Practically every prominent newspaper in India is known to have a steadfast commitment to one or more political parties. To reflect the idea of being unbiased Telangana Today (TT), the first edition gave minimal coverage to KCR. However, in a fortnight, the paper reflected that it is not independent of the management.
The Hans India reported the PIL filed by CPI leader K Narayana seeking CBI probe in Nayeem’s case on the front page, likewise did the Deccan Chronicle(DC). This article found no place in the TT newspaper neither in the main sheet nor in the tabloid. Surprisingly the sister publication, ‘Namaste Telangana’ had the article published in page 8 of the main sheet.
With so many tags attached to it, TT will not be able to write against the government. Interestingly the news relating to Professor Kodandram’s strike found hardly any coverage in the newspaper, while both Hans and DC published it on their main page. As a matter of fact, this fairness displayed in reporting the news, conveys what the readers need to expect from the newspaper.
TT should aim for stars and not fathom into constellations. It should first focus on challenging the Hyderabad based local The Hans India and later on competing with DC. Perhaps before competing with other English dailies, it needs to learn from its very own sister publication. Leave alone the tall claims of the editor to redefine the local content, the newspaper should try not to make the readers feel disgusted by the fourth pillar.
It is evident that TT has no ethical compass and do whatever suits their needs. In this era with cut-throat competition among the newspapers, ‘Being the voice of the people’ is no longer a moral value. This stint proves the clear nexus between the ruling party and the newspaper and a common reader is no longer in this equation.
Quoting Amartya Sen “the celebration of the Indian news media can go only so far — and no further.”
