Reading newspaper is no more a gratifying experience. Good news has become a rarity. Whether it’s a national or a regional newspaper nothing constructive could be found and issues such as terrorism, corruption, political dramas, inflation, crime, erotic photographs, etc., are ruling the roost causing unnecessary unrest among the readers.

The worry here is not about newspapers covering some of those issues but about the way they are presented. The newspapers seem to have taken a cue from the television news channels, which are creating havoc in the name of being voice of the commoner, on how to sensationalize content.

A majority of the newspapers have serious political affiliations and work as the unofficial spokesperson of those parties. Any newspaper supporting a political party unearths some scandal involving the opposite party and tries to portray it as the biggest and the most heinous crime on the globe through its headlines, cartoons, special features, etc. The rival party retaliates through its unofficial spokesperson (newspaper), ultimately making it a war between two newspapers. This trend is rampant among regional newspapers (Sakshi versus Eenadu in Andhra Pradesh). Sadly, the sacred editorial column too is not spared.

Another disturbing feature is the liberal use of erotic photographs and the coverage of trivial news about hitherto unknown people. Actress and models clad in bikinis and skimpy clothes are a regular feature in The Times of India and The Deccan Chronicle. Do they know that we are least bothered about an ex-Scandinavian model going to a psychiatrist after breaking up with her boyfriend or a football player’s former girlfriend undergoing a cosmetic surgery?

While some newspapers try to strike a balance between sensationalism and responsible journalism, a majority of them, especially in the regional front, have blatantly discarded the basic principles of journalism.

As a kid I remember my family (and the neighborhood) eagerly waiting for the cries of the newspaper boy. But the interest is no more seen in any of them. My grandfather hardly spends 10 minutes reading the newspaper and my father always complains of lackluster coverage and biased analysis.

I, at the most read headlines, the cartoon commentary and the movie updates section. For information (read correct information) on any topic I depend on the Internet. I bet there are more people like me who are fed up and the number will only grow. Already television and the Internet have relegated newspapers to confectionaries selling stale items. In such a precarious situation, it becomes imperative for the newspapers to build a positive image among the public and play a constructive role in the development of the country.

This doesn’t mean it’s all over for the early morning visitor. We still love it. Newspaper that thrives on giving the right information to the public is always welcomed. It’s the perfect companion while sipping a cup of coffee in the morning. It’s the only source which can present so much of diverse information in such a convenient form, and allows us to read at leisure. We still don’t want to miss experts’ opinion on inflation, economic crisis, and a brilliant cricket match (though we have watched it live), and of course the valuable editorial piece.