Rahul Chopra –
I consider myself fortunate to be born in a family where we had the opportunity to receive and read five daily newspapers, two of them specifically on economics and finance.
It was a bonus to have both my mother and father read vigorously, while I tried to play catch up with them. Initially my interest was limited to the Sports page and Page 3 that provided us with photos of most glamour parties of the rich and famous people in town.
However, as discussions around the dinner table turned to topics such as rising prices of onions or growing standard of living in Indian cities, my inquisitive young mind started looking for information in these staple newspapers available around the house.
Hobby continues
When I moved to New Zealand I continued my hobby of reading newspapers but I was surprised to know that most people did not subscribe to newspapers.
I was equally amused that community newspapers are distributed free to each household thrice a week to residents in Auckland. These papers carry local news and current affairs with ever-popular classified advertisements.
As a student, I then started to venture to the local Indian shops where I found Indian Newslink. As the publication now celebrates its 16th anniversary, as a sincere reader for the past eight years, I can say that the editorial standards of our free fortnightly publication have been second to none.
Total package
Indian Newslink, despite its limited resources, has continued to provide us with balanced debate on issues concerning not just the Indian community but also on the policies and programmes of the New Zealand, Indian and Fijian governments, current affairs, business, sports and entertainment.
I think it is fair to write here that for a free fortnightly publication, Indian Newslink offers a comprehensive package for anyone.
When I migrated to New Zealand like most people I too had a basic mobile phone. Its sole purpose was to make and accept phone calls and text messages.
Fingertip news
As technology has evolved I too have indulged with smart phones.
Now-a-days one of the purposes that I use my smart phone is to read about international, national and local news and events. I think these changing trends represent a challenge for any publication regardless of its size. This has meant that many large publications with deep pockets have started to adapt well and launched their websites that are easily accessible through a smart phone.
Some have gone further and provided their users with apps or mobile applications that compress the entire publication in to a miniature version which is user friendly.
A second or may be a greater challenge that is likely to impact publications and their readers is the need for high quality content. As more and more publications go digital and as more and more readers read on-the-go than wait for printed publications to be read with their morning cup of tea or coffee, editors and their teams will face the challenge of ensuring delivery of quality, factual and balanced content.
Fortunately, in case of Indian Newslink, we can place our trust on its editor to provide us with content that is factual and reporting that is unbiased and balanced.
Rahul Chopra is Out of Parliament Office Assistant to National List MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi based in Papatoetoe, South Auckland.
