| Issue 21 Vol I, August 15, 2006 | Archive |
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South Asia Post IT is pertinent to ask as to why a new website. In this information age when we are bombarded from all sides with evocative or obtuse information and opinions, then why add another name. Friends, after spending years in the field of journalism, somewhere in the inner recesses of the mind, a thought lingered and always troubled most of us who are involved in launching this web opinion newspaper. It was about something left unstated or not fully stated. It is not to cast any aspersions, but to state a position. The commercial media of the day by its very nature is more involved in profiteering and self propagation. It is more into power play and less into the field of ideas. We do not agree that there is an end of news like those who pronounced end of history. There are good newspapers both in print and on the net as there are quality radio and television networks. There are meaningful and significant media institutions, playing their kind of role. We salute them. Yet there is more anarchy loosened on the world by many of the media institutions, particularly owned by the multinational giants. There are as many apprehensions as there are myths. Mass media is no longer seen as a purveyor of neutral information and contemplative comment. Idealism and liberalism have by and large deserted the profession of journalism. It has become a business like any other, seeking to maximise profit, though technology has opened vast possibilities and pushed the boundaries beyond limits. This is new media where technological advancement has meant phenomenal improvement in quality and quantity, and also in skill up gradation. The main accent is on speed and silken smooth presentation. Colour printing has made newspapers the most economical and suitable medium for big time advertisers. They get better visibility at competitive rates. This media, however, requires huge investments, which must bring good returns. It the logic of the market that prevails in the competitive world. Newspapers are no longer a cottage industry with a printing machine, and a few compositors in the backyard. This means, heavy investment. Any newspaper, radio or television management that has invested huge sums would like handsome returns. For this it must have readers, listeners or viewers. These are needed to attract advertisements and bring in revenues. In a way, newspapers sell readers to advertisers. More importantly, the newspapers and other wings of the media institutions, have to have cozy relationship with the State. There is also visible tendency towards monopoly controls. New technology in communications has also opened the scope for an alternative media and Internet offers huge possibilities for news and opinion sites. A few individuals can join hands and launch a website. But to sustain for a longer period would require backing of the advertisers and viewers. Possibilities are unlimited indeed as is the reach. We strongly believe that a better informed public is the only guarantee for the success of any form of democracy and here journalism committed to dissemination of news and opinions as objectively as it can, plays significant role. We shall offer robust analysis and well researched articles on variety of subjects including politics, business, economy, health, films, art and books. It is just a click away and is all free. http://www.southasiapost.org The taste of the pudding is in the eating. we are providing a platform. We urge you to participate in this venture which is sensitive to deeper human concerns. It wishes to be a forceful interpreter of serious events and not a weapon for personal power or propaganda or a plain effort to make money. |
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Profile of the South Asia Post Inc IT is a company incorporated at Toronto under the Canadian law and its domain name is registered as www.southasiapost.org We have already started a fortnightly web edition and plan to go for a print edition in next couple of months from Toronto and Vancouver. It is a professionally managed corporation with a team of experienced senior journalists at the helm of affairs. This team is led by Gobind Thukral, who till recently was bureau chief of The Tribune Chandigarh. He has put in more than 35 years in active journalism . He has been writing a column on Pakistan and has travelled to North American countries, Canada and the United States to report on politics and host of issues that concern immigrants from Indian, Pakistan and other South Asian countries. His earlier full time assignments at senior level include The Indian Express, India Today and The Hindustan Times. Dr Jaspal Singh, Associate Editor, a linguist and former principal is currently also editor of Desh Sewak, an influential Punjabi daily from Chandigarh. His much appreciated columns on Punjabi literature have often appeared in The Tribune and other journals. Surjan Zirvi, former news editor and later editor of the influential Nawa Zamana whose name is a legend in the annals of Punjabi journalism is Consulting Editor. Journalists trained at his nursery in Jalandhar continue to occupy senior positions. He is an active figure as a writer and thinker amongst the Diaspora in Toronto where he has lived for the past 14 years. Khushwant Singh Toor, a young energetic entrepreneur engineer is the publisher and General Manager on whose shoulders rests the entire operation, both web edition now and print edition later. Gurpreet Singh based in Vancouver is a writer and journalist. For the past five years he has made his mark as social activist, journalist and as regular host of radio talks. He is currently host at the popular Radio India that covers North America. His bold approach in designing and broadcasting programmes for the South Asian public has endeared him all over Canada. Jyotika J Thukral, our young Assistant Editor based in New Delhi has worked with Asian Age and Business Standard and her interests include not only analysing economic and political developments, but to write in depth on films and arts. Equally important are our regular contributors and columnists. They come with solid background as writers and journalists. Deborah Mathis, an American journalist and writer from Washington is a writer, teacher and a committed social and political activist, offers her deep understanding of political and economic issues in America. She is a nationally syndicated columnist, whose articles appear in many of America’s prominent journals. A fellow at the Harvard University, she has covered White House and is an expert on America Africans. Rajeev Goyle, American born young enthusiastic barrister is based in Washington D.C who strongly believes in advocacy of fair and just causes and he works for prestigious think tank, the American Progress. A sharp mind and an equally sharp analytical writing his forte, Rajeev would write on variety of issues that concern the world today. Joginder Singh Toor, a writer and a senior advocate at the Punjab and Haryana High Court has many deep concerns. His articles, result of deep thought and commitments have appeared both in English and Punjabi in the two leading newspapers, The Tribune and Desh Sewak. Political thinker, Dr Pramod Kumar, Director of the Institute for development and Communications, Chandigarh, is author of several studies on violence, communalism, and crisis in agriculture . His interest has no limits and his pen is dexterousness. Maj. Gen. S.P.Kapoor, a decorated solider from the Indian army is an expert on defence and security matters and contributes to major newspapers. Umendra Dutt is Director Kheti Virasat in Punjab. His commitment to the cause of farmers in Punjab and concern for environment makes him an untiring campaigner. Sustainable agriculture is his slogan and creed. This list is not exhaustive and we have many other contributors across South Asian countries and North America to provide variety and detailed analysis. |
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