In Italy, newspaper Comes as a Protest

it is impossible in India

In this age of cyber media and online journalism, it is heartening to see that even today old form of print media are being used for protest. In Italy, a new newspaper has been launched against what is termed as the oppression of expression by Sylvio Berlusconi government. Il Fatto, meaning the fact was launched in the last week by some leftist journalists.

Relation between Berlusconi and the media soured from the day he came to power for first time. The media mogul of Italy, who controls almost all TV channels attracted bad attention few months ago because of his reported relations with commercial sex workers. In June, he publicly appealed not to give publicity to his opposition parties and leaders. The new joural is owned by some entrepreneurs who control 70 percent of the company and 30 percent is owned by the journalists. Public at large is also invited to be a part of the venture. The paper has already received 27000 subscribers which the founders say are a good number to start with.

Expectedly, the paper wants to focus on the sexual activity of the Italian prime minister and also probe his source of wealth. This is bound to bring some problem therefore the company has already hired two best advocates of country who are expert in the information rights law.

On the face of it, this is a grand experiment. Even though the paper is chiefly printed, it is available on net also. In India, the penetration of internet is still so low. Therefore the print way is still the best way. Problem with the print media is it is absolutely impossible in the country to run a paper without advertising. Il Fatto claims to run independently, without the influence of economic or political power of Berlusconi. But that kind of thing can not be done in India. Here the media is chiefly influenced by the conventional centre of power. Like I wrote in an earlier post, Indian media will never probe the antics of the Gandhi family. Last time it was done in 1988 but the flash point of that episode, Bofors scandal, was given by Swedish radio. It was not a handiwork of Indian organization.

However, an independent and alert newspaper is the need of the hour.