There are two newspapers published in Mokokchung as of today. The vernacular Ao Milen, published since 1932 in various periodicities over the years, is regarded as the “oldest newspaper” in Nagaland and has become a household name in Mokokchung in its own right, while Mokokchung Times is the newest publication launched January 21, 2022. Geographically focused on Mokokchung, Mokokchung Times is the first hyperlocal English newspaper daily in Nagaland.
Small newspapers like Ao Milen and Mokokchung Times are very important for the local community as they play a vital role in influencing the people and shaping public opinion. They also entertain them, serve as a source of local sociopolitical and commercial information while at the same time satisfying the intellectual interests of the readers.
For most newspaper readers, a newspaper is seen simply as a medium for information dissemination but a newspaper is much more than just that. Further, not many readers are aware of the process of newspaper production which starts from gathering of news stories, articles, opinions and advertisements to printing and folding of the hard copy. The whole process of production of newspapers can be divided into four parts – content gathering, editing and designing, printing and finally circulation.
In a remote place like Mokokchung, the business of newspaper production is a challenging task. Huge expenses are incurred in gathering news and in printing. There are also logistics issues that often hamper smooth and regular production of the newspapers. While the newspapers ought to offer the readers the best content they deserve, the readers should also understand the struggles and constraints faced by the newspapers.
All newspapers, the world over depend on advertisement revenues to sustain themselves, which is a difficult question to ask a newspaper production house here in Mokokchung. It is, therefore, pertinent to encourage the community, local businesses, organizations and all readers to support the newspapers locally published in order to reap mutual benefit and for common growth.