It was a recklessly foolhardy decision to start a newspaper publication – that is what a well-wisher commented after the first few editions of this newspaper hit the stands earlier in January of this year. It was a well-meaning statement and was accepted with much respect. In this age of mobile internet and technology, faced with the ever present challenge of speed and relevance, when even legacy newspapers are folding up and laying off, and faced with the pandemic induced economic downturn, it was indeed a difficult decision to start this publication. Yet, despite the prevailing scenario, the fact that journalism serves the community remains as true as ever. That is the good part. The not so good part is that bills, after all, need to be paid. Fiscal robustness, or at least a steady balance, is an important contributor to quality journalism. It is in this setting that readers are requested to pause and remember what newspapers are all about. Opinions will undoubtedly differ but survival alone does not make a good newspaper, particularly when it is a new publication. As a matter of fact, good newspapers are unwavering in their commitment to their community and this “community” can be the national audience, a big city or even a small town like ours. A good newspaper serves as a kind of glue that provides divergent readers with the same information so that they can unite or divide based on their views formed from access to the same unbiased reportage. Newspapers don’t decide, they simply provide the people with all the required information from all the varied points of view and let the people decide. Newspapers are like linchpins which keep a community informed and civilized even as they facilitate change and moderate the opposing views in the course of this change. Newspapers don’t bring about the change; that is for the people to do. Apart from reporting on issues, newspapers provide insight into the issues that face a community. If, after reading a newspaper, you feel that you have understood an issue better, it is a sign that the paper is succeeding. Similarly, one should see its concerns and experiences reflected in the pages. Good newspapers also play it straight but they are neither arrogant nor defensive. Finally, good newspapers are like relatives. They prompt a wide range of emotions that run the gamut from love to hate, or satisfaction to disappointment, depending on the day. But you still want them around, just like the relative. That is what this newspaper aspires to be, a good newspaper – to stick around like your relative. There are so many challenges, including paying the bills. And there are issues that are beyond our control. Yet, day in and day out, we strive. Without your continued support, this newspaper cannot be a good newspaper.
