Editor quits, journalists write... and the band plays on FN
PANAJI (Goa), Oct 10: You could call it a day journalists took to the limelight. Shedding the dispassionate observer status that goes along with the usual news process, jouros took to centrestage on Friday. Goa's longest-serving editor quit his post in an unusual manner, some 20 journalists compiled a collaborative e-book critiquing the media, and by happenstance a 'peace concert' in honour of slain Wall Street Journal South Asia ex-bureau chief Daniel Pearl was also organised by journalist Ethel da Costa in state-capital Panaji on the same day. Rajan Narayan tendered his resignation from the Herald, a century-old former Portuguese newspaper, which he led since its conversion to an English-language daily, amidst falling Portuguese readership here, in 1983. The Herald, formerly O Heraldo, was considered to be the second-largest English-language daily in Goa. But recent circulation figures released in the Goa assembly suggested that it had overtaken main rival the 40-year-old Navhind Times, which had always been leading in both circulation and advertising. Goa has three English-language newspapers, the other being the Gomantak Times. Narayan, who had in recent weeks publicly announced his decision via his website to quit, went amidst drama and some tension. On the day the newspaper was celebrating its 20th anniversary, the editor went to the religious service being held and handed in his resignation to the officiating priest. This led to some hot and angry words, staff members present said. For some weeks now, the editor has been in open conflict with the newspaper's management, and has also blamed Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar of the BJP for seeking to influence newspaper proprietors. This quarrel, strangely, errupted over a news-feature written by Narayan's wife, journalist Tara Narayan, questioning the unhygenic settings in which the chief minister snacked near the Cine Alankar Theatre in Mapusa, in the context of the recent spurt in jaundice that parts of Goa have seen. Parrikar denied his involvement in "talking to (newspaper) managements". Since, Narayan -- a former Mumbai journalist who has played a dominant role in a section of the English-language media here since the past twenty years -- has announced plans to launch a weekly newspaper and multimedia company, with borrowings from the general public. In another development, an e-book titled 'Behind The News: Voices From Goa's Press' was released on Friday, following a collaborative initiative by some 20 journalist and former journalists here. This book, put together via the Net and to be made available in cyberspace shortly, offers some little-known insights into how the one-time mining lobby-dominated media in this small state functioned, and the changing aspects of the economics of the media today. Media bias during elections, some outsider-journalists' perceptions of the media here, and failed experiments in building media alternatives are some of the issues raised. Free-sheeters -- that are made available for free to readers, since they're supported by advertising -- have already made their advent to some of Goa's towns, it becomes clear. But, two essays by former editor Raju Nayak and Catholic priest-editor Peter Raposo, offer an insight into why journalism in Konkani, the local language and one of India's smallest 'official languages' nationwide -- is in a perilous state, with something needing to be done urgently to build or restore readership. Meanwhile, in an unconnected development, journalist Ethel da Costa organised a free concert lasting from 6 pm to midnight, to pay tribute to the WSJ scribe Daniel Pearl, who was kidnapped and murdered in Pakistan, while following a story there. Pearl is believed to have visited Goa too, but this concert was part of a global tribute October 10 happened to be the second annual Daniel Pearl Music Day, and would have been his 40th birthday. It is to be celebrated across the globe in non-profit musical events, with calls for 'harmony for humanity'. Da Costa said she had brought in "musicians and bands from within and outside Goa" -- including The Brown Indian Band, The Music Company, Mabel with Anibal Castro Quartet, Taal Tri-Rang and Soggy Biscuits, all of whom would perform free. Five women artists were also selected to exhibit their paintings at the venue -- Yolanda de Souza, Fernanda de Mello, Nirupa Naik, Tanya Mendonsa and Chaitali Morajkar. Journalist Pearl is also known to have been a violinist, fiddler and mandolin player. "He joined a band, orchestra or chamber group in every town in which he lived and formed connections through his passion for music and friendship," said da Costa. (ENDS) ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################
