The term fourth estate as we all know refers to print media/news.It is regarded as an important pillar of democracy. There was a time when people with great ideals commitment and duty towards society and nation opted for journalism. we read that press played a role in our freedom struggle. I remember newspaper had a very important place in our life. I can recall the first thing I wanted in the morning was a newspaper with a cup of tea and leisurely time of one hour to read it with sips of hot tea. when my kids were in school I sat with my newspaper around 7 or 7.30 after sending them to school. Now I have full time but the charm for newspaper is no longer there. How did it happen?
Why did it happen ?
An owner of a leading newspaper once said we are not in the business of news we are in advertising.
it's an honest confession. The weight of a leading English newspaper which often boasts of the highest readership sometimes around half kg. when it's sale season first two or three pages on both sides are full page ads. Then sometimes the first page have a fold which makes it a four pages full of advertisements. At times one page is jutting out of the regular size by two inches for ad so that you do not miss it. How could you when it is continuously irritating you because of it's sheer nonsensical
out-sized presence. There are shiny and glossy supplement given to you along with newspaper carrying only exclusive ads of big industry player. Then comes small classified ads tributes missing persons obituaries tender notices other notice etc etc. Gone are the days when headlines on the paper grabbed your eyes the moment newspaper was thrown at your door step. Now you start your day rummaging though sale offers.
As for news there are twisted political stories crime news of all sorts. Editors and journalists are agenda driven. Our sources reliable sources alleged are the words which give you the liberty to twist the stories. Good news is no news so twist the stories to the extent of nuisance or to suit the interest of your benefactors. You get a news paper containing 30 to 40 pages but there is hardly any news worth reading. You flip through the news paper and it's finished before your tea. I really tried that I read the news on my phone in the morning. Though you find more latest news online but still it does not work. You need newspaper because it's a habit acquired over the years. I wish newspaper changed over the years had changed to our liking and they added some new dimensions to sustain readership who are hooked to them.
Why did it happen ?
An owner of a leading newspaper once said we are not in the business of news we are in advertising.
it's an honest confession. The weight of a leading English newspaper which often boasts of the highest readership sometimes around half kg. when it's sale season first two or three pages on both sides are full page ads. Then sometimes the first page have a fold which makes it a four pages full of advertisements. At times one page is jutting out of the regular size by two inches for ad so that you do not miss it. How could you when it is continuously irritating you because of it's sheer nonsensical
out-sized presence. There are shiny and glossy supplement given to you along with newspaper carrying only exclusive ads of big industry player. Then comes small classified ads tributes missing persons obituaries tender notices other notice etc etc. Gone are the days when headlines on the paper grabbed your eyes the moment newspaper was thrown at your door step. Now you start your day rummaging though sale offers.
As for news there are twisted political stories crime news of all sorts. Editors and journalists are agenda driven. Our sources reliable sources alleged are the words which give you the liberty to twist the stories. Good news is no news so twist the stories to the extent of nuisance or to suit the interest of your benefactors. You get a news paper containing 30 to 40 pages but there is hardly any news worth reading. You flip through the news paper and it's finished before your tea. I really tried that I read the news on my phone in the morning. Though you find more latest news online but still it does not work. You need newspaper because it's a habit acquired over the years. I wish newspaper changed over the years had changed to our liking and they added some new dimensions to sustain readership who are hooked to them.
