Rmember what I wrote on the newspapers we read quite sometime ago? You can call it a project in marketing....

'Free Press'

Press was not free for many, one time or the other. 'Free Press' is an essential arm of democracy ---- but as in democracy the Frankenstein lies in 'number' and 'money' . Both 'number' and 'money' are related to sales, market, and power; the former group maps onto the latter; and conversely the latter group is often a pre-requisite for the former. The doctrine of 'freedom' then gets entangled into mundane affairs.

Now you follow the events of the past few months (ie. flood, travel, religion, terrorism, Siddu in Bangalore, public inconveniences etc...). Then study the patterns of reporting (the way I had been studying for many many years..). Look at Hindu, Indian Express, TOI, Deccan Herald etc.. Do you think that the newspapers are regulating or controlling the events, or just reporting the events?

How about the advertisements included into these newspapers? Can you guess the readership? Can you guess the sponsors (e.g. political party, CIA, RAW etc..)

Amuse yourself with your own answers. And no body cares about me anyway, since apparently I am parroting a few lines and cues everyday. If I were in trouble, or you were in trouble, do you believe that any one of the newspapers you read would write in your 'support'? Then why should I not write in this net as a 'freelance poet'? If this net were to be closed down, or if I cannot pay the rent for the site, how can I express my feelings/opinions? But why should someone else pay me so that I keep on writing (most employers dislike me because of this net)? What is 'free press' then?

SG
Bangalore,
Aug 7, 2005.