Ever since I learned to read malayalam Manorama is part of my routine.Before the multiplicity of visual media, it was perhaps the only authentic source of daily news for me. And we had heated discussions in our evening get-to-together based on the news appeared on the day’s Malayala Manorama. News coverage was quite excellent and the extra pages gave always extened reading.
Many complained Manorama was full of ads! But I always thought ads were equally important as the news itself. Before the introduction of Internet and of course TV, ads including classifieds were a great source of information for me. For example, I learned more about a new model of bike or a new book or a new course from the ads came on Manorama. Of course Manorama was rich in ads but not at the cost of news. For ads, Manorama had always added extra pages. MM, a media giant in the south, were always professional and innovative. They are agressive in marketing their products and the storng network of distribution is one reason for their enviobale position in the media industry of the country.
Manorama has always shown its social commitment by supporting charties and promoting awarenes programmes like the ones launched in Water Preservation, Literacy movement etc.To develop the talents in children and engage them social activities, an organisation called’Balajanasakhyam’ was formed under the patronage of Manorama and it has roots now in different parts of the world.
Manorama is often accused of favouritism. The complaint is they are biased in favour the UDF in the state. To a certain exted I too feel they are. But I think not to the extent other players do. Mathrubhumi has their own interests and politcs. Kerala Kaumudi also is not an exception. Madhyamam, Chandrika, Deshabhimani, Deepika, all have a very distinctive bias!
MM has its strong presence in almost all the areas of media business. They are the largest circulated regional news paper in india. The Week, a popular news magazine, is their national presence. Vanitha has the largest circulation in fortnightly category in India. Also it has an edition in Hindi. Manorama Weekly(I personally don’t recommend it!) is one of the largest circulated in the country. Manorama Year Book has nation wide presence and it has editions in regional languages also. What I dont like about their Year Book is the content is almost the same every year. Their publications for children include Magic Pot, Tell Me Why, Balarama, Digest, Amarchitrakadha, kalikkudukka etc. Karshakashri, Bhashaposhini etc show their commitment to the society and its culture. Thozhilveedhi is for job seekers and Arogyam is a health magazine rich in content and quality. Fast track is a well designed Auto magazine. Veedu and Sambathyam are well read magazines in their respective areas. The Man(for men) is the latest launch from their stable.
Manorama News, a highly successful News Channel has already made an impact in Kerala. Their FM radio, Radio Mango, is now a hit with the masses.
All the websites of the group except the one of The Week’s looks excellent. https://manoramaonline.com, website of the daily is among the 10 most visited media sites internationally! The site is well managed and has rich content of updated news from around the world. Plus the different channels in the site offer numerous info-packed reading. MM has further strengthened its presence on internet through he launch of its marriage portal, https://m4marry.com. Within a short span of time the portal got huge popularity giving a tough time to established portals in the segment like https://keralamatrimony.com.
MM has a book publishing wing and Manorama Music brings out quality music for people who have a passion for it!
The group also runs a renowned media school called Mascom.
I think it is time for Manorama and other players in Malayalam to redefine the content of a daily. With ManyNews Channels airing live news 24 hours the print media has to adjust the content instead simply presenting a print version of the news already ran several times by the visual media. Informative articles on different areas of life can be considered. A page can be given to health and nutrition, another page to enlighten the public on their right, responsibility, legal matters, formalities in dealing with govt offices etc. Education and allied things can be given another page. A seperate page for development issues and priorites for the locality. Then a page for the readers to express themselves! Plus regular news and follow-up of social issues! etc.
I recommend MM, a super brand since long, to all.
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