The antiquarian ways of Indian newspapers

If news never takes a holiday why should newspapers? The Indian print media is unwary of this age-old cliché. On account of Diwali, the Friday editions of most major newspapers will not be in circulation in India. Unfortunately for them though, Yasser Arafat passed away in Paris a few hours ago after two weeks of rumours, contrarian news reporting and awaiting the inevitable. By Saturday, when the newspapers are back in vogue the news will be stale, literally so yesterday and useless. I can understand if there is no edition on the actual holiday -- there were reasons for the holiday that provide for better use of time but it is so frustrating this way when the following day one suffers in full knowledge the absence of a morning paper to take the tea and biscuits with, crossword puzzles, evening reviews of the backpages to see if anything went past the first time round. I find it odd that newer entrants to the market never sought to exploit this ridiculous convention unless they were forced to be party to this covenant too. This makes supporting the entry of foreign players into India's trite and haggard newspaper market almost worthwhile.

Arafat dies.

Happy Diwali no doubt. No such luck the following day.

April 2004

January 2004 - March 2004

October 2003 - January 2004

July 2003 - October 2003

May 2003 - June 2003

April 2003

January 2003 - April 2003

2002

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.