The Statesman: A Chronicle of Indian Journalism
Tracing the legacy of a venerable English-language broadsheet through its history, editorial stance, and societal impact.
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About The Statesman
An Enduring Indian Broad Sheet
The Statesman is a distinguished Indian English-language broadsheet daily newspaper. Established in 1818, it holds the distinction of being one of India's oldest newspapers. It is published concurrently in Kolkata, New Delhi, Siliguri, and Bhubaneswar, maintaining a significant presence across key regions of India.[1]
Circulation and Reach
With an average weekday circulation of approximately 234,000 copies and a Sunday circulation of around 250,000 for its Sunday Statesman edition, The Statesman ranks among the leading English dailies in India, particularly in West Bengal.[2]
Heritage and Ownership
The newspaper traces its lineage directly to The Friend of India and was later managed by a British corporate group until a transfer of ownership to a consortium of companies in the mid-1960s. It is currently owned by The Statesman Ltd. and headquartered at Statesman House in Kolkata.[3]
A Journey Through Time
Origins and Evolution
The Statesman emerged from the merger of the Bombay-based Indian Statesman, founded by Robert Knight, and The Friend of India, a Calcutta-based publication. The combined entity, initially named Indian Statesman and New Friend of India, was established on January 15, 1875. The newspaper later adopted its current name and absorbed its rival, The Englishman, in 1927.[4][5]
Witness to History
During the tumultuous period of the Bengal famine of 1943, under the editorship of Ian Stephens, The Statesman published impactful images depicting the famine's effects. Despite attempts at censorship by the British colonial government, these photographs played a crucial role in shaping global opinion against imperialism.[8] The paper also strenuously opposed Indira Gandhi's Emergency (1975-77), earning its editor, S Nihal Singh, the International Editor of the Year Award.[6][7]
Awards and Recognition
The Statesman established the Statesman Award for Rural Reporting to honor outstanding journalistic contributions towards the social upliftment of marginalized communities in India. The awards are presented annually on September 16th, commemorating the death anniversary of Justice Sudhi Ranjan Das, a former Chief Justice of India and chairman of The Statesman during the Emergency.
Editorial Philosophy
Liberal Stance and Reporting
The Statesman is characterized by its commitment to a liberal political alignment and a terse, objective reporting style. It has historically taken principled stands on significant national issues, including its opposition to the relocation of India's capital from Calcutta to New Delhi in 1911 and its strong critique of the 1975-77 Emergency.[48]
Quality of Discourse
While facing increased competition, The Statesman is widely regarded for its serious news reportage, incisive analytical articles, and adherence to standard English language usage. It is considered a paper for readers seeking depth and intellectual engagement in their news consumption.
Diverse Publications
Daily and Weekly Features
Beyond its main news coverage, The Statesman publishes several notable supplements. "Section 2," originating from New Delhi, offers in-depth analysis of art, culture, lifestyle, and entertainment. In Kolkata, "Voices" focuses on schools and students, hosting an annual festival called "Vibes."[9][10]
Sunday Editions
The Sunday editions include "8th Day," a significant literary section featuring reader-contributed short stories and poems, and "Evolve," which primarily covers the cultural landscape of India. Additionally, "Marquee" is published on Saturdays, focusing on film and entertainment news.
Sister Publications
The Statesman also publishes Dainik Statesman, a daily Bengali newspaper launched in June 2004, available in Kolkata and Siliguri. This publication includes its own supplements, "Binodan" (Saturday) and "Bichitra" (Sunday), covering similar lifestyle and cultural themes.[citation needed]
Key Personnel
Leadership and Management
The current leadership includes R P Gupta as Chairman, Ravindra Kumar serving as Editor, Arya Rudra as Managing Editor, and Vineet Gupta as Printer and Publisher. These individuals guide the strategic direction and editorial operations of the newspaper.
Notable Editorial Incident
Religious Sensitivities
In February 2009, The Statesman editor Ravindra Kumar faced arrest on charges of allegedly "hurting the religious feelings" of Muslims. This incident stemmed from the reproduction of an article by Johann Hari from the UK's The Independent, which discussed religious views.[11][12] The event highlighted the complexities of navigating sensitive topics in media reporting.
Community Engagement
Vintage Car Rally
The Statesman has been the sponsor of the annual Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally since 1964. This event celebrates automotive heritage and fosters community engagement, showcasing classic vehicles and bringing together enthusiasts.
Global Connections
Asia News Network
The Statesman is a founding member of the Asia News Network (ANN), an alliance comprising 22 Asian newspapers. This membership facilitates a daily exchange of news content, enabling The Statesman to provide comprehensive coverage of various Asian regions and foster cross-continental journalistic collaboration.
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References
References
- Hirschmann, E. (2004). The Hidden Roots of a Great Newspaper: Calcuttaรขยยs รขยยStatesmanรขยย. Victorian Periodicals Review, 37(2), 141รขยย160. JSTOR.
- Hirschmann, E. (2004). The Hidden Roots of a Great Newspaper: Calcuttaรขยยs รขยยStatesmanรขยย. Victorian Periodicals Review, 37(2), 141รขยย160. JSTOR.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional journalistic consultation, historical analysis, or media evaluation. Always refer to the official The Statesman archives and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs related to journalism, history, or media studies.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.