London’s media landscape is undergoing significant transformation. With the rapid evolution of digital platforms, traditional media outlets are adapting to new consumption habits. The rise of social media, streaming services, and online news has reshaped how Londoners access information and entertainment … writes Sanjay Shabi
The Evening Standard, an iconic London newspaper, has made a strategic decision to cease publication on Mondays and Fridays as a precursor to eventually going weekly. This move is underpinned by both commercial and social factors, reflecting the changing landscape of media consumption and the economic pressures faced by print journalism.
Commercially, the shift in consumer behaviour towards digital platforms has had a profound impact on the newspaper industry. With the rise of smartphones and high-speed internet, readers increasingly prefer to access news online, leading to a decline in print circulation and, consequently, in advertising revenue which has traditionally been the lifeblood of newspapers. By reducing the print run, the Evening Standard aims to cut costs associated with printing and distribution, which are substantial for a free publication that relies on high circulation to attract advertisers.
The reduction in publication days also aligns with the changing patterns of commuting in London. The pandemic has accelerated the trend towards remote working, resulting in fewer daily commuters which in themselves are less predictable across the day and a reduced footfall in central London where the Evening Standard’s distributors are primarily located. With fewer potential readers on the streets on Mondays and Fridays, days which have become synonymous with working from home, the cost-effectiveness of distributing a print edition on these days diminishes.
Furthermore, the advertising market, which is crucial for the financial health of a free newspaper, has shifted. Advertisers are increasingly directing their budgets towards digital platforms that offer targeted advertising and measurable engagement. Anecdotal observations, subject to corroboration from more forensic data analysis, suggests this is further reflected by average issue pagination for the Evening Standard dropping about four-fold over the years from its peak. In contrast, by focusing on its digital offering, the Evening Standard can provide more attractive options for advertisers, leveraging data analytics to offer targeted and interactive ad campaigns that are not possible in print.
From a social perspective, the Evening Standard’s decision reflects a broader commitment to sustainability. The production and distribution of print newspapers have a significant environmental footprint, from the use of paper to the emissions associated with physical distribution. By reducing the number of print issues, the newspaper is decreasing its environmental impact, which resonates with the growing public and corporate emphasis on sustainability.
The move also acknowledges the changing rhythms of city life. With Londoners’ habits evolving, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, the Evening Standard is adapting to serve its readers when and where they are most likely to engage with the content. By concentrating its print presence on days with higher commuter traffic, the newspaper can maintain its relevance and connection with its audience. Many of whom may still prefer the physical attributes of reading printed material and the personal, one to one connection this affords especially when compared to other media channels.
The Evening Standard’s decision on this basis is a response to the dual pressures of economic sustainability and social change. It reflects a strategic pivot to align with the digital transformation of the media landscape, changing commuter patterns, and a commitment to environmental responsibility. This decision underscores the need for traditional print media to dynamically adapt to survive in an increasingly digital world with changing consumer behaviours.
(Mr Sanjay Shabi is Board Director, UK & Worldwide of Essence Mediacom)
The list included AFP’s homepage afp.com and its client portal afpforum.com….reports Asian Lite News
Russia said that Tuesday it would block access to 81 EU media outlets, including AFP’s websites, as a “retaliatory measure” after Brussels imposed broadcasting bans on several Russian state media outlets.
The European Union in May said it had decided to block access to four Kremlin-controlled media for being “instrumental in bringing forward and supporting” Moscow’s Ukraine offensive.
Moscow said it was responding to that move.
“Counter-restrictions are being introduced on the access from Russian territory of broadcast resources of media outlets from EU member states,” Moscow’s foreign ministry said in a statement, publishing a list of media outlets and blaming Brussels for the restrictions.
The list included AFP’s homepage afp.com and its client portal afpforum.com.
France’s Le Monde, Germany’s Der Spiegel and Spain’s El Mundo were also among the media outlets named on the list.
Russia denounced the EU sanctions as “politically motivated” and said the bloc’s decisions were “forcing Moscow to take mirror and proportionate countermeasures.”
It said it would “revise” the restrictions if sanctions on Russian media were lifted.
Russia has already blocked access to much of the Western media since sending troops to Ukraine, as well as to Western social media giants.
Domestic media that are critical of President Vladimir Putin’s rule or his Ukraine offensive have also been banned, harassed and outlawed, and many independent media outlets and journalists have fled into exile.
The partnership with DMI, a premier entity renowned for its excellence in media relations and communication strategies, will enhance Danube Group’s visibility and outreach across various platforms…reports Asian Lite News
Danube Group announced its strategic collaboration with Dubai Media Inc (DMI). This partnership establishes Dubai Media Inc. as the official media partner for Danube Group, marking a significant milestone in the Group’s communication and marketing strategy.
Rizwan Sajan and Adel Sajan attended the Arab Media Forum (AMF) with the Dubai media team, organised by The Dubai Press Club (DPC). AMF is the region’s largest media thought leadership event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The 22nd edition of AMF highlighted the crucial role of media in shaping the region’s future and fostering impactful dialogues. During the visit they met with Abdulwahed Juma, CEO of Commercial Affairs and Partnerships and team at Dubai Media Inc., and discussed the ways to enhance cooperation relations and exchange experiences between the two parties, and the possibilities of benefiting from the capabilities of Dubai Media.
“We are thrilled to partner with Dubai Media Inc. Their exceptional omni-channel media expertise aligns perfectly with our goals to enhance our presence and engage with our audience more effectively,” said Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group. “This partnership reflects our commitment to maintaining transparent communication with our partners and investors to excel in all our endeavours.”
Abdulwahed Juma stressed Dubai Media’s inclination to consolidate its relations with various institutions in the public and private sectors. He said, “Dubai Media has extensive experience in all fields of media, which has made it one of the most prominent media institutions in the region.” He noted that the Danube Group is considered one of the most important investment entities in Dubai and the Emirates.
He said, “Danube Group’s adoption of Dubai as its headquarters reflects the emirate’s capabilities and investment environment that is attractive to businessmen and investors, and strengthening partnership relations with it supports Dubai Media’s directions aimed at promoting growth, innovation and excellence, and building bridges of communication with the leading institutions in the country and benefiting from their experiences.” “Highlighting Dubai’s position as a global economic and media capital.”
The partnership with DMI, a premier entity renowned for its excellence in media relations and communication strategies, will enhance Danube Group’s visibility and outreach across various platforms. “Dubai Media” is considered one of the most prominent leading media institutions in the Emirates and the Middle East region, and works through its various sectors and platforms to provide new and purposeful content that reflects the spirit of authenticity and innovation, and respects the social and cultural way of life in the Emirates and the countries of the region.
Danube Group, , one of the Middle East’s largest diversified conglomerates, and DMI share a vision of fostering growth, innovation, and excellence. By combining Danube Group’s market expertise and Dubai Media Inc.’s media proficiency, this collaboration is set to create compelling narratives that resonate with a broad audience.
The role of Arabic media is pivotal in connecting and informing communities across the region. The Dubai Press Club (DPC) has been instrumental in promoting excellence in journalism and fostering a dynamic media landscape. By hosting events like the Arab Media Forum, DPC facilitates the exchange of ideas and best practices, contributing significantly to the development of media in the Arab world. This partnership with DMI at such a prestigious event underscores the importance of robust media collaborations in driving narratives that support regional growth and innovation.
Rizwan Sajan expressed his happiness in cooperating with Dubai Media. He said, “Dubai Media has extensive experience that is consistent with the objectives of the Danube Group aimed at strengthening its presence in the local and regional market, and expanding the scope of interaction with society, which is what we look forward to through our relationship with the organization to benefit from the range of opportunities and solutions it provides with high quality and competitiveness.” In addition to expanding the possibility of exchanging ideas and experiences in many fields, especially in the real estate, construction, retail trade, and other sectors, in which we have great experience, through which we can highlight the nature of Dubai’s attractive investment environment.”
Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office (NMO) and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, highlights urgency of consolidating Gulf media unity and integration…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office (NMO) and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, participated in the 27th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Information Ministers Meeting in Doha.
The meeting included the participation of GCC information ministers and was attended by GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi.
Sheikh Abdullah Al Hamed, while leading the UAE delegation, emphasised the urgency of consolidating Gulf media unity and integration amidst regional and global challenges. He was accompanied by Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, and Dr. Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Director-General of the NMO.
He stated, “There is an urgent need to unify the Gulf media discourse and coordinate among various media outlets, guided by necessary professionalism, agreed-upon principles, and a shared code of honour.”
He added, “We believe in our ability to provide a roadmap for a modern, enlightened Gulf media that confidently faces all challenges, comprehends the rapid changes in the world, keeps pace with the comprehensive and sustainable development achieved by the GCC countries, expresses this honestly and professionally, and conveys a realistic picture of the GCC countries’ achievements to the world.”
Sheikh Abdullah Al Hamed stressed the importance of developing joint Gulf media strategies that keep pace with rapid media developments and contribute to strengthening the position of the GCC countries on the international scene, calling for building an integrated and advanced media system.
He stated that confronting the challenges surrounding the media sector in the GCC countries requires a clear Gulf vision, joint coordination, and a multi-stage strategy.
He called for continuing to build on the progress made in developing an awareness strategy for managing electronic communication networks, with the aim of maximising their benefits while minimising risks to new generations and the traditional Gulf value system. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of fostering constructive and innovative interaction between the media and artificial intelligence.
During the meeting, the UAE delegation presented several proposals for joint work. One key proposal was to establish a unified information database for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. This database would facilitate the flow and exchange of information and media content between member states, serving as a central repository for sharing media data and visual and audio materials in an immediate and reliable manner. This initiative aims to enhance media transparency and help unify media messages across different countries.
The UAE delegation also proposed conducting a comprehensive study on the future of artificial intelligence and its increasing impact on the media sector. This study aims to anticipate future trends and identify the opportunities and challenges facing this vital sector.
The meeting deliberated on various agenda items, with a focus on enhancing joint cooperation in the field of electronic media. Key discussions included establishing regulatory controls for commercial advertising mechanisms across social media sites and platforms, initiating the “Child Digital Safety” in the GCC countries, and formulating a collaborative awareness plan to safeguard morals, foster socialisation, and promote Gulf values and identity.
The GCC Ministers of Information also discussed the recommendations put forth by various media committees that convened recently under the auspices of the GCC. These recommendations encompass initiatives aligned with implementing the directives of the wise leadership of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
They reviewed the enhancement of joint cooperation in the realms of radio, television, and news agencies, as well as strategies for developing Gulf media. Additionally, they discussed coordinating media efforts to bolster the positive image of the GCC countries regionally and internationally.
Furthermore, they examined the report of the GCC Joint Programme Production Foundation and the report of the Gulf Radio and Television Corporation.
Commenting on the 1 Billion Followers Summit, Al Gergawi said the event has started big and continued to grow in its second edition….reports Asian Lite News
Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said that the global media sector today is going at a turning point that could bring about huge and unexpected shifts in both media and technology.
The minister noted: “Our goal for the UAE is to become the focal point for new media. Thanks to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish a permanent influencers headquarters in Dubai, the UAE will be a global hub for influencers by supporting them to create positive content.” “Content creation is not an easy job, because content has the power to build communities or bring them down. Creating specialised content requires support and training, which helps build knowledge,” Al Gergawi said.
“The UAE government is an active government, as H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum always says: “We do what we say, and we say what we do”. And while many said that the global economic downturn marked the end of dreams, but the UAE proved it has just started… We have reached Mars; we are part of the lunar space station project; and we continue to affect a cultural and humanitarian transformation that serves all humankind. The UAE’s mission extends its positive impact well beyond our national boundaries, serving a larger, global purpose.”
Commenting on the 1 Billion Followers Summit, Al Gergawi said the event has started big and continued to grow in its second edition. He promised bigger and more influential future editions, highlighting the growing importance of new media, and the need to create exceptional content that adds value to humanity.
1 Billion Followers Summit Wraps Up 2nd Edition
The 1 Billion Followers Summit concluded its second edition in Dubai on Thursday reiterating the importance of digital content creation and its rapidly evolving role in communication, learning, and entertainment, in the region and around the world.
Organised by the New Media Academy on January 10- 11, the event engaged over 300 million social media users across various digital platforms.
The summit’s hashtag #1BillionSummit ranked among the most followed hashtags worldwide in the past couple of days, with engagements exceeding 489 million. Additionally, the summit was the focus of 300+ local and international journalists who took the summit’s voice to the world and conducted exclusive interviews with some of the world’s most famous influencers on social media.
Up to 195 speakers and content creators from 95 countries and regions shared unique experiences, advice, and secrets to success across the fields of art, sports, education, health, business, and environment. The event attracted 7,000 attendees and participants, including 3,000 content creators, who hailed the platform as a unique opportunity to connect and collaborate with content creators from different countries and cultures.
Saeed Al Eter, Chairman of the UAE Government Media Office, affirmed that the UAE continues to boost its influence on the international media scene, introducing the world to its collective achievements. He also lauded the country’s exceptional ability to stay ahead of developments and anticipate major transformations in the field of new media, to embrace this vast space and invest in its unlimited potential.
He said, “The 1 Billion Followers Summit embodies the UAE’s commitment to developing the creative industries and writing a new chapter in the evolution of digital media and content creation. This is achieved by providing a nurturing environment to attract talents and innovators, organizing events that bring together influential names in the field to benefit from their experiences, and inspiring journeys that serve as a motivation for new content creators in developing visions, goals, and tools”.
He added, “The Summit is a new affirmation of our country’s strong presence in every positive change aimed at advancing means of communication among people. We have great confidence that the success of this event, which brought together more than 7,000 participants from 95 countries around the world, including over 3,000 content creators, influencers, and creatives, will be a qualitative leap in its journey, as well as the journey of new media and content creation in our country, the Arab region, and the world,” affirming that the UAE will remain a cradle of creativity.
Alia Al Hammadi, CEO of the New Media Academy, affirmed that the vibrant regional and global engagement with the summit – its events, activations and discussions – asserts Dubai’s leadership in providing a nurturing and supportive environment for creative industry professionals and emerging talents. It also solidifies the city’s position as a preferred destination for content creators and influencers of various nationalities and cultures.
She said: “The summit offered a pioneering and comprehensive platform for exchanging experiences and knowledge among participants. It has offered the tools and the right guidance to empower social media practitioners to hone their talent, creativity and capabilities, asserting that communication is the new and most widely used global currency. Dubai will continue striving to offer the best platforms and services to advance the value of this sector and those who operate within it.”
Al Hammadi thanked the partners, sponsors, speakers, and attendees who contributed to the success of the second edition of the summit and expressed her hope to meet them again in the next edition. The summit, over the course of two days, organised 24 panel discussions, hosting an elite group of the world’s leading social media pioneers. These discussions covered the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the creative industries and digital media. The event also featured speeches from top executives and international business leaders, highlighting the role of new media in enhancing community development, the importance of producing content that elevates the audience’s tastes and embedding awareness in generations in line with the summit’s vision.
Patel’s comments come as the former president faces 91 felony counts across four different court cases to which he has pleaded not guilty, saying that he is being prosecuted for political reasons…reports Asian Lite News
A top Indian-origin aide to Donald Trump has threatened action against people in the media — “criminally or civilly” — if the former president storms back to power in 2024.
Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel, who was Trump’s counter-terrorism adviser on the National Security Council and chief of staff to the acting secretary of defence, made the remarks on Steve Bannon’s War Room podcast.
“We will go out and find the conspirators not just in government, but in the media,” Patel, who may reportedly serve in a senior national security role in any new Trump administration, said, referring to the 2020 election in which Biden trounced Trump.
“We’re going to come after you whether it’s criminally or civilly… “We’ll figure that out,” the former Defence Department official said.
Patel clarified that they are going to use the Constitution to “prosecute them for crimes they said we have always been guilty of but never have.”
However, the Trump campaign has distanced itself from Patel’s comments, saying that proclamations “like this have nothing to do with” them, according to ‘The Guardian’.
Patel’s comments come as the former president faces 91 felony counts across four different court cases to which he has pleaded not guilty, saying that he is being prosecuted for political reasons.
The charges against Trump include unlawfully trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
In September this year, Patel released a book, which he said “exposes the corruption of the Deep State”.
“A sinister cabal of corrupt law enforcement personnel, intelligence agents, and military officials at the highest levels of government plotted to overthrow a President,” the synopsis of the book read.
Patel said in his book that corrupt officials have continued to secretly pull the levers of power without any accountability to the American people.
In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Trump said: “The biggest problem we have? The media. The media is fake… I came up with the term a long time ago, and they won’t talk about it.”
During his tenure, Trump has had an uneasy relationship with the media with him blocking CNN, Politico and the New York Times from White House media briefing.
He has called news outlets as “fake news” and the “enemy of the people” in the past.
Leading the Republican presidential race with a huge margin, Trump has also reportedly promised to use the Justice Department to “go after” his political adversaries.
The UK-based news agency, Reuters, dubbed the poll victories as a ‘big boost’ for PM Modi ahead of the general elections next year, heading its story as, “In boost for Modi, BJP sweeps polls in three Indian states.”…reports Asian Lite News
After BJP swept three of the four states, the results for which were declared on Sunday, global media commended the victory as an ‘expansion of PM Modi dominance’, adding that the outcomes were ‘vital’ ahead of the Lok Sabha elections next year.
Prominent US daily The Washington Post ran a detailed story hailing the BJP’s stupendous poll wins in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, calling the mandates ‘crucial’.
“The crucial poll has pitted India’s opposition against the ruling party of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of next year’s vital national vote,” the Washington Post stated in its report.
The global media affirmed that the victories in three states would strengthen PM Modi’s chances of scoring a hat-trick of poll wins and returning for a third straight term at the country’s highest office.
Al Jazeera ran a report with the headline, “India’s BJP wins three of four state polls months before the national election”, terming the BJP’s poll victories “historic and unprecedented”.
The UK-based news agency, Reuters, dubbed the poll victories as a ‘big boost’ for PM Modi ahead of the general elections next year, heading its story as, “In boost for Modi, BJP sweeps polls in three Indian states.”
“The election results indicate the voter mood ahead of the national elections in May in which Modi is eyeing a third consecutive term,” it stated in its report.
A saffron Tsunami swept the Hindi heartland on the counting day for four states that polled for their assemblies last month, the BJP, with its stunning mandates in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, stumped not just their rivals but also some pollsters who had predicted tight races in these states.
The election results in four states, especially the losses in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, came as a huge to the Congress’s hopes for 2024 as it is now out of power across a vast swathe of the Hindi heartland.
In Rajasthan, the vote count painted a starkly different picture to what some of the pollsters had predicted, with the BJP poised to form the government, winning 115 seats, and the Congress trailing at 69 seats.
Of the 90 assembly constituencies in Chhattisgarh, the BJP bagged 54 while the Congress won 35.
The counting for Mizoram is set for Monday, where BJP’s regional ally, the Mizo National Front, is the incumbent.
Assembly elections to five states were held last month, with more than 160 million people, or a sixth of India’s electorate, registered to vote. (ANI)
The second edition of the Global Media Congress saw a phenomenal increase in attendance, with 23924 visitors compared to 13556 the previous year, showing a 76.48 per cent increase in attendance…reports Asian Lite News
On the final day of the Global Media Congress, attendees and speakers reflected on a series of groundbreaking sessions that provided insights into the current media landscape as well as its future trends.
With the Congress having broken records in terms of attendee numbers, speaker participation and business and brand participation, the event’s closing sessions offered yet more diverse perspectives, creative ideas, and collaborative spirit, all converging to redefine the role of media in an ever-evolving global society.
The second edition of the Global Media Congress saw a phenomenal increase in attendance, with 23924 visitors compared to 13556 the previous year, showing a 76.48 per cent increase in attendance. There was also an increase in participating countries, with 172 countries featuring during the congress, with 31 new countries participating for the first time. Covering 32,000 square metres, the Congress’s footprint grew 78 per cent from last year, attracting 77 leading industry speakers from 18 different countries.
Under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the day was marked by a series of compelling keynote speeches, insightful panel discussions, and exclusive interviews that all contributed to the Congress’s overarching narrative of driving innovation and business growth in the global media landscape. Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi, Director-General of Emirates News Agency (WAM) and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for the Global Media Congress, said, “Once again, the Global Media Congress has gathered together leaders, decision-makers, and executives from renowned media institutions around the world to successfully shape the future of the global media industry. Through coordinated efforts and the productive exchange of creative concepts and breakthrough technological solutions, we have further consolidated the UAE’s position as a key global hub for advancing the future of the media industry and setting the groundwork for its productive growth to serve the world’s economies and societies.”
Day three of the Congress gave a special emphasis to the themes of tolerance and community harmony, sport and the media, and the impact of technology on different media platforms.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ADNEC Group, stated, “As we bring this edition of the Global Media Congress at ADNEC to a close, I am profoundly grateful to the many excellent participants that have joined us from around the world for their enthusiasm and invaluable contributions. I also wish to thank the wise leadership of the UAE for their vision and unwavering support for this globally significant event. In keeping with ADNEC Group’s commitment to advancing Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification through expanded business and tourism opportunities, we look forward to repeating the outstanding success of this Congress in its future editions.”
Among the MoUs concluded at the conference were two agreements on the final day between New Media Academy and Core 42, the UAE Journalist Association and American University in the Emirates. The ingenuity on display in the startup competition exemplified the Global Media Congress’s focus on unlocking the potential of new talent in the media sector. Also important in this respect was the launch at this year’s event of the Education Stage and Co-Production Majlis as new features were designed, along with the return of the Innovation Stage, NexTech, and Future Media Lab, to explore education and Al as key drivers of the sector’s future evolution.
Additionally, the elite-level discussions held at the Future Media Labs are expected to lead to a new White Paper on the industry’s future that will build on a similar publication in 2022. Through such game-changing initiatives, the 2023 Global Media Congress has confirmed its status as an essential forum for thought leadership and visionary new partnerships. (ANI/WAM)
In its upcoming ‘Present Future’ Contemporary Art Auction, AstaGuru will present an exceptional array of mixed media works. Here are some of their unique creations…reports Asian Lite News
Indian contemporary artists have been at the forefront of embracing mixed media creations in recent years, giving rise to a dynamic and diverse art scene that fuses tradition with innovation.
This artistic movement involves combining various materials, techniques, and mediums to create unique and thought-provoking pieces that defy conventional boundaries. One of the key reasons for this surge in mixed media art in India is the country’s rich cultural heritage and history.
Artists draw inspiration from India’s ancient art forms, textiles, and crafts, infusing them with contemporary elements to produce visually captivating works. This fusion of tradition and modernity results in pieces that resonate with both local and global audiences.
Indian artists often employ a wide range of materials, such as textiles, found objects, ceramics, metals, digital media, and more. These unique creations not only challenge artistic norms but also invite viewers to explore the intricate layers of meaning within each artwork, making them a vital part of India’s vibrant art landscape.
In its upcoming ‘Present Future’ Contemporary Art Auction, AstaGuru will present an exceptional array of mixed media works. Here are some of their unique creations.
Vox Humana by Jitish Kallat: The presented lot comes from the oeuvre of Jitish Kallat, a multifaceted artist who embraces varied mediums, including painting, sculpture, video, photography, and even telescopes, Jitish Kallat delves into themes encompassing our modern era, the cosmic realm, and historical remembrance. His extensive narratives, enriched with personal, political, and artistic allusions, reflect an ever-evolving India. Kallat’s creations frequently traverse different scales, oscillating between contemplations of the individual, urban streets, the nation, and the cosmic expanse. This allows him to scrutinize the fleeting versus eternal, the commonplace in relation to history, and the microscopic juxtaposition with the telescopic.
Untitled by Jagannath Panda: This work perfectly encapsulates Jagannath Panda’s mixed media art practice, which is a testament to the profound impact of minimalism and abstraction on contemporary art. Despite their apparent simplicity, his works possess a captivating depth that beckons viewers to explore the nuances within. Panda’s art deftly blurs the boundaries between reality and illusion, with delicate forms and lines that seem to defy gravity, drawing subjects into a realm of ethereal uncertainty.
Untitled by Raqib Shaw: The artist takes a meticulous approach to executing these extraordinary creations that open up the world of the artist’s imagination to the audience. With a deft tackling of varied mediums of metallic enamel paints, gems, glitter, and rhinestone, the labour-intensive process also includes using a porcupine quill to apply these enamel paints on different surfaces, a technique similar to ‘cloisonné’ used in early Asian pottery to decorate metalwork and ceramics.
The Castle of Otranto (Vision 2) by Aditya Pande: Works by Aditya Pande are made up of masses of undulating lines and frantic concentric circles, making each piece appear as if it is made up of several whirlpools of energy. The viewer’s focus constantly shifts from one density to another, some with movements that draw the eye inward while others seem to spring out of the surface with wild abandon. The artist uses computer-aided graphic design to create these hyperactive works of art. He further enhances these equation and vector-based works by overlaying the prints with materials such as ink, tinsel, and acrylic paint along with beady, pop-artist eyes.
In an interview with Abhish K. Bose, eminent journalist BRP Bhaskar speaks about a number of issues including the national media reporting of the troubles in Manipur; the lack of proactive action from the government side.
Ninety one year old BRP Bhaskar is perhaps the senior most functioning Journalist living in the country. Mr Bhaskar who worked in senior editorial positions at The Hindu, The Patriot, Deccan Herald, The Statesman, United News of India, was also a columnist with the Gulf Today Newspaper published from Sharjah. A voice of sanity and clarity, Mr Bhaskar is an active presence in the socio cultural scene of Kerala and an activist who comes down against human rights violations. He was also an editorial advisor to The Asianet News, and handled Media Watch programme for the channel. An eminent scholar on the socio political scenario of India Mr Bhaskar is the recipient of the Swadheshabhimani – Kesari media award given by the Kerala government for comprehensive contributions to Journalism.
In an interview with Abhish K. Bose, he discusses a number of issues including the national media reporting of the troubles in Manipur; the lack of proactive action from the government side; the Kerala government registering case against a TV channel reporter; and against online media groups; a comparison with the intolerance against media and political dissent by the Modi government and the LDF government of Kerala.
Excerpts from the interview
Abhish K. Bose: The new coalition of the twenty six opposition parties named INDIA has recently formed in Bangalore in a bid to challenge the BJP led NDA in the general elections 2024. What do you think will be the prospects of this alliance? Can the alliance break the strangle hold of BJP in the frays?
BRP Bhaskar : I think It is too early to come to any conclusion regarding the prospects of the new formation. Because we have to see how it functions over a fairly long period. The election is still some time away. How this grouping functions can only be assessed realistically after we have seen its workings over a fairly long period to the extent of cohesion in the alliance and the extent of leadership in the alliance. Regardless of what ever they may say in their documents the impression the public is gathering regarding their stand on the political, economic and social issues should have to be taken into account before we can reach any informed conclusion on its prospects.
Abhish K. Bose: Though Prime minister Narendra Modi has broken his silence over the atrocities against the minority tribal communities in Manipur can we take the PMs condemnation of the incidents in Manipur in good sense with little assurance from the government comes in the form of proactive actions to mitigate the crisis. Do you think that under the BJP rule in centre the religious and ethnic minorities of the country will be safe?
BRP Bhaskar : The BJP must realistically accept that there are doubts in people’s mind about its position with regard to religious or any other minorities. This is because they have a majoritarian kind of philosophy on which this party has been built. In the course of their first few decades of working, people have formed certain opinion about the political positions of this party. All this has to be taken into consideration to come to a conclusion on this matter.
Abhish K. Bose: Do you think that the BJP government at the centre has effectively intervened to mitigate the crisis ongoing in Manipur?
BRP Bhaskar : The government actually faces the criticism for being silent on Manipur. The Prime Minister was keeping silence on Manipur. There were reports circulated that the ruling party was also involved in some of the troubles taking place there. This is a very sensitive area, one is a border area, the other is a tribal area where different types of tribes are living and this area has a history of disquiet. Judging by the reports I have seen, I was not able to come to a firm conclusion about the involvement of various political forces in the scene. The reporting of the media is very weak. There are certain regulations with regard to the coverage of sensitive issues of this kind. The media has to be watchful, and should make sure that the situation there should not be worse. By and large the kind of coverage I saw in the media I prefer I will not reach any conclusion. Because of that I do not make any firm categorical statement.
Abhish K. Bose: You said about the functioning of the media is weak in the reporting of the events ….
BRP Bhaskar : I was not speaking about the Manipur media. Manipur has been going through a crisis for weeks now. What is the kind of information we are getting in the national media? I was pointing to the weakness of the national media coverage. I have no access to Manipur media. I don’t know what the Manipur media is doing. I depend on the national media for getting the information. Let me be honest on this, there are problems. The media has to be careful and there are standing guidelines which prohibits the media from identifying groups which are involved in the conflicts. At this moment I am more interested in knowing how authorities are handling things more than how the media is covering things. The Union Home Minister visited the place. But despite his visit the trouble went on. His intervention seemed ineffective. In many parts of our country there are situations of different kinds. There are tensions which can broke out into conflicts. So the first duty of the authorities is to handle the system. They have the intelligence machinery. So when the trouble is brewing they have the means of knowing it and they should nip it in the bud. If they are not able to do it things eventually break out into a confrontation. Then of course the authorities have to act speedily. I also suspect whether the governments interventions was effective because the trouble in Manipur went on for several weeks. The governments intervention is with an announcement especially when it is a law and order situation. I can’t reach any conclusion that they are not acting or the security agencies are not acting. But it is clear that they have not succeeded. So it was primary for them to oversee what steps they have took and why it was not effective so far, and take necessary steps to bring peace to that area.
Abhish K. Bose: The reigning political dispensation spends a lot of money by way of supporting pro-BJP publications, promoting the dissemination of stories profitable to the BJP. Is there any way the practice of journalism can be made once again free and fair as conducive to the health of Indian democracy?
BRP Bhaskar : Various people who have been monitoring the state of the Indian media have published a recent annual report that the situation is getting progressively worse. There are some global agencies which monitor the state of the media all over the world and there recent report shows that the condition has been deteriorating from year to year. So this is a matter of concern to us. This is a matter which should actually be a concern to the government also. Because international agencies are monitoring and publishing reports and their reports of the deteriorating situation brings a bad name to the government. So I think the government should also be watchful to the development and take steps that are in their power to bring back the media freedom. This will improve their own image.
Abhish K. Bose: Many among the political leaders of the country are exuding the hope that Kerala the sole state which is ruled by the left should carry forward the mantle of leadership in the fight against BJP and it’s fascism. However, the Kerala government led by the left is also displaying intolerance against political dissent. In what all ways this government is different from the previous governments of the state?
BRP Bhaskar : There is a kind of contradiction in the way the question is framed. You start with the thing that Kerala is the only left state and then you say that they have to play a proactive role. See one must be very practical about this thing. The party which is in power in only one state can effectively make a difference at the national level? The one state party has a very limited role to play at the national level.
Abhish K. Bose: I was referring about the ideology of the left which is a global ideology rather than its ruling presence in a particular state?
BRP Bhaskar : As a global ideology it has collapsed all over the world and where it survived like in China where they practice is not Marxism. The second part of your question is very broad and is not very easy to answer. The governments have their own logic and their own dynamics. It can be very different from what they profess. What they profess need not be what they practice. Today if you look at the totality of the Indian situation, you have a large number of parties in power in different states. There are several national parties, several regional parties and then you know the so called national parties their hold is very limited. So no party today is in a position to say that we have reach across the nation. At the time of independence Congress is the only party which has a national reach. But that is not the situation today. Many of the parties are regional parties and some of them are confined to their state. In the last couple of decades regional parties are also a presence at the national level. But they come to play only at the election time. After the election time they play a very small role in the coalition. There are so many parties in the NDA led by the BJP. To what extend they have an impact over the BJP government. The situation is extremely amorphous and now everybody is preparing for an election and as far as I can see the chances of the next elections bringing material difference is too dismal. Regarding the criticism of the government intolerance I would like to make it clear that when we compare two governments one is the UDF government led by the Congress party and the second the present government led by the LDF.
If we examine the political parties which leads these two alliances there is a big difference in the approach of the two political parties leading the two fronts. There is an expressed different in the approaches of the UDF government led by the Congress and the LDF government led by CPM. In these two parties the differences of the two major parties in their approach to the democratic system is apparent. The Left is led by the fundamental belief that what is happening in the name of democracy is not proper. However, they are not openly saying it now. The Left front is able to capture power now through elections. However, they reiterate on several occasions regarding their belief on democracy that what is ongoing now is not democracy. That fundamental differences will be reflected in their approaches also. They believe that the right kind of democracy happens as a result of revolution.What they perceive as democracy in India and outside are some games inside capitalism. However, they are not elucidating it now since they are able to win elections through the present mode. In the initial period they said that they did not believe in this kind of democracy, however, they wanted to give political lessons to the public thereby participating in this democracy. However, there occurred a change in their approach once they came to know that they were able to win elections through this mode. Every government’s which is in power are supposed to function on the guidelines of the constitution. The Left parties are also participating in the democratic processes by taking into account that limitations.
Abhish K. Bose: There are criticism from a section that the present government is perpetuating such a larger than life halo thereby dismissing all manner of dissent and resistance from the Kerala society. The pandemonium for the K Rail project is one such instance cited by them?
BRP Bhaskar : I don’t think one should draw any wild conclusion from the K Rail project. When the K Rail project came there were people who favoured it, people who opposed it. It is not possible to go forward with any major railway projects by any state governments unless the central government is with you. Because the Railways are the central subject. The criticism you refered here is binding for all governments. The difference between professing one thing and practicing. There is a near unanimity among all parties functioning in democracy regarding their speech and what they practice once they come to power. The difference when what they say while in opposition and when they come to power is apparent. In a place such as Kerala there are no political party which have the belief that they can come to power on their own. The parties bypassed this limitation through the coalition politics. When Communist party comes to power in the state initially in the state, there were only individuals in coalition formed by them and no parties in the coalition. Later on they formed coalition. No party in the state has the confidence to capture power by their strength. Two parties leading the two coalition are big parties that is Congress and CPM. This will be explicit if we evaluate the election results of the state closely.
Abhish K. Bose: It also needs a unanimous support from the people of the state for the projects implementation…
BRP Bhaskar : I agree. In Kerala, we don’t know where these projects are coming from. There should be a way from which the projects should emerge. A project should emerge through the proper way. We have a long terms of grievances about the railway. The Railways should do a systematic study of the states traffic needs. The state government should set up a body to study Kerala’s traffic needs and evolve an integrated policy regarding what should be the role of the Railways in the state. I think you should probably think of the development of the waterways aimed at the development of Kerala tourism.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan addressing the Loka Kerala Sabha regional summit in London
Abhish K. Bose: The peculiarity that no party can single handedly win elections may strengthen democracy to the extent that there are less chances for authoritarianism ideally. But is that the ground situation?
BRP Bhaskar. : The tendency to behave with authoritarianism is included in the approach of the concerned parties the circumstances may compel them to do so. But ideally in democracies we consider those parties who respects democratic values to be fit to function in the democracies. But it is a fact that those who participate in democracy need not believe in democracy. When such people comes to power there surfaces a contradiction. Democracy is a belief system that should be assimilated. When the first participated elections in Kerala, the Communist party said that they are not believing in democracy but they are making use of it. Theoretically they have deviated from the stand they have adopted initially.
Abhish K. Bose: The media institutions of the state are facing immense pressure in discharging their functions as the watch dog of the society and to be the perpetual critic of the government and the system. It seems they are imbued by intimidation in the wake of the police registering cases against journalists often reminiscing days of emergency. The case against a TV Channel reporter while reporting an allegation while on live is a testimony. As a journalist you worked at the time of the emergency. How far the current scenario is qualitatively different from that of the period of emergency? Or is it an exaggeration to equate it with the emergency period?
BRP Bhaskar : Emergency has become a kind of benchmark whenever we discusses the interference with the media. We must make a difference. Because the emergency was a measure which is provided for in our constitution. The constitution specifies on what grounds the emergency can be declared. So the 1975 was an unjustified emergency, because it was not intended to meet any of those purposes mentioned in the constitution. Now the situation is different. Emergency cannot be used for those purposes. But, attempts to interfere with the media is what is going on. Emergency and all happened at a particular situation. Now, various methods are used to suppress critical media and some highhanded actions were taken in Kerala against some online media. It is totally illegal.
Abhish K. Bose: You are referring to the actions taken against Marunadan Malayali ?
BRP Bhaskar : Marunadan Malayali, various other things are happening like that. If there are any objections against Marunadan Malayali they should be prosecuted. But what did they do? The police raided the residences of the employees of Marunadan Malayali from one end of India to the other harassing their family. What is the purpose? So the intention was not to deal with the illegal actions of Marunadan Malayali but to intimidate the online publication. Is that how things happen in a democratic society. So these are very dangerous tendencies which are raising their ugly hood in Kerala.
Abhish K. Bose: What are your views on the silence personified by the Kerala civil society over such breaches of the government and the administration. Are they too scared by the menacing posture of the state?
BRP Bhaskar : What we have to realise is that civil society in Kerala is very weak. Most of the organizations or movements which should be part of the civil society are actually under the control of some political party or some caste organisations or religious organizations. So they are not really part of the civil society, they have come under the control of some parties or non political organisations. When we realise this we can understand that a real civil society is not easy to find in Kerala. Civil society organisations should work for certain principles, but that is not happening here. We have parties or groups which are representing sectarian interests. But we must also realise that in the past twenty five or thirty years you will find several programs of the successive governments were opposed by the people and the governments were forced not to go ahead with it. So many projects have to be abandoned due to the opposition from the public. On the other hand the public has the ability to mobilise and defeat several government schemes which they consider not for the good of the state, despite the weaknesses of the civil society. But they don’t have the ability to pressurise the government to take up schemes which they think will benefit the society.
Abhish K. Bose: Is it due to the reason that the intelligentsia of the state, a section of the writers, journalists, and other opinion makers got groomed by the leftist intellectual circles help, which hinders them to defy the government?
BRP Bhaskar : There was a time when left was having tremendous influence over the sections you were talking about the so called intellectuals or whatever it is. But I don’t think it is so today. That scenario has been overcome by the Congress by organizing it’s own groups, they also have their bodies and their own intellectuals. So we don’t have that kind of a situation now. But there is one problem in Kerala that the bulk of our society is under the influence of a political or a caste or a religious organization. That is one of our problems. A society remains divided on certain lines then there is no room for any discussion or anything.
Abhish K. Bose: Though the state government and the LDF are strident critics of the high handedness of the BJP led government at the centre, vis a vis media and other opponents, the state government is executing the same when it comes to the expression of intolerance. What do you think are differences of intolerance of the LDF government compared to the BJP government at the centre?
BRP Bhaskar : There is absolutely no point in comparing these two governments in this manner. The problem is between the party in power or the government in power in one place and the media which report news which the people in power did not like. The whole issue can be seen in terms of one single statement. When there is a conflict between power and truth this kind of situation develops. Because power tries to suppress truth.
Abhish K. Bose: Regardless of ideology you mean?
BRP Bhaskar : When it is inconvenient to them power will act against truth. That is the situation.
