Press in Goa By Rajesh Singh
The press in Goa has undergone many dramatic changes over the decades since Liberation. From being a propaganda machine of the colonialist Portuguese regime, it is today a powerful medium to convey the views and aspirations of the people of the state. The press has become a watchdog of society, and to a significant extent it has been keeping a watch on the performance of our public figures, not hesitating to pull them up for their lapses. However, along with this very laudable development, a section of the media has taken another course altogether. It has become the judge and the executioner, and its conclusions are based more on the prejudices that it entertains than objectivity. Sensationalism is being passed off as `investigative' and `bold' journalism. Campaigns against individuals are being routinely conducted in the garb of `exposing' them, although the discerning reader will easily detect a pattern in such campaigns � one that fits in neatly with the preconceived notions of the reporter or his editor. The tragedy is that serious and meaningful journalism has become a victim in all this sub-standard output. When press persons get attention and publicity through their ill-conceived and often hollow writings that pass off as probes, there is little incentive for them to engage in meaningful journalism. Of course, there is also the tendency among many journalists in the state to shy away from in-depth writing, and instead depend for their output on the sundry press conferences, and that too Panjim-based. The reluctance to produce good stories is also because of the hard work involved. A good story may fetch rewards and attention to the writer and its publication, but the work involved is often dreary and far from glamorous. Few journalists are willing to work that hard here. Editors themselves are looking for `explosive' material that they can proudly display on their front pages with slug lines such as `expose' or `exclusive.' Most of these stories do not hold beyond the first paragraph that is embellished with as many dramatic words as the journalist can pack in. There is this strong belief that circulation can only increase with sensational stuff and through `activist journalism.' It is true that such tactics enhance the circulation of a publication, but only up to a point and only temporarily. Such journalism is usually devoid of substance and is bound to run out of steam soon enough. The people then simply reject campaign journalists. We have been seeing this trend in Goa of late. At the other extreme of the spectrum are those publications that confuse meaningful and non-sensational journalism with reporting that puts the reader to sleep. This section of the media believes that the more dull and drab a presentation of news, the better it is! There is neither imagination nor innovation in the reports or in their presentation. While the first kind of media loves to take a stand on everything, often without understanding even the basics of the subject at hand, the second variety is mortally terrified to take a stand � any stand. Over the years, two developments have given a new profile to the media sector in Goa. One is the arrival of our own electronic media in the form of local content news on television through cable, and the other is the growing popularity of community papers that are distributed free of cost. We already have three cable TV news channels, two in Konkani and one in English that are viewed widely across the state. There is talk of another English news channel being launched. Clearly, the concept has caught on in the state. Unfortunately, most of these channels have less of news and more of promotional and PR content. It will be some while before the so-called news channels get professional. Community papers or free-sheeters have blazed a new trail in the state. Available free of cost to the reader, these publications, like the priced ones, depend heavily on advertisement support for their survival. But, unlike them, these publications have a more focused reach and provide the advertisers a truly economical medium to a market that they wish to target. The steady growth of such publications over the years and the improvement in their production value demonstrate their growing popularity. The media is poised to grow exponentially in the coming years. And, while the vernacular press has got stronger, the English segment is getting more crowded than ever. Besides the dailies, there are the weeklies and other assorted publications that have given the reader in Goa a wider choice than ever before. There is even a fashion pull-out in one of the dailies. One hopes all these developments will lead to better quality as well. (ENDS) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rajesh Singh is a journalist, columnist and former Director of Information and Publicity, Government of Goa. The above article appeared on the front page of all PLUS tabloids in the April- May 2005 issue. GOANET READER WELCOMES contributions from its readers, by way of essays, reviews, features and think-pieces. We share quality Goa-related writing among the growing readership of Goanet and it's allied network of mailing lists. If you appreciate the above article, please send in your feedback to the writer. Our writers write -- or share what they have written -- pro bono, and deserve hearing back from those who appreciate their work. Goanet Reader too welcomes your feedback at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Goanet Reader is edited by Frederick Noronha <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
