MEDIA

The Media Landscape

The Indian Media Multi-layered – National, Regional, Local Diverse – print, electronic, web Excessively large numbers over 40,000 print publications

The Indian Media National newspapers National perspective, cover a vast range of topics. Multi-edition, simultaneous publications Influence public opinion enormously Extensive news gathering set up Professionally managed Substantive special segments Language: English

The Indian Media Regional newspapers State specific focus, localised national outlook Most multi-edition, simultaneous publications Influence local public opinion enormously Limited resources for news gathering Wire services dependent Business coverage varies, but not an emphasis Proprietor-editor managed Language: English, Local languages

The Indian Media Some key publications: North: The Tribune, Punjab Kesri, Dainik Jargan, Navbharat Times, Aaj, Jansatta, Amar Ujala East: The Assam Tribune, Telegraph, Ananda Bazar Patrika, Baartaman, Aajkal West: Gujarat Samachar, Sakal, Loksatta, Divya Bhaskar, Rajasthan Patrika South: Eenadu, Deccan Chronicle, Deccan Herald, Malyalam Manorama, Prajavani. Dinamani, Dinamalar, Vaartha, Janambhoomi, Dinathanthi Central: Nai Duniya, Nav Bharat, Dainik Bhaskar, MP Chronicle, National Mail, Free Press, Hitavada

The Indian Media Local publications City and adjacent area specific publications Some command substantive circulation Dishes out local news and national news with local flavour A gossipy brand of journalism Limited resources Love approaches on a give and take basis!

The Indian Media News wires Press Trust of India (PTI) United News of India (UNI) Reuters Associated Press PTI Bhasha UNI Varta Bloomberg AFP…

The Indian Media Magazines Electronic Media General Interest English as well as regional language Niche/Special Interest magazines Electronic Media Multiple channels, varying audiences English as well as regional language Local TV channels Emergence of News Channels

The Media Person Wide range – young, well-educated, careerist to old, believer in ‘freedom of the press’ and ‘service to society’ Focused on corporate/business news story than on technology…investments, numbers, partnerships Relatable technology is at best a soft news item

Game Without Rules

The Rules Dress formally Appropriate body language - no crossing of arms across your chest, hold the podium, hold papers, look interested, do not look at the ceiling! 1. Comments Personal grooming is extremely important - choose the right colour clothing,polish shoes, matching ties belts and shoes, hair cut, nails clean Dress appropriately - try to find out in advance whether or not you require to be formally dressed - some settings might require you to be casually dressed e.g. launch of a new promotion with a beach side setting Bodily smells are horrible - garlic, beer, certain types of pickles Body language - you must come across as being open and honest

The Rules Do not provide any “off the record” information. Media is nobody’s friend, one must always maintain a formal distance.

The Rules When the meeting has been called at our initiative, the opening remarks are from our end and setting the agenda is our responsibility. Therefore, a set of key prepared points as opening remarks as to why we are doing the exercise and what we seek to cover will help in setting the tone. This should be followed by a summation of the key talking points.

The Rules Correspondents are fundamentally communicators who package information and the best relationship that you can have with them is to ensure that they see the issue from your perspective than from someone else’s.

The Rules Please do note that correspondents are usually late more out of habit than any disrespect. Work it in for mental preparation on the interview. Reach out with warmth, respect, friendly and genuine interest.

The Rules Do not react to provocation with anger or ire. It simply does not help. Avoid even the simplest of the Jargons Do not give your personal opinion Do not request to see the article before it is published There are no guarantees of an article being published

Answering difficult questions Situation: A hostile question Response: “I am willing to answer all reasonable questions. It is not fair to waste the time of your reader/audience to dwell on such questions.” Situation: Several people asking questions at the same time Response: “I would like to answer each one of your questions well but please let us have these one at a time.” (State order of questioners)

Answering difficult questions Situation: One individual dominating Q & A session Response: “You seem to have a great interest in the subject. May be we should discuss this separately and give others an opportunity to ask their questions here.” Situation: Question preceded by a hostile remark or incorrect assumption Response: “Let me correct your misconception...” “I am sorry you feel this way but the truth of the matter is....”

Answering difficult questions Situation: A series of critical, hostile questions Response: Answer firmly and emphatically Don’t be defensive Maintain courtesy Stick to your point Don’t lose your cool

U ARE THE COMMUNICATOR Be Presentable Prepare, Prepare and Prepare Be honest to your clients Leave behind all egos

U ARE THE COMMUNICATOR Be Strategic in Approach Understand the Briefs Give what the media wants from you Keep an eye on details

U ARE THE COMMUNICATOR DON’T MISS DEADLINES

Thank You