1. MEDIA

2. The Media Landscape

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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!

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Game Without Rules

12. 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

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

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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)

19. 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....”

20. 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

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

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

23. U ARE THE COMMUNICATOR
DON’T MISS DEADLINES

24. Thank You