http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Once-dismissive-Maya-now-courts-the-Manuwadi-media/articleshow/5761287.cms
Once dismissive, Maya now courts the 'Manuwadi' media Bhaskar Roy, TNN, Apr 5, 2010, 03.13am IST NEW DELHI: There was a time when Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati would dismiss the media as 'Manuwadi' accusing it of upper caste biases. Not any longer. Entrenched in power and faced with an increasing challenge, the BSP boss seems to have realised the importance of soundbites. After trying her hand at acquiring a television channel dedicated to the UP clientele, she has discovered the wider prospects of influencing the cable TV networks which have a strong grip over the state's rural hinterland. According to industry sources, she has preferred the formidable spread of the cable networks over the DTH market apparently because of the fact that the latter caters to the relatively better-off segment and not to the prospective dalit backers of the BSP. A senior official of Maya's administration has of late held talks with at least two leading groups which have a strong presence in UP's cable network market. One reason for Maya's sudden interest in the electronic media is perhaps her bitter experience of having been at the receiving end of a critical media over her decision to install statues of the dalit icons at public places. Congress sees Maya's move in gaining a toehold in the media market as part of her preparations for the 2012 assembly election. "She has got the resources for making such advances; it is to be seen if the news channels could be up for grabs," said Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh. The BSP leadership, it appears, has made a departure from its previous position that the media impact on its constituency was negligible since the marginalized dalits could afford neither newspapers nor televisions.
