by Nirvana

Created on: December 15, 2006   Last Updated: April 19, 2007

India has a large area and larger diversity. As habits, priorities and attitudes of people living in different parts of India vary greatly,and I am not stereotyping, so does the nature and need for information (and news)vary.

Having traveled widely throughout India, I feel that the most reliable and popular sources of information (or news) are the regional newspapers and magazines (published in vernaculars). These are popular across all classes and most widely circulated in their respective linguistic regions.

Some leading vernacular dailies are:
Malyala Manorama' (Region: South; State: Kerala; Language: Malayalam)
Anandabazar Patrika' (Region: East; State: West Bengal; Language: Bengali)
Dainik Jagran' (Region: North; Language: Hindi)
Eanadu' (Region: South; State: Andhra Pradesh; Language: Telegu)
Similarly there are numerous vernacular TV channels and websites which provide latest and most reliable information about different parts of the country.

Upper and middle class Indians use English as a second language and therefore often refer to the English dailies, news channels and magazines for information. One good thing, that seems to be common among the leading English dailies, is that they have a good mix of regional and national news. They are also politically more neutral,.
However, I do not believe that good journalism necessarily means total neutrality. If a newspaper takes a more over posture regarding any issue (political or otherwise), then it is actually reflecting the widely accepted stance of its readership, which if a large number, demands the importance of news itself.
Some leading English newspapers are:
The Times of India, Indian Express, The Telegraph, The statesman, The Hindu and The Deccan Herald.
The Financial Express, Economic Times and Business Standard print the latest financial news.

Following are the leading English magazines:
The Frontline, The Outlook, Readers Digest.

Here is a list of leading TV news channels: Doordarshan (English and most vernaculars), Aajtak, NDTV, and Star News.

Rediff.com is a good source of different kind of information, and if you are in the lookout for some sensational stuff then browse Tehelka.com (it has recently gained some infamy after a series of sting operations, but continues to offer hot news stories).

Finally, if you never been to India, and want to know about India, then do not be intimidated with the numerous choices that I just offered. Just search inside 'wikipedia.org' and you will find lot of information covering different topics about India, all in one place. I think this is the best portal and it gives more than the introductory info. Thereafter, if your interest demands further research, and since India has a free press, you have plenty of good sources to choose from.

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