Is Decline of the Fourth-Estate Here and Happening?

This is a major development. I have not read or heard about it in the media.

If true, this is truly shameful and a true indicator of the decline of journalism in India which has been reduced to a mere commercial enterprise. If a top journalist booted out by politicians cannot expect the support of his own colleagues, who can count on their support?

You say that you are a right-wing journalist; which newspaper do you write for?

I googled and found the following news item; it says nothing about political intervention.


Deccan Chronicle and MJ Akbar said to be parting company:

Delhi: Deccan Chronicle Holdings Ltd, publisher of Deccan Chronicle and majority owner of Asian Age Holdings, which publishes The Asian Age, and M.J. Akbar, editor-in-chief of both dailies, are parting ways, a senior Deccan Chronicle official told Mint.
He didn’t want to be identified as he is not authorized to speak to the media.
While the reason or the terms of severance could not be verified, a person close to the development said there have been ongoing disagreements between Akbar and Deccan Chronicle over the terms of stake dilution in Asian Age Holdings. When contacted by Mint, Akbar, who was travelling outside the country, said he could not comment until he was back.
Other executives of Deccan Chronicle could not be reached for comment.
Deccan Chronicle increased its holding in Asian Age to 90% in May 2005. Prior to that, it had held about 23% in the newspaper. Akbar holds a part of the remaining 10% in the company he founded in 1993.
Akbar, who is widely regarded for his writings, has previously edited publications such as Onlooker, Sunday and The Telegraph.
While there was intense speculation in the Capital’s media circles on Friday that Akbar could be replaced by Chaitanya Kalbag, former Hindustan Times editor, Kalbag responded to a reporter’s query by saying that it was news to him.

M.K Akber is respected back here in Pakistan for his blunt and honest opinions about issues relating to both of our countries. I had always been a keep follower of his blogs and the Asian Age.

I think it’s a business-dispute between partners and nothing more.

Mahesh,

What kinda reporter are u? How a tussle btw an editor and his master becomes the 'decline of the Fourth Estate'? Seconly u are liberal with facts & equates MJ as a 'legendary' guy? Are u on drugs?

Secondly:

What is this?

"We all need to respect him for his commitment to his mission, for his enduring spirit for presenting the case of the Muslims in front of the Hindu brethren."

So in ur view a Muslim editor is the spokesman of Muslims and a Hindu editor is a spokesman for Hindus? I thought MJ is a famous editor (which doesnt connote his religious or political beliefs; he's just a professional reporter. Period).

With guys like u in media, India is fcuked-up.

Mahesh,

If you are a jounalist you also should be fired from your job for stupidity.

What is teh great news value for the public in an employee being fired,

I recall when M. V, Kamath was fired from illustrated weekly. What is teh big deal. If you are a jounalist in India, you are a disgrace to Indian jounalism. This is also s disgrace to chowk, yours is the most stupid and irrelevant artcle published on chowk.

You an even learn from me, read my chowk articles under jay prakash.

Why cant you quitt journalism and become a crash dummy, Mahindras are setting up an automobile test facility near chennai. Give me a call for a recommendation.

Mahesh,

I recall when MV kamath took over from Kushvant sing at Illustrated weekly. I also recall MJ akbar, they must be in their late sevneties. You mean these senile people should not be kicked out, no retirement age for them simply because they are journalists.

You are a disgrace to indian journalism, a disgrace to the indians on chowk.

Is there a way to ban this indian specimen from chowk.

#2 Posted by dost_mittar on March 8, 2008 12:43:11 am


Akbar holds a part of the remaining 10% in the company he founded in 1993.


Oh my god...MJA is going to die in poverty!! bad bad india...


col koolaid: I bet you think his treatment is almost the same as what shaheen sehbai got..or hayatullah..

I have read many a column by M.J. Akbar. I believe that he is a man of great courage, integrity and insight and he also shown penetrating analysis in his writings.

Who knows the present dispute may have multiple reasons. Let us wait and see!

Kamath

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#9 Posted by slyder. on March 8, 2008 6:07:59 am

brother slyder...shouldn't you worry about the hellfires killing your brothers(and sisters)? you know..yhe ones you thought would stop after the elections...

Re: # 10 Americans are involved as I guess Mr.Akber is opposed to surrender of India to american vested interests regarding nuclear atomic splitting and making bombs.

All Males, Arise and Awake!

Females are growing up through generations of pampering, and still expecting to be pampered as a ‘higher caste’ even in this day of empowerment, infidelity, and high divorce rates. This 'Womens Day' rose is not all perfume, but is laced with poison meant for you.

Already, we have draconian laws by which females can get their spouses and their families arrested. This, even though females in fact Prefer living alone and getting divorced - as seen in the 70%-female-initiated divorce in ‘no-fault-divorce US states’ - and inspite of CDC findings that domestic violence is EQUAL among both males and females.

And to top it all, the law requires that the male remain ‘indebted’ to her even after divorce, by paying ‘maintenance’! This, is inspite of a 40% and rising, divorce rate - encouraged by feminists who do not like women in the family being treated ‘equally’. While dowry should ideally not be a form of inheritance, minister Renuka has made ‘anti-dowry’ laws, making males easy prey for feminists wanting divorce. Thus at divorce too, females get ‘revenge’ by getting their males arrested and harassing them with unjust and lopsided laws.

These extremist feminists in the guise of demanding ‘equal’ opportunities, seek to destroy equality. Many males do justify their demands due to negative media male-stereotyping. But this sympathy is misplaced and is being misused by feminists. Complacency and inaction can destroy you, your sons and their sons too.

The government is already thinking of bringing legislation to reserve 33% seats for females. For just being a female! Already, they are preferred in jobs. 80% of all newly created jobs in the EU since 2000 AD, were given to females! And in our country, females have higher tax slabs, and even enjoy discounts for Rail travel, though the employment in BPOs is only 37% for males! Just for being female!

Males need to group together now; otherwise they must expect to be run all over by females. What should you do?

Please sign the petition http://www.petitiononline.com/dowry/petition.html
Join male-rights clubs in your neighbourhood
Raise your voice by writing to the media and your politicians, and talk to your other male friends

What does this story got to do anything with Sonia Gandhi?

Why do the right wingers hate her so much? Is it because she is white,or Catholic, or a woman?

Or, is it that she brings out their insecurities?

#9 Posted by slyder. on March 8, 2008 6:07:59 am

This midget need to be fixed by the Chowk or else it'd be free4all.

For a sample this is what the esteemed Mahesh had to say abt the Shining Pakistan; prolly the harrami midget effer wud like to enjoy a small sample:

" The Invasion of Pakistan by Americans is a possible outcome. It would be rather ‘when’ than ‘if’ from now on, thanks to the current imposition of Emergency in Pakistan – the face of international politics is sure to change phenomenally. Let us all hope and pray that it is for good."

http://indiamahesh.sulekha.com/blog/post/2007/11/why-americans-may-invade-pa kistan/comments.htm

vrv, yaar, you are a nice enough fellow but terribly naive about chowkies and the world.

Do you think you know slyder sahib well enough? :)

To the extent that he's a midget & sourpuss, sourass & a swine that njoys filth all the time.