in the country. These annual reports
entitled, Press in India
contain valuable information and statistics relating to the press.
·
Press Registrar requires information about
circulation figures to ensure that
·
The newsprint used is in proportion with the
circulation figures,
·
The printing capacity is in proportion with the
circulation figures,
·
The newsprint waste is normal,
·
The payment of newsprint has been made in
accordance with rules, and
·
The details (paging, printing and circulation
dates, etc.) pertaining to number of supplements printed in advance are
correct.
Department of Information and
Public Relations (DIPR):
The Department of Information
and Public Relations is charged with multifarious duties of creating awareness
among the people about the nation, the state, its history, heritage,
traditions, its development in various fields and its problems.
The
Department of Information and Public Relations functions to achieve its
objectives and goals through dissemination and transmission of information,
publicity and public relations. The Department operates its multi-media systems
for effective publicity and performs a signal service in acting as a bridge
between the people and the Government and creates awareness among all sections
of the people on government policies, plans and program intended for welfare
and development.
Dissemination
of Information:
The
main objective of the department is basically two fold viz., informing the
public about the policies and program of the Government on one hand and on the
other keeping the Government informed of the peoples’ reaction to its policies
and program. Communication is the most vital process of socio-economic
development.
This Department adopts
different modes for dissemination of information and publicity activities.
Functions:
The
Department discharges the following key functions:
1.
To publicize the activities of the Government through the mass media
communication systems,, the Department maintains liaison with Press, AIR,
Doordarshan, Films Division, directorate of Audio Visual Publicity, Press
Information Bureau, News Agencies, Private T.V. Channels, department’s
Electronic News Coverage as well as conducting of Press Tours, Preparation and
issuing of Advertisements, Organizing of Exhibitions, song and Drama Programs,
Photographic Services and Exhibitions, Films besides bringing out Publications
like posters, brochures, Booklets, A.P. Journal. Maintenance of Media
Information Monitoring System, Research and Reference, conducting training,
community radio and television, installation of Public Address system and A.V.
Equipment, electronic news recording, and analysis, maintaining Website etc.
2.
Winning social acceptance for new schemes and programs of the Government
through publicity.
3.
Keeping the people informed about the policies, schemes and programs of the
Government.
4.
Creating awareness on eradication of social evils like Untouchability,
dowry, Jogini, Bonded Labour, Child Labour, Banamati, etc.
5.NON-GOVERNMENT
MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS
Audit
Bureau of Circulations (ABC)
|
Audit
Bureau of Circulations (ABC) is a voluntary organisation constituted in the
year 1948. Going back six decades when the concept of circulation audit was
yet to be established in our country, advertisers had no means to know the
actual circulation numbers of publications that they used for advertising and
had to depend more on their own judgement. Publishers also found it difficult
to convince advertisers of the relative values of their publication for the
purpose of advertising. It is with this background, eminent representatives
of the advertising profession and publishing industry came together to
establish an organization which could serve common interest. Since then the
benefit of ABC certificate of circulation have been availed by advertisers,
advertising agencies, publishers and organisations connected with print media
advertising.
Need:
During
the early 1900’s with the growth of mass advertising, some newspapers and
magazine publishers began inflating the number of readers for their
publications in order to atleast et molt cnenue from advertisers. In an effort
to check this deceptive practice, advertisers and publishers joined together
to form the ABC in 1914. The organizations purpose was to establish ,ound
rules for counting circulation, to make sure that the rules were enforced,
and to provide verified reports of circu’ation date. in
Objectives:
·
To issue standardised statements of the
circulation of members.
·
To verify the figures shown in these
statements by auditors examination of
necessary records.
·
To disseminate circulation date for the
benefit of advertisers, adverting agencies and newspaper publication.
What does A consider?
It
considers the following:
·
Whether the changes in the supply desired by
agents have been done timely or not,
·
Whether the supply is in accordance with the
demand of agents or not.
·
Whether paymeol is received from the agents in
time or not,
·
Action taken by the circulation department on
the complaints of agents,
·
The timeliness of payment made to the
different modes of Transport used for supplying newspapers.
·
The agreements made with the dealers/agents
·
The preparation of the newsprint used and the
circulation.
The ABC functions in the following
manner:
Publishers
keep detailed records of circulation data, In the case of a newspaper, these
records would include such information as the number of copies delivered by
earners, the number of papers sold over the counter and the number delivered
by mail. Twice a year, publishers file a circulation statement with the ABC
which the ABC in turn disseminates to its clients. Once every year, the ABC
audits publications to verify that the figures that have been reported are
accurate. An ABC representative visits the publication and is free to examine
records and riles that contain data on press runs, invoices for newsprint and
transcript of circulation records,
ABC
report helps the advertisers as well as the newspaper. From the verified
Pacts, the advertisers can draw their conclusion and prepare advertising
plans. Newspapers are also benefited by the ABC report. Firstly, they gain
respect and confidence of advertisers. Secondly, on the basis of the report,
they can peep into their own activities and programmes and make a modest
review of the progress made by the newspaper. Thirdly, the report s an
evidence of the newspapers worth.
|
(INS)
INDIAN NEWSPAPER SOCIETY
The
Indian and Eastern Newspaper Society, now renamed as The Indian Newspaper
Society, enjoys a unique position as the accredited spokesman of the newspaper
industry.
The
foundation of the Society, in the year of the beginning of World War II, was
the first step in giving direction and cohesion to a vital industry. Because
the Press till then had been growing at random, without organisational support,
mutual co-ordination or any protection from the numerous pressure groups that
independent publications are invariably exposed to.
The
Indian Newspaper Society is proud to have played a significant role in
protecting and promoting the freedom of the Press in the world's largest
democracy.
The
greatest strength of the Society stems from a unity of purpose. Over 990
dailies, bi-weeklies, weeklies, fortnightlies and monthlies published in 18
languages from all over the country form the nucleus that accounts for over 90%
of the country's readership.
From
newsprint to advertising, from licences for machinery to freedom of the Press,
INS today is involved in many spheres of activities. Sometimes successful,
sometimes not. But always persevering. Untiringly using its only resource - the
power of persuasion.
Today,
in step with the changing times and the communication revolution, The Indian
Newspaper Society is gearing itself to play a large role. Stepping into newer
areas to improve the quality of Press -the quality of the voice of democracy.
Formation
of the society:
The
early beginnings of the Society can be traced back to October 11, 1927, when a
Society bearing the name, The India, Burma & Ceylon Newspapers’ London
Committee came into being, the name of which was changed to Indian &
Eastern Newspaper Society (IENS) on October 4, 1935. This was an organization
based in London
representing and acting solely under the authority of newspapers, magazines,
reviews and other journals published in India , Burma , Ceylon and other countries of Asia .
The
need, however, was felt for the establishment of a co-coordinating body in this
country, comprising the proprietors of newspapers, which could deal directly
and more expeditiously with the various day-to-day problems arising out of
newspaper production. Thus The Indian & Eastern Newspaper Society came into
being. It was inaugurated at a meeting of the representatives of the following
founding publications on February
27, 1939 , at the Statesman House, New Delhi , with Mr. Arthur Moore, Editor of
the Statesman in the Chair, with the primary object was of serving as a Central
Body for promoting the common interests of newspapers in India , Burma and Ceylon :
·
The Bombay
ChronicleThe Times of India
·
The Rangoon
Gazette
·
The Amrita Bazar Patrika
·
The Hindustan
Times
·
The Hindustan
Standard
·
Advance
·
The Pioneer
·
The Leader
·
The Tribune
·
The Civil and Military Gazette
·
The Hindu
·
The Madras
Mail
·
The Statesman
Objective:
·
To act as a central organization of the Press in
India .
·
To collect information upon all topics of
interest to members.
·
To promote co-operation in all matters affecting
the interest of members.
To hold periodical conferences of its members.
To hold periodical conferences of its members.
Rules of Accreditation:
The
Rules of Accreditation for the Advertising Agencies are available in
the INS Press Handbook. The Society brings out the Press
Handbook annually, which contains details of its member publications including
their advertisement rates, details of accredited advertising agencies and other
valuable information relating to media in India , along with rules governing
accreditation of advertising agencies. The Handbook is acknowledged as an
authoritative compendium of information by Government, Private Sector and
others concerned with Newspaper Industry and advertising both in India and
abroad.
Functions and Activities of INS:
One
of the key functions performed by the society is to provide assistance to
member publications in regard to monitoring the recovery of their dues from
Advertising Agencies and Advertisers.
Advertisements,
for long, have been a major source of revenue for the newspapers and
periodicals. The growth of revenue from this source has been sluggish due to
the phenomenal expansion of the electronic
media, which has diverted revenues, to a considerable extent, away from the print media. For bringing to the notice of advertisers, media managers and public, the advantages of advertising in the newspapers and periodicals, INS has decided to launch a sustained campaign code-named " Project Press". This campaign is being financed entirely through voluntary contributions from member publications.
media, which has diverted revenues, to a considerable extent, away from the print media. For bringing to the notice of advertisers, media managers and public, the advantages of advertising in the newspapers and periodicals, INS has decided to launch a sustained campaign code-named " Project Press". This campaign is being financed entirely through voluntary contributions from member publications.
Accreditation
of Advertising Agencies
An
institutionalized system of granting accreditation to advertising agencies
enabling them, upon such accreditation, to access certain facilities from the
members, has been in vogue for several decades.
The system operates in terms of the "Rules Governing Accreditation of Advertising Agencies and Rulings of the Society" adopted by the Society, initially in the year 1943, and subsequently amended from time to time.
The system operates in terms of the "Rules Governing Accreditation of Advertising Agencies and Rulings of the Society" adopted by the Society, initially in the year 1943, and subsequently amended from time to time.
Currently
the total number of agencies which enjoy full Accreditation from the Society is
619 and those which are Provisionally Accredited is 229. Thus the total number
of accredited agencies is 848.
Suspension
of Advertisements of Defaulting Advertisers
It
is true that advertising agencies themselves often have problems of recovery of
their dues from their advertisers. While the Society insists that the agencies
are obliged to pay their dues to members not withstanding non-recoveries from
their advertisers, it does assist the agencies , in deserving cases, by
suspending the advertisements of the defaulting advertisers , under the Rules,
when the claim of the agency concerned has been established and it has cleared
the dues of the publications.
Monitoring
of Payments to Publications
The
Society monitors payments to publications from the advertising agencies through
a system of Monthly Review Verification (MRV)
Enforcement
of Accreditation Rules
The
Society constantly endeavors to enforce the Accreditation Rules, so that
payments are made within the credit period allowed and the offering of
commission/discounts etc, which is not permissible, is not
resorted to.
resorted to.
Resolution
of Disputes between Publications and the Agencies
Both
publications and agencies are encouraged to mutually resolve their disputes but
wherever it becomes imperative, the Society advice the agencies involved to
bilaterally settle the disputes.
Advertising
Committee
The
entire gamut of the activities of the Society, relating to the area of
advertising, is overseen by the Advertising Committee. All policy matters,
position of arrears of advertising agencies, action taken against agencies for
defaults including ratification of notices of disaccreditation, cancellation of
accreditation, granting of Provisional and Full Accreditation etc, are
considered and decided at the meetings of the Advertising Committee.
INDIAN NEWSPAPERS SOCIETY (INS)
The
early beginnings of the Society can be traced back to October 11, 1927, when a
Society bearing the name, The India, Burma & Ceylon Newspapers’ London
Committee came into being, the name of which was changed to Indian &
Eastern Newspaper Society (IENS) on October 4, 1935. This was an organization
based in London
representing and acting solely under the authority of newspapers, magazines,
reviews and other journals published in India , Burma , Ceylon and other countries of Asia .
The
need, however, was felt for the establishment of a coordinating body in this
country, comprising the proprietors of newspapers, which could deal directly
and more expeditiously with the various day-to-day problems arising out of
newspaper production. Thus The Indian & Eastern Newspaper Society came into
being. It was inaugurated at a meeting of the representatives of the following
founding publications on February
27, 1939 , at the Statesman House, New Delhi , with Mr. Arthur Moore, Editor of
the Statesman in the Chair, with the primary object was of serving as a Central
Body for promoting the common interests of newspapers in India , Burma and Ceylon
The greatest
strength of the Society stems from a unity of purpose. Over 990 dailies,
bi-weeklies,weeklies, fortnightlies and monthlies published in 18 languages
from all over the country form the nucleus that accounts for over 90% of the
country's readership.
From newsprint
to advertising, from licences for machinery to freedom of the Press, INS today
is involded in many spheres of activities. Sometimes successful, sometimes not.
But always persevering. Untiringly using its only resource - the power of
persuasion.
Today, in step
with the changing times and the communication revolution, The Indian Newspaper
Society is gearing itself to play a large role. Stepping into newer areas to
improve the quality of Press -the quality of the voice of democracy.
Memorandum:
1. The name of the Company
(hereinafter called "the Society") is The Indian Newspaper Society.
The Registered office of the Society will be situated in the State of Delhi. The objects for which the Society is established are:-
The Registered office of the Society will be situated in the State of Delhi. The objects for which the Society is established are:-
2. To act as a central organization
primarily of the press of India ,
and of any other country in Asia , which
desires to associate itself with the Society.
3.To promote and safeguard the
business interests of its members incidental to the production of their
publications and to take suitable steps in respect of such business as are
affected by the action of Legislatures, Governments, Law Courts, Municipal and
local bodies, and Associations or Organizations, commercial or formed for any
other purpose.
·
To collect information upon all topics having a
practical business interest for its members and to communicate the same to
them.
·
To promote co-operation in all matters affecting
the common business interests of its members.
·
To hold periodical conferences of its members to
discuss and determine action on matters of common business interest.
·
To make rules and regulations and bye-laws to
govern the conduct of its members in accordance with the decisions of the
Society, to provide penalties for the infringement thereof and to provide means
of determining whether there has been such infringement.
·
To maintain a permanent secretariat in India to watch
over the business interest of its members and to permit of a constant
interchange of information and views.
Rules of Accreditation:
The
Rules of Accreditation for the Advertising Agencies are available in
the INS Press Handbook. The Society brings out the Press
Handbook annually, which contains details of its member publications including
their advertisement rates, details of accredited advertising agencies and other
valuable information relating to media in India , along with rules governing
accreditation of advertising agencies. The Handbook is acknowledged as
authoritative compendium of information by Government, Private Sector and
others concerned with Newspaper Industry and advertising both in India and
abroad.
EDITORS GUILD OF
INDIA
The
Editors Guild of India is the only professional organisation representing
editors across the country. It was established in 1977 just after the
Emergency. It has nearly 225members from national, regional and local
newspapers, magazines and electronic media.
The
body has been at the forefront of the movement against laws and executive
action which attempts to curb the press freedom and gag the press, and it has
successfully campaigned against passing of black laws like the Defamation Bill,
POTA against journalists, Broadcast Regulatory Authority, etc, a release from
the Guild said.
The
aims and objectives of the Guild as given on the site are upholding the freedom
of the Press and other mass media, striving for
improvement of professional standards, safeguarding editorial independence and
taking appropriate steps to implement and further these aims and objects.
Well-known journalist T N Ninan of Business Standard was unanimously elected
president of the Editors Guild of India
Latest News:
The
Editors Guild of India has expressed concern over some well-known editors not
following the "best traditions of journalism" as revealed in the
Niira Radia tapes.
"Members
felt that this had affected the credibility of the media in general, and
appealed to all editors to always act in a manner that placed the integrity of
media operations above all other considerations," It also announced the
unanimous election of T N Ninan of Business Standard as president of the
Editors Guild, and the election of Coomi Kapoor of Indian Express as its
general secretary and Suresh Bafna of Nai Duniya as treasurer.
The Editor’s domain:
The Editor’s domain:
As the ultimate custodian of the personality of the
paper/ channel he edits, the Editor rightly gets all the blame and credit. But
four aspects of his role stand out the most. The Hardest to define but
nevertheless essential is that the publication must maintain and promote high
standards of good taste. The publication/electronic channel may also aim at
entertaining its customers, in addition to informing them. The more the
mainstream media shift towards the kind of “entertainment” which was once the
stock in trade of “glossies”, the less they will be able to claim privileges in
the name of the freedom of the press.
The other three aspects of the role of the Editor
are easier to explain.
·
Maintaining the credibility of the publication/electronic channel:
Whatever its professed beliefs, stance, or role, the publication/electronic
channel can maintain them only to the extent it sustains its credibility for
presenting facts honestly , and commenting on them fairly, without any bias.
·
Accuracy: Respect for accuracy is a better prop of popularity than
sensationalism. It also serves better the people’s right to know. That right
implies that the people must be given the facts first, unmixed with comment and
value judgement.
·
Reliable facts should take precedence over conjecture and implied
comments in the presentation of news. That only enhances the Editor’s capacity
and his obligation to resist suppression of facts, along with his peers and
organizations like the Editors Guild.
Responsibility
of the Editors Guild:
The
Guild would reinforce the guidelines by initiating suitable steps to improve
the credibility and quality of publications and channels, whenever it receives
instances from its members of publication of misinformation, editorialized
coverage of news, malicious use of anonymity by sources, inadequate correction
or apology.
The
Guild would encourage its members and others to bring their complaints to the
Guild, rather than taking them to organisations which are less directly
professional. The Guild would develop a mechanism to encourage this process.
The
supportive and corrective role of the Guild would expand if more and more
active editors join the Guild, and also the Guild expands its activities to all
regions of India.
Indian
Federation of Working Journalists (IFWJ)
The largest journalist
organization in the non-aligned world is the Indian Federation of Working
Journalists, founded in New Delhi
on 28 October 1950 .
Independent India's first trade union of media persons, the IFWJ has now over
30,000 primary and associate members, working for electronic media, news
agencies and 1,260 journals of 17 languages in 35 states and Union Territories.
Overseas Indians, employed in other continents, are among its primary members.
The IFWJ's fraternal organisations in the media world are the National
Federation of Newspaper Employees (N.F.N.E., Kolkata) and the National
Confederation of Newspaper and News Agencies' Employees Organization (Mumbai).
As the only professional body
of working journalists, having its branches in every city, town and publication
centre of India ,
the IFWJ's regional and territorial units have set up press clubs, press
academies, reference libraries, training institutes and study circles. They
publish professional journals and engage in activities like media researches,
trade union struggles, human right campaigns, environmental protection and
anti-war movements. The IFWJ's state units all over India own immovable property in
different cities worth Rs. 15 crores ($ 4.5 millions).
The IFWJ is actively involved
in the worldwide journalist movement. It has bilateral relations with over 47
national unions of the world. IFWJ members partake in the activities of
International Labour Organisation (I.L.O., Geneva ) and the UNESCO's International
Programme for Development of Communication (I.P.D.C., Paris). It is affiliated
to the Confederation of Asian Journalist Unions, Colombo . IFWJ president is also the chairman
of this confederation. In recent years hundreds of IFWJ members have been to
several countries in Latin America , Europe , the Afro-Asian region and the United States
for conferences and training.
At the instance of the first
statutory Press Commission in 1954, the Union
and State Governments recognised the IFWJ as the representative body of working
journalists for official purposes. A judicial scrutiny of IFWJ membership in
1977 reconfirmed its representative character. The IFWJ nominees are included
in various official committees for media and labour matters like the wage
boards, Press Council, accreditation committees, press consultative committees
and overseas delegations.
The IFWJ is headed by its
president, elected in a nationwide direct voting by thousands of its primary
members every three years. The President is assisted by a Working Committee
which has a Secretary-General four vice-presidents, six secretaries, a
treasurer and 17 members of executive, chosen at the plenary session by
hundreds of its National Council members.
Persistent agitations by the
IFWJ during the past 54 years resulted in several labour gains like the
enactment of India 's
first-ever parliamentary legislation in 1956: fixing regular hours of work,
improving other conditions of service and wage scales and many successful legal
battles. Creation of two Press Commissions (1954 and 1980), periodic wage
revisions since 1959 and formation of statutory Press Council are other IFWJ
achievements. Peace march on Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary day at
violence-rocked Amritsar
town (Punjab , 1990), solidarity march at Lal
Chauk (Srinagar ,
Kashmir ), National Council sessions at
Guwahati, Kurukshetra, Cuttack ,
Ayodhya, Kanya Kumari and Rameswaram are some of the highlights of IFWJ's
recent action programmes.
Presently the IFWJ has, as its
12th President, K. Vikram Rao, formerly of the Times of India, who started his
three-year term in 2003. His distinguished predecessors included late M.
Chalapathi Rau, editor of Lucknow's National Herald, late Pothan Joseph, editor
of the daily Dawn and Bangalore's Deccan Herald, late Adhir C. Bannerjee of Calcutta,
late T. R. Ramaswami, editor of Madras daily Makkal Kural, and Late Pandit
Banarasidas Chaturvedi of U.P.
NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ)
The National Union of Journalists
(India) was formed at a national convention of journalists held in New Delhi on
January 23 and 24, 1972 with the inaugural address delivered by eminent jurist
M C Chagla and presided over by one of the most distinguished editors, Frank
Moraes of the Indian Express.
Mr Akshay Kumar Jain, Editor, Navbharat
Times was the chairman of the reception committee. A gallaxy of other leading
editors, journalists and press trade union leaders participated in the two-day
deliberations. They included, to name a few, Mr V K Narsimhan (Indian Express),
Mr D R Mankekar (The Motherland), Mr S K Rau (Searchlight), Mr Meenakshi
Sundaram (The Mail), Mr. Prithvis Chakravarty (Hindustan Times), Mr Baleshwar
Agarwal (Hindustan Samachar), Mr S R Shukla (Hindustan Standard), Mr P K Roy
(The Hindu), Mr Somanath Bhattacharya (Anand Bazar Patrika), Mr K N Malik
(Times of India), Mr Hiranmoy Karlekar (Statesman), Rajendra Prabhu (Orbit),
Rajendra Kapur and Ram Shankar Agnihotri.
Right from the first day, the NUJ(I) has
stood and fought for ameliorating the economic conditions of journalists,
promoting their professional and trade union rights, freedom of the press,
journalistic ethics, delinking of press ownership from other industries, and
protecting and defending the journalists from all kinds of external and
internal onslaughts on their independence.
The NUJ(I) and its representatives have
distinguished themselves by their excellent contribution in several statutory
and executive bodies like the Press Council of India, Wage Boards for working
journalists, committee on pension for journalists and Press Accreditation
Committees at Central and state levels etc.
Function of NUJ:
·
High Traditions, Internal Democracy
·
Fight for Freedom of the Press
·
For Better Working Conditions
·
Pension for Working Journalists
·
Maintaining Editorial Freedom
·
Against Attacks on Journalists
·
Meeting Challenge of Technology
·
Upgrading Skills
·
Special Purpose Vehicles
Like skill development, interaction on reporting
problems, welfare of its members etc and also collaborated with other
institutions with a similar aim. Two of these SPVs sponsored by NUJ(I) are
NUJ(I) School of Journalism & Communication and Journalists Welfare
Foundation.
PRESS INSTITUTE OF INDIA
Founded in 1963, the Press Institute of India is an
independent, non-profit trust, established to create and sustain the high and
responsible standards of journalism required by a developing country committed
to democratic functioning.
For many years the PII was the nodal agency for sending
journalists -- reporters, sub- editors and even photographers -- for training
to the Thomson Foundation, UK India India Pakistan Sri Lanka Bangladesh Asia . Institutional Profile
The first of its kind in Asia ,
the Press Institute of India (PII) is an independent non-profit society founded
in 1963. It was established to create and sustain high and responsible
standards of journalism required by a developing country committed to
democratic functioning.
Over the decades, PII has organised and supervised a wide
range of media training courses and workshops designed to improve professional
journalistic and management skills at all levels. It has trained over 4000
professionals - editorial and management - from India Pakistan Sri Lanka Bangladesh Asia .
PII is currently giving priority to promoting human
development journalism, with emphasis on the panchayat movement, rural
reporting, education, biotechnology, economics issues and women’s empowerment.
This is to encourage coverage of vital issues affecting the lives of the
majority of our people, neglected by the mass media.
Publications:
Grassroots is a monthly journal published in Hindi and
English to disseminate and promote reportage on the human condition. A Tamil
edition commenced in March 2005. Grassroots contains a wide range of articles
commissioned by PII.
PII continues to publish Vidura in English, a
professional quarterly since 45 years on current issues concerning the press.
It has recently been revamped and is India
Training and other activities:
The Press Institute has long-standing media-related
collaborations with organizations such as the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations
Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Press Foundation of Asia and the Ford Foundation.
Other notable collaborators have been the British
Council, Thomson Foundation, Britain
As PII refocuses on training in technical and subject
skills, workshops in Biotechnology are being conducted with the Department of
Science and Technology, and Economics Education with the Friedrich Naumann
Stiftung and Indian Liberal Group. Training projects with the World Bank are
also projected. Konrad Adenauer Stiftungalso entrusted PII with the task of
documenting an Asia Media Directory.
PII has actively supported the ‘Right to Information’
campaign’ started by the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan in Rajasthan by
bringing out a publication called ‘Transparency’. Subsequently its leader,
Aruna Roy, won the Ramon Magasaysay Award, culminating in the enactment of a
law on ‘Freedom of Journalism’.
NEWS BROADCASTERS ASSOCIATION (NBA)
The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) represents the private television news & current
affairs broadcasters. It is the collective voice of the news & current
affairs broadcasters in India
To serve as the eyes and ears of the private news &
current affairs broadcasters, to lobby on its behalf and to act as a central
point of joint action on matters of interest.
Objectives of
the News Broadcasters Association (NBA):
·
To promote, aid, help,
encourage, develop, protect and secure the interests of the News Broadcasters
in the Indian television Industry and other related entities.
·
To promote awareness
about the latest developments in the television industry relating to News
Broadcasting and to disseminate knowledge amongst its members and the general
public regarding such developments.
·
To provide for the
members a place of meeting so as to enable them to work in consensus to achieve
common goals for the overall betterment of their industry and to have a common
platform/forum at which they may air their grievances and arrive at solutions.
·
To promote the growth
of friendly relations amongst the members and amongst persons engaged in the
production and broadcasting of the television software and especially to
encourage co-operation among the members so as to maximize mutual benefits.
·
To protect all its
members from persons or entities who carry on unfair and/or unethical practices
or who discredit the television industry.
·
No objects of the
Company will be carried out without obtaining prior approval/ NOC from the
concerned authority, wherever required.
·
None of the main
objects shall be carried out on commercial basis.
Popular News Magazines and Periodicals:
India
Magazine, Journals and Periodicals Covering News and Editorial around the
country covering Current Affairs, Controversies, Politics, Business &
Finance, Trade and Industry, Sports News, Womens Issues, Music and art,
Entertainment, Film reviews, Bollywood News, Parenting, health and fitness and
many more.....
Current
Affairs Magazines
Current
Affairs, Culture & Politics
·
Outlook
India
·
The Week
·
India
Today English
·
India
Today Hindi
·
Tehelka
|
Society
& Womens
Society
and Womens Issues in India
·
Femina
·
Teens
today Closing
·
Little
India Overseas India Magazine
|
Business
& Financial
Financial
news, business, industry, analysis, stocks and markets
·
Capital
Market (stock Market Business Today
·
Dhanam
Kerala
|
Entertainment
Magazine
related to cinema (movies), Actors, Actresses, films and bollywood in India
·
NFDC
National Film Development Corporation
·
Stardust
·
Deccan Chronicle - Cinema news
·
Tamil Cine
E-Zine Tamil
·
Minnaviyam
Tamil Movies
·
Roopatara
Kannada Cine Monthly
·
NANA
Film Weekly Malyalam
·
Vellinakshatram
Malyalam
|
Computer
& Electronics
computer
and technical information related magazines
·
PC Quest
·
PC World
·
Childrens Magazines
& Links
·
Nick.com
SpongeBob SquarePants, Jimmy Neutron, Sabrina
·
Odyssey
Magazine The science magazine for young adventurers
|
Sports
Magazines
about cricket, hockey and all sports events
·
ESPN
·
Khel
Fashion
Mags.
All about
Fashion, Trends, Style
·
Vogue
·
Vogue (UK)
·
Glamour
Literature
·
Darpan
·
Raga Net
|
