Assignment Code: MJM-022/ASST/July23

Course Code: MJM-022

Assignment Name: Writing and Editing for Print Media

Year: 2023

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Q1) Select any two newspapers published in India. One should be a national daily and another one should be a regional one. Make sure that both come from two different languages. As per your learning from Units 12 and 13 (Page Layout & Principles of Page Design), analyse the chosen two newspapers' designs and write your critical interpretations. Take a screenshot of sample pages and use the mobile/computer markup tools to highlight your interpretations.

Ans) Here's a comparative analysis of the designs of two Indian newspapers, "The Times of India" (English national daily) and "Eenadu" (Telugu regional daily), based on the principles of page layout and design:

a) Grid-based layout: The Times of India employs a clean and structured grid-based layout, with columns and gutters providing visual hierarchy and organization to the content. This creates a sense of order and makes it easy for readers to navigate the page.

b) Headline hierarchy: Headlines are used effectively to prioritize news stories. The main headline is bold and prominent, followed by subheadings and smaller headlines for less important stories. This hierarchy helps readers quickly grasp the main points of the news.

c) Use of color: Color is used sparingly but strategically. The masthead and some headlines use red for emphasis, while the body text remains mostly black and white. This creates a balance between visual interest and readability.

d) Image placement: Images are used generously but judiciously. They are often placed alongside headlines to illustrate the news stories and break up the text. The images are of high quality and relevant to the content.

e) Typography: The Times of India uses a serif typeface for the body text, which is easy to read on both print and digital platforms. The headline fonts are sans-serif, which are bolder and more attention-grabbing.

a) Traditional layout: Eenadu's layout is more traditional compared to The Times of India. It uses a less structured grid, with more emphasis on individual elements like headlines and images. This creates a more dynamic and visually appealing page, but it can also be perceived as less organized.

b) Bold headlines: Eenadu's headlines are even bolder and more prominent than those in The Times of India. They often use color and large fonts to grab attention. This reflects the Telugu language's tendency towards expressive typography.

c) Vibrant color palette: Eenadu uses a wider range of colors than The Times of India. The masthead, headlines, and some images are often printed in bright colors like red, yellow, and green. This creates a more visually stimulating and attention-grabbing page.

d) Image focus: Eenadu places even greater emphasis on images than The Times of India. Often, the front page is dominated by a large image, with smaller headlines and stories surrounding it. This reflects the importance of visual storytelling in Telugu media.

e) Ornamental typography: Eenadu's typography is more ornate and decorative than The Times of India's. The headlines and body text often use decorative fonts and flourishes. This adds a touch of visual flair and reflects the cultural aesthetic of Telugu language.

Critical Interpretations

The differences in design between The Times of India and Eenadu reflect the cultural and linguistic contexts in which they operate. The Times of India's grid-based layout and restrained use of color cater to a readership that values order and clarity. Eenadu's more dynamic layout and vibrant color palette cater to a readership that appreciates visual stimulation and expressive typography.

Both newspapers effectively use design principles to achieve their goals. The Times of India's design prioritizes readability and accessibility, while Eenadu's design prioritizes visual appeal and engagement. Ultimately, the success of a newspaper's design depends on its ability to connect with its target audience and effectively communicate its content.

Additional notes

a) It is important to note that these are just general observations based on the front pages of the two newspapers. The design of the interior pages may vary depending on the content and target audience of each section.

b) The analysis could be further enriched by considering the specific cultural and historical contexts of each language and newspaper.

Q2) Select any 'Explainer' or 'Backgrounder' news stories that got published a month or two before the submission of your assignments. Create two infographics using any online tools, as prescribed in the MJM022 (page number 235). Submit the printout of your infographics.

Ans)

Coronavirus disease

What coronavirus situation looks like in India and world as BF.7 variant scare Live Updates: India conducted a 'mock drill' today to check the preparedness of hospitals to deal with any surge in COVID-19 cases. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Monday that health ministers of all states will participate at their level in the 'mock drill' to be organized in all Covid hospitals across the country as a precautionary measure amid the increase in infection cases in China and other countries. However, experts say that India need not worry too much about the BF.7 subtype as many people have developed immunity against the virus.

A 40-year-old man, who returned from China two days back, has tested positive for Covid-19 in Agra following which he has been isolated at his home.

Amid a surge in Covid cases in China, the Centre has ramped up its anti-coronavirus measures. The Centre had said RT-PCR test would be made mandatory for passengers from China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand.

India logged 196 new coronavirus infections, while the active cases marginally increased to 3,428, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

PM Narendra Modi asked people to be vigilant and take precautions against Covid-19 while noting that the virus is spreading in many countries. In his last 'Mann ki Baat' broadcast of the year, Modi said many people are on a vacation or will go on one during Christmas and New Year and urged them to follow protocols like wearing masks and washing hands.

China's Zhejiang, a big industrial province near Shanghai, is battling around a million new daily COVID-19 Infections, a number expected to double in the days ahead, the provincial government said on Sunday.

Despite a record surge of cases nationwide, China reported no COVID deaths on the mainland for the five days. through Saturday, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention said on Sunday.

Q3) Identify a national/regional issue of the recent past. Read more about the issue and refer the Unit 7 (Editorial Writing) and write a well-balanced editorial for a national audience.

Ans)

Title: Preserving India's Cultural Heritage: Finding Balance Amid Development

India's rich cultural heritage stands as a testament to centuries of history, diversity, and tradition. Yet, the relentless march of development often clashes with the imperative to preserve these invaluable cultural treasures. The recent proposal to construct a mega-industrial complex near a UNESCO World Heritage Site raises pertinent questions about the balance between development and heritage conservation.

The industrial complex promises economic growth, job opportunities, and infrastructural advancement, contributing significantly to the region's prosperity. However, it comes at the cost of potential damage to the surrounding environment and the historical integrity of the revered heritage site.

On one hand, rapid urbanization and industrialization are crucial for India's economic progress. They fuel innovation, generate employment, and boost infrastructure. Yet, on the other hand, unchecked development can irreversibly alter landscapes and jeopardize the very essence of our cultural legacy.

The preservation of our past is not merely a matter of sentimentality; rather, it is a commitment to honouring our roots, cultivating our identity, and providing a glimpse into our collective history. Through the application of this lens, the planned industrial complex needs to be subjected to a critical analysis, with the goal of evaluating the short-term benefits against the long-term benefits of cultural preservation.

Finding a middle ground requires a nuanced approach. Firstly, rigorous environmental impact assessments must be conducted, ensuring that the construction doesn't harm the ecosystem or compromise the heritage site's integrity. Second, a transparent dialogue involving stakeholders, conservationists, local communities, and government bodies is imperative. Balancing the needs of development while safeguarding heritage demands collaborative decision-making.

Moreover, the government must explore alternatives, such as relocating the industrial complex to less sensitive areas or implementing stricter environmental regulations to minimize potential harm. Simultaneously, investing in sustainable development practices can ensure economic growth without sacrificing cultural treasures.

The cultural history of India is not merely a relic of the past; rather, it is a live representation of our identity and the diversity that we possess. Maintaining it is not a matter of choosing between progress and tradition; rather, it is a healthy coexistence that contributes to the formation of our national pride.

As a nation, we must embrace progress while safeguarding our cultural legacy for future generations. The proposed industrial complex stands as a litmus test for our commitment to preserving the tapestry of our heritage amid the winds of change.

In the pursuit of development, let us not forget that our heritage is the foundation upon which our future stands. The decisions we make today will echo through time, shaping the narrative of our nation's legacy.

Not only does this matter require a decision, but it also calls for a delicate equilibrium, one in which the sanctity of heritage is respected while development is made, thereby protecting the soul of our nation as we move forward toward a better tomorrow. This is both a decision and a delicate equilibrium.

Q4) Based on your observation in your locality, identify a pitch for a news website. Write a brief about your pitch and do a mind map exercise for the chosen pitch.

Ans)

Pitch for Local News Website: "CityPulse"

a) Brief:

"CityPulse" is your digital gateway to the heartbeat of our locality, offering a comprehensive and dynamic platform for local news, events, and community engagement. In a world inundated with information, "CityPulse" stands out by bringing together the stories, voices, and happenings that define and shape our neighbourhood. Our goal is to build a virtual town square, fostering community connections and keeping residents informed, engaged, and proud of their local identity.

a) Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

1) 360-Degree Local Coverage: "CityPulse" provides a holistic view of our locality, covering not just news but also events, features, and local culture, ensuring residents are well-informed about all aspects of their community.

2) Real-Time Updates: Our platform places a high priority on timely and pertinent information, ensuring that residents are kept up to date on the most recent developments, traffic updates, and community announcements around the community.

3) Interactive Community Hub: Residents are able to communicate with one another, share their thoughts, and actively participate in the conversation that is taking place in their community through the use of the "CityPulse" platform.

b) Key Features:

1) Local News Hub: Daily coverage of local news stories, including city council updates, infrastructure developments, and neighbourhood happenings.

2) Event Calendar: A centralized calendar for local events, from community fairs to town hall meetings, allowing residents to plan and participate in the life of the community.

3) Local Business Spotlight: A vibrant local economy can be encouraged by showcasing and supporting local companies through the use of features, reviews, and promotions.

4) Neighbourhood Voices: A platform for residents to share their stories, opinions, and experiences, creating a tapestry of voices that reflect the diversity and richness of our community.

5) Emergency Alerts: It is possible to provide people with instant information regarding crucial updates, weather warnings, and emergency situations, so guaranteeing that they remain safe and stay informed.

6) Community Marketplace: In order to encourage local commerce, a digital marketplace that allows locals to purchase, sell, and trade things within the community is being developed.

Mind Map Exercise

Here's a visual representation of the key components and features of "CityPulse":

a) Center: "CityPulse" - The central focus of the website.

b) Branches: Each branch represents a key feature or aspect of the website.

1) Local News Hub

2) Event Calendar

3) Local Business Spotlight

4) Neighbourhood Voices

5) Emergency Alerts

6) Community Marketplace.

c) Connections: Arrows connecting various branches signify the interconnected nature of the features, creating a well-rounded and comprehensive platform for the community.

d) Annotations: Each branch includes brief descriptions to encapsulate the essence of the feature.

This mind map illustrates how "CityPulse" aims to be a multifaceted platform, covering news, events, local businesses, resident voices, and emergency updates. The interconnectedness of these features ensures a holistic experience for users, creating a virtual hub that mirrors the vibrancy and diversity of our local community.

Q5) Identify a newsmaker from your locality/district and write a profile of that person. Submit the photograph of that person with your assignment.

Ans)

Profile of a Local Newsmaker: Dr. Maya Gupta

Dr. Maya Gupta, a revered figure in our community, is an eminent pediatrician whose unwavering dedication and compassionate care have left an indelible mark on our locality. Her commitment to ensuring the well-being of children and her tireless efforts in promoting healthcare accessibility make her a prominent figure in our district.

a) Background:

Having been born and raised in our community, Dr. Maya Gupta has always shown a strong interest in both the field of medicine and the welfare of children. During the course of her academic career, she decided to enrol in a prestigious medical school in order to earn a degree in paediatrics. After she had finished her education, she went back to her hometown with the intention of helping the people in the neighbourhood.

b) Professional Achievements:

With over two decades of medical practice, Dr. Gupta has become a beacon of hope for families in our district. Her pediatric clinic, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, serves as a sanctuary for children's health. Her expertise in diagnosing and treating pediatric ailments, coupled with her empathetic approach, has garnered widespread respect and trust among patients and their families.

Her efforts are not limited to the limits of her clinic, as Dr. Gupta has demonstrated. She is very involved in community health projects, and she leads workshops and seminars on topics such as immunisation, child nutrition, and parental education. A great number of children in our district have benefited from her efforts to raise awareness about child health issues, which has had a beneficial impact on their overall well-being.

c) Community Impact:

Dr. Gupta's selflessness extends to populations that are not adequately addressed. She is an active participant in health camps and outreach programmes, where she offers medical assistance and counsel to families who do not have access to healthcare facilities. The overall health landscape of our community has been much improved as a direct result of her aggressive participation in efforts aimed at eliminating diseases that can be prevented among children.

d) Recognition and Contributions:

Everyone has taken note of her unwavering commitment. Several distinctions have been bestowed upon Dr. Maya Gupta in recognition of the exceptional service she has provided to the community. In acknowledgment of her services to paediatric care and community health programmes, she has been honoured by the authorities in her community as well as by their respective medical societies.

e) Personal Traits:

Dr. Gupta is a gentle and modest individual, despite the fact that she is dedicated to fulfilling the professional tasks she has taken on. She has earned the appreciation and gratitude of the community that she serves as a consequence of her approachability and her desire to go the additional mile for her patients through her willingness to go the extra mile.

The unrelenting commitment that Dr. Maya Gupta has shown to paediatric care, the unselfish service that she has provided to the community, and the significant achievements that she has made to the field of child health have made her a pioneering figure and a newsmaker in our town. The sensitive nature of her heart and her dedication to bettering the lives of children serve as a source of motivation for each and every one of us.