Demonetisation hits Media: Kolkata-based Media group ABP group, Telegraph fires 700 journalists

Telegraph, the Kolkata-based English daily is known for its unique headlines.

But on Friday, the newspaper made headlines--for the worst possible reason.

The paper owned by Ananda Bazar Patrika [ABP] group, sacked hundreds of journalists.

The news spread like wildfire among the journalist community in the country.

Print media is going through bad times in India. English papers have been closing their editions. Many papers have retrenched staff and several others are planning to give the pink slip to journos. Outlook report says that 700 employees were laid-off.

Demonetisation gave an opportunity to the media barons to justify their action--retrenching the staffers. Hindustan Times shut its Bhopal, Ranchi and Kolkata editions recently apart from closing many bureaux.

HT management's decision was weird because the paper was not in loss. But now another major newspaper going in for job cuts, sends a strong message. Other smaller groups may also follow suit.

This is bad for journalism as there will be fewer people on the ground to report. As profession, journalism was never lucrative, except for a few, but at least one could run household. Now even that is going to be difficult.

Clearly, bad times ahead for journalism and journalists. This will have affect on our democracy also, which remains strong if the press is strong. If the fourth estate is weakened, the voices of people won't reach others--the government and the citizens.

Media persons Rajesh Verma, Israr Khan killed in communal riot in Muzaffarnagar: Deaths of journalists in India

Two journalists Rajesh Verma and Israr Khan have been killed in the communal clash in Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh that has so far claimed nine lives.

*We mourn all the deaths including the sad demise of the two journalists.

*We strongly condemn the use of the word 'stringer' for Rajesh Verma

*We are also condemn TV channels, newspapers who ignore photographer Israr Khan

*We urge media men to express solidarity with the victims of the tragedy

*We request entire journalism fraternity to join hands and express solidarity with families of the two journalists  

*We expect the Centre to take a serious view of the law-and-order situation in UP

*We also want stern action against those using old photographs and circulating them as pictures of Muzaffarnagar violence to create further hatred.

The journalists have paid their lives in the line of duty. It is a sad day for journalists and a moment to reflect that how journalists working in districts (away from metropolitan cities and capitals), keep working in tough situations and sacrifice their lives. 

'Women are communal because of sexual frustration'

Khushwant Singh's remarks that women who tend to be religious fanatics are sexually frustrated, have caused a stir. In a recent article, Singh analysed the behaviour and life of four women close to Hindutva ideology.

He also said that female species are often more deadlier than males and if a woman turn venomous, 'she can hiss like a cobra'. The BJP is aghast and has condemned Singh's column.

The nonagenarian Sardar cites examples of Sadhvi Ritambhara, Uma Bharti, Pragya Singh Thakur and Mayaben Kodnani. They are all from the ranks of the Sangh Parivar (RSS).

He says that Rithambara indulges in double-speak, on TV she is sugar and honey, holding children but in real life spouts venon against Muslims. Former MP Chief Minister Uma Bharti wears saffron robe and terms herself a protector of cows but openly claims her role in demolition of Babri Masjid.

The next on Singh's list is Sadhwi Pragya Singh Thakur, who is in jail for Malegaon blast case. Singh says that though she is a good-looking woman, she turned a killer (though yet to be established as case is in the court).

The last is Gujarat's ex-minister Mayaben Kodnani, who is in custody for her role in Naroda Patiya massacre where nearly 100 Muslims were killed. She is alleged to have incited mobs.

She is a gynaecologist and took the Hippocratic oath to save lives but provoked violence, writes Singh. They are all ladies and educated and love Lord Rama just like Gandhi did, he further writes.

The Dirty Old Man goes on to write that if these ladies had a fulfilling sexual life, the venom which they spout have been drained out of systems.

Sex is the best therapy against frustration. A woman has heavier responsibility than a man in bringing up children. I appeal to these worthy ladies and all others to ponder over the words of M.K. Gandhi....

Of course, some BJP leaders may object but it is equally true that in India writers rarely so candid. That's the reason why columnists don't have enjoy huge readership here unlike in the West.

Well in his 90s, Singh still keeps ruffling a few feathers and that should be inspiring for journalists who avoid writing things that would displease others.

Yet another Hall of Shame for Indian journalism: Journalists 'force' man to commit suicide for 'footage'

Shameful. A man died because of journalists who instigated him and made him take his own life.

The journalists (read cameramen) gave Manoj Mishra a matchbox and diesel, so that he could 'commit suicide'.

The plan was that he would attempt self-immolation so that they could get a 'good footage' of a man burning shown live and could be aired as sensational news.

Mishra got badly burnt and died. The police have now  registered a case of abetment for suicide against six journalists.

The FIR doesn't name anybody and naturally the mediamen would go scot-free. But isn't it shameful for journalists!

In its report, Reuters said, 'journalists helped him commit suicide in order to get dramatic footage'. Mishra, a delivery man, was upset over a large sum of money owed to him by a state-run dairy farm.

However, the journalists who wanted sensational footage so that they could get airtime handed him the matchbox and diesel. Worse was the conduct of the journalists after the incident.

As Mishra was badly burnt in process, none of the journos tried to save him and remained busy shooting him engulfed in flames. He was not taken to hospital. No one bothered to inform the police either. Mishra succumbed to burns on Independence Day.