It is indeed a matter of great pride that Indian Newslink has been serving the Community for 15 years. Our heartiest Congratulations on behalf of the readers of the Newspaper.
The Print Media is experiencing fall in readership and circulation, decline in advertising income and migration of readers to the new generation of Electronic Media not only in New Zealand but also in different countries of the world.
This transformation from print to digital media has been fast and worldwide is due to better bandwidths and lower costs of electronic gadgets and communication costs.
There is also the convenience of accessing news online any time.
This is another challenge faced by the print media and if the growing pace of accessibility of information through tablets and mobile phones is any indication, such a challenge will become more formidable in the coming years.
Multi-Sector Coverage
Even though this challenge is a reality, Indian Newslink is attracting more readership and advertisement revenue because the newspaper has been providing excellent news coverage and analysis to its readers. Such analyses include a broad spectrum of issues including current affairs, politics, education, business, community, entertainment and sports. This newspaper is also noted for its judicious coverage of news and developments in New Zealand, Fiji and India, apart from providing opportunities for people of various religions and faiths to promote their activities and opinions.
Fortnightly Advantage
The greatest advantage that Indian Newslink enjoys is that it is a Fortnightly.
Being a bimonthly enables the newspaper to highlight the most important developments and provide the readers material of relevance and interest.
Readers today get news instantly free of cost on their computers and mobiles. Therefore, being a fortnightly makes this publication a valuable contributor to various communities. It provides a summary of events, views and trends, making readers wait with great interest.
The Web Edition of the newspaper compliments the Print Edition very well.
There is a saying, “The Pen is mightier than the Sword.”
This is true even today. Hence, for the might to be respected, it is important that Indian Newslink continues its uncompromising stand on integrity.
Basis of Governance
Thomas Jefferson, an American Founding Father, Principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the Third President of the United Stated of America (1801–1809) spoke about the importance of newspapers.
“The basis of our governments being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. But I should mean that every man should receive those papers and be capable of reading them,” he said.
On the other hand, it is believed that Napoleon Bonaparte, the French Leader had said, “Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets.”
Indian Newslink has the opportunity of continuing to with the Power of the Pen and with integrity, which enables the Government to understand the opinion of the people. This will continue to ensure that the newspaper reaches the communities it serves through its distribution network.
The community is grateful for the important role that this newspaper has been playing since its establishment in November 1999.
The Challenge
The greatest challenge that this newspaper should always be mindful of is the words of Napoleon. Newspapers should not be stimulators of crime and hatred.
The active involvement of Indian Newslink in the Annual Mother Teresa Interfaith Committee and promoting Peace and Love is another testimony of its commitment to unite people of all religions and faiths.
It is a known fact that people tend to believe what appears in print, whereas the spoken word has only an immediate effect and is soon forgotten.
The printed word can influence public opinion and create a positive impact. At the same time, it has the potential to cause irreparable damage.
I therefore believe that Indian Newslink fulfils the three major objectives of the Media: to report news accurately, in a timely manner and be relevant, educative and informative. News reporting should be free and frank, without forfeiting ethos and values.
We live in electronic world and the print media is threatened by unprecedented competition. But one cannot dispute the fact there can be no substitute for a quality printed newspaper.
It is paramount that this publication does not compromise its quality and its main characteristic trait of being firmly rooted in New Zealand. It should retain its Indian Flavour.
The word ‘rooted’ is normally used in terms of a tree. It will be a difficult task to pull the tree out once it is properly rooted.
This can be said of Indian Newslink, which is now rooted in New Zealand as a print medium, spreading the much-awaited news and analyses every fortnight.
Wenceslaus Anthony is a prominent businessperson based in Auckland. Earlier this year, he was elected to the post of Chairman, Multicultural New Zealand Business Advisory Board, which is sponsored by the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils, Wellington. He is also the Chairman of the Mother Teresa Interfaith Committee and Chairperson of the Divine Retreat Centre of New Zealand.
