Indian Express did to newspapers around three decades ago what Rehman did to music scene a decade ago. Take the whole industry by scruff of the neck, throw established rules out of the window, go unashamedly contemporary and mellow down to a hybrid style. Well Rehman has like Express seen success in his first decade and no more pioneers in his field but how does he fare now on we have to see. How Indian Express has fared, we all know. Here are just my views on Indian Express.
Pomp and shouting is not unknown to Indian Express (IE).IE used to loudly announce from roof tops (actually top of its title on front page) that it is India’s National Newspaper. Ok! point noted. What else. And another of its most vivid images is the torch of excellence:::the journalism of courage. It is a self-advertizing and boasting machine all rolled into one. And I love it. Their antics are like a hooker wanting attention and surprise surprise , getting it. Well IE has been making a good show for all this pomp in recent days. The petrol pump scandal, the land scam, the COKE-Pepsi ads on himalyan rocks and articles on Gujrat. The best thing I like about Indian Express though is that they have good national heroes of correspondents. Ritu Sarin and the now slain Shivani are two names which come to mind. They also have a much slicker presentation style. Maybe that is because I have been reading it from a lot earlier. IE is not the one to backtrack or cow down. They would shout almost as if they have been glorified or got what they wanted, if govt. touches any of their journalist or cut any ads or resources to them. It is this sensationalism that has made it heard in powers corridoors and also make a place in the crowded newspaper market.
Under this exterior Indian Express has a committed network of journalists with extensive contacts and hence u r able to see so many exposes from all over the country. Once drawback is their lack of finesse in the foreign affairs and defense related matters. They do get some good exposes in defense as well like BOFORS though. The editorial team is pretty good and they write on some pretty good topics as well. The division of the paper is also decent and the page just next to editorial has some good reports as well. Some of their reports on the silent famine were excellent and they also focus on human development on this page. Foreign affairs is the weak link. They also carry good reports of the regions of north. I dont know about west or east or south since I have not laid a hand on IE edition from there. The crappy socialite affairs are not included and the sunday section is neatly divided in leisure as well as quality reading. Along with book reviews and artscape as well as some laid back reading, it has its set of thrills. Nothing exceptional or outstanding but again packaged well and sometimes the content is also marvellous. They do sensationalize once in a while and do some good reports like all women dil chahta hai friendship team from mumbai to goa. They somehow catch the pulse of the audience (well ok let say mine!). Sports coverage is also again over the top with fluctuations from either full hope and buraah to complete despondency.
The newspaper almost looks like packaged from various message board so close is it to the urban opinion usually. Hence, it is always funny reading the old editions like thinking of what the hell was I thinking then when visiting past memories. Overall a thoroughly engrossing newspaper and wakes u up like anything in morning. Even better with a tea. A personal favorite which so far nothing has come close to match.