I am aware of the challenges faced by newspapers in a democratic society.
Apart from reporting news and developments without bias or prejudice, a good newspaper must maintain balance and remain free, frank and fearless. The media in general and newspapers in particular are also expected to remain neutral, provide opportunities for everyone to express their points of view.
These in turn promote a well-informed society with people exercising their right to freedom of speech and expression. It is of course the responsibility of those running the media to ensure that their channel of communication remains within legitimate limits of propriety and decency.
Media owners and editors may have affiliations in politics on a personal basis but the best of those are people who do not let their individual preferences percolate into the columns of their newspapers.
As it is often said, a good newspaper is one that helps people to formulate their opinions on issues and developments based on facts and what is good for the community and the country.
Balanced reporting therefore is significant in maintaining social cohesion and in fostering editorial integrity.
I believe Indian Newslink is a good example of such integrity.
I have been a regular reader of this newspaper, first when it was a monthly and later when it became a fortnightly. I have also been happy to be associated with it as a regular contributor.
This Publication has been a pride of the community in providing quality news, analyses and diversity of views.
From informing the members of the community of the developments occurring in a variety of fields, the newspaper has been providing a sound platform for people to share their thoughts with others. Its special reports to commemorate major festivals of the Indian and Sub-Continent communities enable the younger generation and people of other ethnic groups understand and appreciate our culture and heritage.
I have often heard people say that this newspaper is the true Voice of the Community and that its reporting, without prejudice, has enabled them to view issues dispassionately and discern the right from the wrong. This quality adds to the strength of a newspaper.
Contributions and special reports from seasoned journalists, community leaders and people from a cross-section of the society give Indian Newslink a colourful tapestry, which has readership and aesthetic value. It was therefore little surprise that the Publication won a Gold Medal for Printing Excellence in May 2009.
For a long time, many of us have felt that this Publication should become a weekly, in view of the fact that its stories and features have a deep impact on its readers. In today’s electronic media, a fortnight seems to be too long for the frequency of a quality publication. As a weekly, Indian Newslink will be able to serve our communities better and more effectively.
With the Radio, Television and the Internet making serious inroads into the print medium, daily newspapers (more so weeklies and fortnightlies) today find it hard to break news. They are therefore required to be more analytical and descriptive in their publications.
Indian Newslink has earned a name for is descriptive and reliable news format and has even been successful in breaking news.
I wish this Publication all success in the future.
