The media industry is notorious for the ferocity with which it promotes competition, each of its members striving to be the first to break news. Claims and counterclaims of establishing precedence occur, the veracity of which is at times difficult to establish.
Cross-border swapping of news and features is common among organisations that come under the same umbrella of ownership, as it is in the case of conglomerates which may encompass the print, television and radio media. Thus the CNN may allow its radio network to reveal a story to the public, swiftly followed by its television counterpart; India Today may place a news item first on its related website, to be followed up by the magazine a week or so later.
But partnership between two media organisations, independent of each other’s ownership and management is uncommon, at least in New Zealand. On such a score, the bond that exists between Indian Newslink and Radio Tarana 1386 AM, arguably the foremost Indian radio station of the country, is unique in many respects. The top management and staff of both companies realise the importance of cooperation rather than confrontation in bringing to a common audience the best of both worlds. Thus, what is read first could be heard later and vice-versa.
The partnership reached a new height with the launch of Ek Nazar in May 204, primarily to discuss the issues raised in the most recent edition of the newspaper. The fortnightly programme, aired between 5 pm and 6 pm, was characterised by listener response, at times animated, on national and international topics that are current and that cause concern to the community.
The programme gained added value in August with a slot featuring former Prime Minister Helen Clark discussing latest developments and answering questions instantly, which may otherwise take hours or days through normal channels. If it was a scoop for a community radio station and a newspaper, it also did credit to the country’s then top leader’s penchant for getting close to the people.
As a primetime programme, Ek Nazar grew into a major offering, underscoring radio-newspaper kinship.
More, the relationship accrued tangible benefits for both. While Indian Newslink was able to tap into the resources of IndiaFM through agreements signed by Radio Tarana, the station has the benefit of tapping into exclusive and investigative stories that appear in print. The win-win situation not only glorifies media partnership but also sublimates journalistic efforts.
Indian Newslink and Radio Tarana pursue efforts jointly and severally with the spirit of service, aiming to be the eyes and ears of the people.
As an extension of the mutually rewarding relationship, Radio Tarana is the Sponsor of the ‘Best Marketing Excellence Award’ of the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards 2010
