The first rays of warmth wake me up at sunrise. Feeling fresh after a good night's sleep, looking forward to another day of challenges and surprises, I walk towards the sofa and follow my routine. A crisp new copy of TOI is kept on the table, which I fetch to read.
I am greeted by a picture with a breath taking view from a high rise in Mumbai, inviting readers to see their sample flats, inviting the "Mumbai cha manoos" to live his dream, the dream of buying his own house.
That takes me into my world of dreams. The cacophonic sound at home quickly brings me back to reality as I flip over to the next page.
This time, it's an advertisement of a coaching class. Showcasing it's achievements over the past two decades and forcing you to believe that- enrolling your child with them will guarantee an improvement or a seat in preferred college. Well, atleast it's better than seeing the ugly photos of politicians on posters and Banners along the arterial roads, put up of their "chamchas".
Finally after flipping another page comes the headline and cover page news. The things that I am actually interested in.
The print media offers this prime space for a handsome fee, either to sustain the print circulation or to increase the weight of the pockets of its owners.
Columns for advertising is alright, as it's at least ethical. But, what's saddening is "paid news" or news and publicity of an event, in return of publicity/subscriptions of the newspaper.
This trend is actually killing the essence of newspapers - bring out the truth!!
I feel, the advertisements should not be printed on the main page of the newspaper and most relevant news should be published here. It will be of benefit to the masses.
The media is regarded as the fourth pillar of the democracy; it's time there is a change in this and we open our eyes everyday to more relevant details. Otherwise, it won't be long before the NEWS apps and e-papers will one day kill the print circulation!
