| Sajha.com Archives | |
| Username | Post |
| dineshwagle | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 10:09 PM
Hi Guys, Here comes an exclusive news about Kantipur Publications, nations largest and popular publishing house. It has been confirmed by some of the Kantipur Publications staffers that the recent board meeting of the Publications has decided accept the resignation of Yubaraj Ghimire from the post of the Editor of Kantipur and the Kathmandu Post. Hold your breath, the big news is: editorship of the publication's flagship daily KANTIPUR has been awarded to one of the countrys brilliant journalist and its current News Editor Narayan Wagle. Similarly, current News Editor of the Post and another best mind of the Publications, Pratik Pradhan will head the country's largest selling English newspaper The Kathmandu Post as its third Editor. Wagle is also the third Editor of the nations largest newspaper. This may be the moment of Pride for Kantipur Publications as well because both Wagle and Pradhan are gunuine 'Sepoy' of the house and are the very own porduct of the publication itself. They both joined the publication 11 years ago, well before the newspapers hit the newsstand, as Jounior Reporter. So, this is an extraordinary success story in Nepali journalism as well. From JR to Editor!! Waw..!! Yesterday, Pratik Pradhan was heard saying, of course after receiving warm BADHAIs and SHUBHAKAMANAs from his collegues at the Publications, that he had no prior experience in Journalism before joining the Kantipur Publications. "I only used to read Newsweek regularly", he said smiling. It was like a 'I-will-never-forget' moment for both guys. or it seemed so! In the canteen yesterday,before it was decided about their Promotion, some of their collegues heard them sharing some interesting moments they faced 11 years ago when they used to go together for reporting assignments. But what they write after the assignments would never published. Know why? The Kathmandu Post (and Kantipur) was still in its pre-production stage. It is a big challange and a good oppertunity for both of these thirty-something 'biggies' of the Publishing jaint to 1. Maintain and theirby continue their success story 2. To make their respective newspapers more worth reading as well as worth buyiing! Congratch guys!! and more important: SUBHAKAMANA!!!! |
| Biswo | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 10:25 PM
If this news is true, then congratulation to the new editors Wagle and Pradhan. Personally, I was a fan of Wagle's Coffee guff long ago. It is good to see him rising to the top of the corporation he helped to create. They should know that they are leading nation's top media house at a moment when Nepal is ranked just above countries like China, Vietname and Cuba in terms of press freedom, and the path is going to be thorny. Mr Ghimire disappointed everybody so much in his later days. Mr Ghimire, my fellow Chitwanese, also have an inspiring tale of rise, he also had his heroic moments, but it was obvious to everyone that he squandered people's goodwill in his later days. I hope new editors will regain the glory of Kantipur. It is also honor for us in Sajha, since looks like this news is first surfaced in Sajha. Thanks Dineshji. |
| ashu | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 10:36 PM
Congratulations to Narayan!! As a friend and a well-wisher, I am very happy to hear this news, and also very proud of his achievements. Way to go, man. Prateek, congratulations to you too. oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| sunya | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 11:46 PM
Its great to hear that one of my favourite writer and journalist Narayan Wagle has become the Editor of Kantipur. Kantipur is top newspaper of Nepal indeed. I think Mr. Wagle is quite able to handle his new job. He has proved himself a perfect columnist with the popular Coffee Guff and recently Pipalbot.com. He has done a good journalism by highlighting different aspect of the society including Bir Narayan Chaudhary as Nepals oldest man then. He brought the problem of Jumla to national limelight. I think these days Kantipur is not doing enough good journalism. Now, lead Kantipur well, Mr. Wagle. Make it peoples newspaper. Make it Nepali people's voice, Nepals voice. Revive it in a new way. I haven't read much of Pratik Pradhan. But as dineshwagle, who posted this news at Sajha, talks about him as "another best mind of the Publications", he must be so. He has more daunting tasks ahead. These days, the popularity of Kathmandu Post is very much threatned by its competitiors. Mr. Pradhan, you have to revive the Post completely. Of course, you have to make it worth buying too. Readers have tremendous faith on Kantipur Publications and its new leaders. Cheers!!! |
| chandraji | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 12:06 AM
Congratulations Narayan Wagle!! Please make Kantipur just like your Coffee Guff, interesting to read. You have a big responsibility. Congratulations to Pratik Pradhan as well. Give new life to The Kathmandu Post. Make it a perfect newspaper. Hurrey!!!!! |
| prateeka | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 01:08 AM
Thanks a lot to all of you. I will try to live up to your expectations. I pledge my full commitment in professional journalism, and always receive your suggestions and comments positively. Prateek Pradhan |
| sumit | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 01:25 AM
Good News. Are these guys really capable enough to handle such big newspapers. I also think so, genuinly, really. I am a regular reader of Kantipur and the Kathmandu Post. I subscribe both newspaper. Is this the same Pratik Pradhan who writes Rumur City in the Post? Try hard, and smart man. Cause I am fed up with the way Kathmandu Post treats news, espically interesting Nepali social events are not covered. I read comments posted here and agree with some of them. You have to give life to the Post. Make it a vibrant paper. Yes, I read your reply as well, Mr. Pradhan. You have a good intention. Go ahead, we, the readers, are with you. At least, I will be reading the Post with more expectation from now. Congratch!! Narayan Wagle? What to talk? I am a great fan of his column Coffee Guff. I lately knew that the Narayan of Coffee Guff is the Narayan Wagle. Interesting... I read about his "Bheda Ko Oon Jasto" documentary as well. But don't got chance to see it. Humm Pipalbot.com is also good, Mr. Wagle. But I wonder, wether Kantipur will be more good, like your columns. Newspapers are mirror to the society, you have to speak the language of average Neapli on Newspaper. More ads? I don't mind....What I really mind is I want to read a news first on Kantipur, I want to read complete news. I don't want to read other newspaper too for the same event. Understand my feelings? Many readers of your esteemed newspaper share my feelings, I am sure. |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 01:58 AM
Congratulation to Prateek and Narayan! Came to know Pratik after reading the article on that so called $$billionnaire. Sajha also shelters some critical mass for the things and events in Nepal and outside world. Good to know that Prateek ji is also a Sajhaite. |
| dineshwagle | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 04:12 AM
This is in response to Biswo jis posting on this topic. He has started his openion with the very words "If this news is true". Yes, this news is true, and the posting by Mr. Prateek Pradhan, newsly appointed Editor of the Kathmandu Post confirms this good news. There, he has thanked us and assured us all that he will listen to our suggestions. So, there is no doubt about the truth of my posting. Only we are eager to see is a more vibrant and readable and Scoop-filled Kathmandu Post. Oh, ya...we expect the same from Kantipur as well. Today, I learned that Mr. Narayan Wagle himself visited this site, read some of the postings. And he also happily accepted my Congratulations and SUBHAKAMANAs personally. Thus the news is confirmed....Biswoji. And, of course, this news first appeared on sajha.com. I did see some news related to this event on some Kathmandu newspapers but were not true. So, Sajha.com is the first media where the true news was first published. I also feel proud to use this domain. My thanks to all you people at Sajha who made this site really a SAJHA for all Nepalis..... |
| ashu | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 04:15 AM
Prateek, Count us readers in for blunt, straight and no-nonsense advice and suggestions to help you make the Post the best paper there is in Nepal. Yes, in the last two years, the Post has lost much of its luster as The Himalayan Times, to name one, has gone on to attract, at 2 Rs a copy, younger and more readers. ***** That said, if I may put in a word for something dear to my heart: Can you please look into the possibility of reviving the fortnightly Kathmandu Post Review of Books, which, after running well for five-plus years got unceremoniously killed by your predecessor without an explanation in August 2002? The format of the Review of Books can be updated, the new responsibilities and expectations can be drawn up -- with articles solicited from the members of the greater Nepali diaspora such as Sajha.com and so on. The Review pieces can talk about book reviews, essays, memoirs, commentaries and even travelogues. [Others: For a background in the Review, please see: http://www.emory.edu/COLLEGE/AS/sinhas/kprb.html#kprbinfo Meantime, after talking with Narayan earlier today, I have already decided to contribute occasional thought-pieces to Kantipur, and would urge others to do so too. It's great to learn that most people at Kantipur Publications seem to visit Sajha.com for --what else but -- news and views and gossip. oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| ashmita | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 04:38 AM
Hey hey hey...My congratulations to both Prateek and Narayan. But aren't we over reacting on this? After all, are they appointed Prime Minister? Yea, they are heading the most influential Newespapers of Nepal. But are these guys supposed to continue the same influence of Kantipur and the Kathmandu Post by writing same doubious articles like one they published of Dr. Rasendra Bhattarai? I did a small search on google, todays hottest search engine, and found nothing about Rasendra. Isn't it strange? He claims to be such a personality(friend of Bill Clintion, to mention one) and not a single word about him on Internet? How to believe? I read a piece on Nepali Times about this report: "Business journalims failed...." Prateek and Narayan, please don't repeat such 'mistakes'. Try to created history, break stories but not like that. Before doing that, please log on to the Google and enter the name of your subject...It will definitely help you. Ya, mistakes happens, even in New York Times too. So, I am not saying you can't do Editiorship well. I believe in young guys like you...Though I don't know you guys personally and I haven't seen you (Ya, I have seen one episode of your show on Kantipur TV, Prateek), I have strong hope on you. As a student of BBS third year, I request you to make your business page more informative. -Ashmita Shrestha. |
| goredai | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 05:12 AM
Okay, lets get to the point. How many people are resigning from the publication after these two were appointed. I'm sure their collegues were competing for the same job. There might be few fellow workers who wouldn't take orders from a guy who is less capable in their views. Lets hear some real news from inside. |
| scorpion | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 05:13 AM
dinesh wagle seems to have one small fact wrong. from my inside sources, Pratik Pradhan was not the former news editor of The Kathmandu Post. That was Suman Pradhan, who i've been informed has quit the paper and joined the International Crisis Group as an analyst. these were the two pradhans in the office. i also heard that Akhilesh Upadhyay was also in the running for the editorship and that the management selected someone who could write peices like the rasindra bhattarai article which was dissected so heavily on this site. maybe someone like ashu can throw some light on this topic more, rather than trying to push his pet project of the book review. but all new appointments must be wished well. let's hope the new editor of the Post will put behind the bhattarai blunder and work to better the paper. |
| dineshwagle | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 05:28 AM
Yes, Scorpion is right when he says I made a mistake saying that Mr. Prateek Pradhan, newly appointed Editor of the Post was News Editor before. But he was the News Editor before he went US to study 2 years ago. I am sorry.Yes, Mr. Suman Pradhan was News Editor who is, as far as I know, on a 2-year-long leave currently to join ICG. But I knew that he was the second man, Senior Assistant Editor before this. Ya, to respond to Goredai, I can't really say how many or who will resign from the Publications.I am of the openion that all people in the Post and Kantipur should rally behind their new Bosses. This will help Post and Kantipur to become more good, their by to them personally. After all, Good Kantipur/Post will give them good Job. I request all, all in the Publication to help both Mr. Prateek Pradhan and Mr. Narayan Wagle fully. And for outsiders, like valued readers, what I want to say is: Lets see what these guys have of offer to us....the readers!!! |
| goredai | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 06:03 AM
I think getting promotion is more about "who is closer to who" than actually looking for talent. If there are two competing for same job, the boss would obviousely promote the one closer to him. Whoever in the publication is not happy about not being promoted, I have a suggestion for you" Learn to kiss ass as you do your job". |
| rat-a-tat | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 06:09 AM
Allow me to contibute some points, truth as far as I know, on the above topic: 1. Prateek Pradhan has been unofficially declared the new Chief Editor of The Kathmandu Post. However, the controversial story on Rasendra Bhattarai had also appeared on his by-line. Hence, raising strong doubts over credibility of the newspaper even before Prateek holding office. The story, reportedly, had appeared due to corporate pressure within the Publications. 2. Yubaraj Ghimire is resigning over differences with the management over the same Rasendra Bhattarai story. The story had reportedly appeared on the papers when he was out-of-station. 3. Prateek did hold the post of News Editor for a short stint in his CV. Suman Pradhan was the last News Editor who is now on a two-year leave for his work with I-C-C. Suman is also the Founding Editor of Kantipur Online. Now, he may not return to work under Prateek. 4. There are wide spread rumors that Dr. Upendra Mahato and Jeeva Lamichane is backing out with their investment in Kantipur TV over differences with the parent management. 5. Akhilesh Upadhyay was in line for the post. He is much more competent in his work in all aspects than Prateek. But with the turn of things, it is most likely, that the Rasendra Bhattarai story did do the trick for Prateek. Did Kantipur get support from Rasendra with its involvement in "yellow journalism" to bail itself out of the financial crisis? 6. Yes, there is a strong dissatisfaction among senior staffers of TKP over Prateek's appointment. A large majority has even placed their opinion with the management. Many are in the mood of resigning. 7. Prime time for rival newspaper houses in Kathmandu to tab the cream human resources - Kantipur's going down! 8. But Kudos to Narayan Wagle - He's the right man for Kantipur - no doubt! I am sure, most of the unanswered questions could be followed up with Prateek or Suman, if they are following this posting. |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 06:42 AM
I was expecting some kind of "Khandan" or something like when Rasendra story was a fake one. Hope it won't repeat again. |
| ashu | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 08:33 AM
Scorpion wrote: "maybe someone like ashu can throw some light on this topic more, rather than trying to push his pet project of the book review. but all new appointments must be wished well. let's hope the new editor of the Post will put behind the bhattarai blunder and work to better the paper." Scorpion, I surely can throw some light on this topic, if I am tempted to earn my 15-minutes of fame on Sajha. But -- just to keep matters straight -- you will NEVER find me divulging the contents of private conversations NOR will you find me betraying the trust of friends and others who have -- give the nature of my real work -- shared sensitive corporate and personal information with me. Not all things need to be shared in a public forum or even explained to relative strangers. And that's that. And so, more than causing temporary sensations on Sajha, I am determined to keep the permanent bonds of trust with all those who have privately entrusted me with sensitive information about themselves, their colleagues and their organisations. Please help me keep these bonds of trust stronger in Nepal so that I can continue to post Nepal-related news for all of you to enjoy and thin about. Thanks, yaar. I agree wth you when you say, "all new appointments must be wished well." oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| makuro | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 12:39 PM
Kantipur Publication without any mea culpa for putting phony story of so called Billionaire now promotes the same reporter ? Is this quid pro quo done by management or just a mere coincidence? What's his name- Jason Blair- right? who got fired for fabricating the stories in NY Times. What a topsy turvy way isn't it? I saw Pratik Pradhan's comment here too. If you( Pratik) happened to read this, could you care to explain under what condition you were succumed to such reportage. From earlier posting's it appears you are not novice ( had 11 yrs of experiece), so such transgression in my view is either deliberate or done with motive of quid pro quo! If we don't hear anything from you, we understand..... |
| dautari | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 01:58 PM
Welcome back, rat-a-tat It's nice to see you in here after a lengthy hiatus. Thanks for clearing things up, since you kinda have access to the "inside story". As for the change of guards at Kantipur Publications, I hope things will get better and not worse. Dr.Rasendra Bhattarai fiasco was certainly not appreciated here in Sajhapur. And allow me to digress and thank Kantipur TV for putting their news online. But instead of making the morning news online it would be better if we have the evening news with the day's "taaja" news instead of yesterday's news that is carried by the morning news. |
| suva chintak | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 02:34 PM
Congratulations and good luck to the two new editors Wagle and Pradhan! I wonder why old editor was sacked/resigned? Or did he decide to go back to India to practice his journalism? I think he worked for India Today before taking up the Kantipur job. I would be little more lenient on Suman Pradhan. I know that the billionaire story turned out to be a total farce. He should have seen through the tall claims of the con artist, but he fell for it. But one story does not make or destroy a good journalist. Hopefully Suman will learn from that mistake to take TKP to new levels of popularity and substance. Good luck again! SC, a regular TKP and an occasional Kantipur reader |
| suva chintak | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 02:41 PM
By the way, this press freedom in the US! Read CNN story: _____ CBS pulls Reagan miniseries Movie to go to Showtime Tuesday, November 4, 2003 Posted: 4:04 PM EST (2104 GMT) NEW YORK (AP) -- Capping an extraordinary conservative furor over a movie virtually no one has seen, CBS said Tuesday it will not air "The Reagans" and shunt it off to the Showtime cable network instead. Based on snippets of the script that had leaked out in recent weeks, conservatives, including the son of the former president, accused CBS of distorting the legacy of Ronald Reagan. While CBS said it was not bowing to political pressure, critics said that was exactly the case, and worried about the effects of such pre-emptive strikes on future work. CBS believed it had ordered a love story about Ronald and Nancy Reagan with politics as a backdrop, but instead got a film that crossed the line into advocacy, said a network executive who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The film had been scheduled to air November 16 and 18, in the heart of the November ratings sweeps. CBS attempted to edit the film to remove offending passages, but gave up. "We believe it does not present a balanced portrayal of the Reagans for CBS and its audience," the network said in a statement Tuesday. Neal Gabler, author of "Life the Movie: How Entertainment Conquered Reality," said CBS' decision was unhealthy for democracy. "CBS, in pulling this film, did incredible harm, much more harm than they could ever have done in making the film," Gabler said. "What they've told us now is that a very small group of people have censorship power over the broadcast networks." Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-South Dakota, said CBS' decision "smells of intimidation to me." 'They made a business decision' But conservatives said it was a question of accuracy. This was a left-wing smear of one of the nation's most beloved presidents and CBS got caught. -- Brent Bozell of the Media Resource Center The miniseries became a hot topic on talk radio and the TV news networks. The chairman of the Republican National Committee wrote to CBS President Leslie Moonves, asking for historians to review the movie, and the conservative Media Research Center asked advertisers to consider boycotting the film. "This was a left-wing smear of one of the nation's most beloved presidents and CBS got caught," said Brent Bozell, founder of the Media Research Center. Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie said putting the movie before a smaller audience on Showtime doesn't address accuracy concerns. Without changes, Showtime should remind viewers every 10 minutes that the movie is fictional, he said. Showtime and CBS are both owned by Viacom, which is anxiously awaiting federal action on rules to restrict ownership of local TV stations. Failure to enact such changes could cost Viacom millions of dollars, said Jeff Chester, head of the Center for Digital Democracy, a communications lobbying group. Viacom needs help from Republicans in the White House and Congress who might not like seeing Reagan portrayed negatively, Chester said. "They made a business decision," he said. "In doing so, they clearly caved in to the political pressure." It's not likely CBS faced much pressure from advertisers, said Brad Adgate, analyst for Horizon Media, an ad-buying firm. Some advertisers might have been scared by the controversy, but many would have been attracted by the prospect of big ratings, he said. Political concerns The movie was made by producers Neil Meron and Craig Zadan, who also made "Martin and Lewis" for CBS. James Brolin portrayed Reagan. He is married to the outspoken liberal Barbra Streisand, which drew complaints from some conservatives. CBS, in pulling this film, did incredible harm, much more harm than they could ever have done in making the film. -- Author Neal Gabler In a portion of the script published in The New York Times last month, Reagan was depicted as uncaring and judgmental toward people with AIDS. "They that live in sin shall die in sin," Reagan's character tells his wife as she begs him to help AIDS victims. Supporters of the former president, who suffers from Alzheimer's Disease, said there's no evidence he said that. There was also a concern about its depiction of Nancy Reagan. The former president's son, radio talk show host Michael Reagan, said he had seen eight minutes of movie highlights and Nancy Reagan was depicted as basically running the White House. "I said to Nancy, they don't like dad, but they hate you," Reagan said Tuesday on ABC's "Good Morning America." Producers Zadan and Meron noted that CBS had approved their script. Although disappointed that CBS won't air it, "we are excited that Showtime has agreed to broadcast it and the public will have a chance to judge 'The Reagans' on its own merits." CBS said its decision to cancel the movie was "based solely on our reaction to seeing the final film, not the controversy that erupted around a draft of the script." Ironically, CBS' decision came two days after the network's 75th anniversary special, which included a skit by the Smothers Brothers poking fun at CBS for firing them more than 30 years ago because of their political content. Another precedent came in 1979, when CBS pulled a comedy series about a black congressman after complaints by some actual black politicians who had seen a screening, said TV historian Tim Brooks. CBS faced pre-broadcast pressure earlier this year from Jewish groups concerned about its miniseries about Adolf Hitler. After some changes were made to the screenplay, the Hitler miniseries aired in May to middling ratings. It's a growing trend in entertainment: concerned groups not even waiting until something is released to make it a battleground. Actor Mel Gibson has been skirmishing with Jewish groups over his Biblical epic, "The Passion of Christ." The CBS decision "gives new hope to all of the people who don't like what they see on entertainment television," said Robert Thompson, head of the Center for the Study of Popular Television at Syracuse University. "All of the special interest groups can say, 'look, we got the Reagan docudrama off the air. What's next?" |
| ashu | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 03:02 PM
Suva Chintak, You mean Prateek Pradhan and NOT Suman Pradhan. Suman and Prateek, though both Pradhans, are TWO different individuals. oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| Suman Pradhan | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 06:11 PM
wow, it seems a really hot debate is going on here, and also looks like a few kantipur publications insiders are participating in this debate. anyway, first, thank you ashu for separating Prateek Pradhan from Suman Pradhan. Dinesh Wagle and Suva Chintak mistook one for the other. As for what Rat-a-tat posts here, I really don't have much to say except to put the record straight: Prateek Pradhan was the Post's news editor for 2 months in mid-2000 before becoming the publication's Marketing Manager in which capacity he worked for a year before leaving for the US on a Fulbright. and to Scorpion, yes i have taken a 2 year leave to work for ICG. my decision to go on leave was finalized a month before the old editor resigned and Prateek was appointed. I know that Narayan Wagle, who is a good friend of mine and with whom I worked for over 10 years, is the best choice for Kantipur. He is a top-rate journalist and a great leader. As for Prateek, he is also my long-time colleague and I wish him well. I hope he can take the Post to newer heights. As many of you have said here, the Post badly needs to revamp itself and let's hope the new editor is able to meet that challenge. I don't expect to see stories like Rasindra Bhattarai by the editor of a reputed paper again. I also like to say a few words here about Yubaraj Ghimire, the out-going editor of both Kantipur and Kathmandu Post. The tendency among us is to criticize people once they are gone. Sure Mr Ghimire made a lot of mistakes during his tenure and for that he has rightfully been criticized both inside and outside the newspaper. But he also was a top rate journalist who had the guts to stick to his beleifs, even if they were wrong. I just admired the man's total dedication to work and his beleifs. He never bowed down to any power centres. He had spine, which I've yet to see in other editors of Nepal. That will be his legacy. I wish Yubaraj Ghimire well too. I did learn a lot working with him. cheers Suman |
| naulo_nepal | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 08:05 PM
Is this true news that Narayan Wagle is going to be Editor of Kantipur?. If thats true than my congratulations and best wishes to brilliant,hardworking and emerging Journalist Mr. Narayan Wagle. You are the man!!! |
| Biswo | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 08:18 PM
Sumanji, I wish you goodluck in your work in ICG. A remarkable institute, ICG, will surely benefit by a gifted personality like you. Let me set the record straight regarding my comment about Yuva Raj ji. I do have respect for him. I didn't attack him because he is gone now. In fact, I am critical of his recent editorials which show a lapse of judgement, and ,in my view, which I accept may be subjective, a lack of faith on country's democratic process. A lot of my acquaintee and friends in Chitwan/KTM will testify for my consistency in this aspect. One more thing I find eggregious in latest Kantipur reporting was this: there was this fight in a school in the west between the Maoists and the RNA. RNA encircled the school where the Maoists had shephereded kids to watch their drama, according to the report. Then RNA started shooting. A few kids died. Kantipur's editorial/reporting faulted the Maoists and the RNA equally. It was strange point of view. Tomorrow, if a group of Maoists come to TKP office and make you guys read their statement , and then the RNA comes and starts shooting, who do you think is more faulty? RNA was a lot more wrong at that situation, let's face it. The prevalent mood in RNA these days is : they will shoot at the crowd if that means killing 50 innocent people and 5 Maoists. As long as one Maoists is killed, it is fine to do anything. With such RNA attitude in our house, Nepal will never have any "hostage situation" in future, because RNA will shoot everybody: hostage and hostage takers before they even issue any demand. Historically, RNA have attacked schools even when unprovoked. In 2018, Nepali Congress had waged a shasastra-revolution. In Arghakhanchi, when a group of 14 NC rebels, led by Samsher Bahadur Khatri, were sitting in a small school in a place called Chorkaate, the army attacked them. It is said that Samsher Bahadur was carrying a small child in his hand at the time. A massacre followed after that, which any one with the interest in history can check out in history books: Moti Prasad Bhusal was killed after his ear and hand/legs were cut, wounded Samsher Bahadur was beheaded, Tika Ram Ghimire was killed by crushing his head with stones in Buka Khola. RNA doesn't hesitate to attack even in schools, and they never rarely evinced any patience to wait. If we dont' criticize such trend, it makes our (the innocent ones)life only less safe. Similarly, Amrit Campus, Rampur Campus hostels etc are testimony of police interventions in 2036, 2046. I mean, come on, we can trace a trend here. |
| ashu | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 08:40 PM
BTW, today's (Wednesday's, 5 November) editions of The Kathmandu Post and Kantipur STILL list Yubaraj Ghimire as the editor. Perhaps the news of the new appoiontments is unofficial so far. **** Suman, a journalist I very much respect, writes: "But [Yubaraj] also was a top rate journalist who had the guts to stick to his beleifs, even if they were wrong." What follows is a different note altogether, and is NOT meant in this specific case of Yubaraj Ghimire or Suman Pradhan. This is a general psychological remark. In Nepal, one thing I do NOT understand is what's there to admire some people for sticking to their beliefs especially if they are wrong. I mean, GENERALLY SPEAKING, if you are wrong or if your beliefs turn out to be wrong, the correct thing, I would say, to do is to be upfront about it, say you are sorry, make amends, learn from your mistakes and not repeat them. All this seems so straightforward to me. Instead, why have your ego and emotions tied up with your beliefs, especially when you know that your beliefs are wrong? Wouldn't a little humility, a little quiet self-introspection go a long way? But, in Nepal, apparently NO. From politics to business, from the arts to civil-society institutions and on and on . . . In my limited experience, I have observed that collectively we have giant and rigid egos, comparatively mediocre abilities, an inability to say one is sorry when one makes mistakes or is proven wrong. I mean, we'd rather hold on to our mistaken beliefs lest we lost face . . . And the result is that RIGID egos get in the way of working together and getting results in today's fluid world where yesterday's acquaintances become tomorrow's colleagues or even bosses and today's co-workers become tomorrow's clients, and so forth. So, yes, let's admire people for the courage of their convictions. But if they are wrong, then, let's help them admit mistakes in face-saving ways so that that paths for going forward are UNBLOCKed. Else, we will keep getting locked up in emotional jams and psychological dysfunctionalities. oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| Suman Pradhan | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 11:53 PM
Biwso, I didn't mean to aim my comments against you. I was speaking in general, after having listened to a few Kantipures and Post staffers who sucked up to Yubaraj while he was the editor, but are now criticiziing him because he's gone. I do completely agree with you and Ashu that yubaraj did write some horrible news and editorials, so there's no forgiving that. Ashu, i agree with what you write about, that individuals should have the strength to face up to thier wrong beleifs and admit it. However I was not condoning this trait in Yubaraj, merely saying that I admired his guts to stand up for his beleifs even if they were wrong. The point is, and I am splitting hairs here, we knew that he was wrong and on many occassons had our arguments with him. But he didn't think he was wrong. For him it was right. And he always stood for the "right" thing in his own beleifs. See the point now? But to be fair, Yubaraj was right on more occassions than wrong. I don't think there will be another editor like him who could stand up the power centres, be it Palace, Govt, politicians or even corporate interests. He ultimately had to go because he refused to compromise. Having said this, I also don't t mean to blame the publishers of Kantipur Publications. In my 10 years with them, they always came across as professionals who were deeply interested in teh development of an independent media. I was never interfered by the publishers, and I doubt whether Yubaraj faced any such pressures. cheers suman |
| dineshwagle | Posted
on 05-Nov-03 12:00 AM
Thank you, Mr. Suman Pradhan for valued words on this discussion. With due respect to Mr. Pradhan, I want to say sorry for confusing his name with that of Mr. Prateek Pradhan in my first Posting. That was my mistake, and I have corrected that in my second posting. I also want to extend my best wishes to Mr.Pradhan for his new job at ICG. Congratulations!! Many of the participants have raised some questions regarding Mr. Prateek Pradhan's appoinment at the T K Post Editor. As it is already decided, so I don't think any good reasons to doubt on his ability. I think he should be judeged on the basis of what he does as the Editor. He has clearly stated in his posting at this discussion that he "will try to live up to [our] expectations". So, for now, lets expect what he has to offer to the readers of the Post. Lets hope for the best... |
| ashu | Posted
on 05-Nov-03 12:15 AM
Suman, Fair enough. I accept your arguments re: Yubaraj, who I know only socially. That said, yes, I would just like to reinforce my larger and general point about "not getting locked up in emotional jams and psychological dysfunctionalities" especially when we at times end up being wrong in our beliefs andn actions. Who knows, if only the Maoists, the political parties and the Palace let go of their rigid stances and loosen up their otherwise locked-in egos, maybe the peace-building process, to the relief of 2.4 million Nepalis, could really take hold, eh? Best wishes with everything. oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| KaleKrishna | Posted
on 05-Nov-03 12:36 AM
Well said Asuji regarding the clutched egos in the demonic side of the waring parties and mute spectators of Nepal. Probably,your hope of relief was representing the whole 25 millions or was it to the 2.4 million in the battle front. KK |
| decadence | Posted
on 05-Nov-03 01:12 AM
haha! great to hear from who's who in nepali litrerary cirlce here in sajha. don't have much to say when all has been said and done. congratulations to prateek and narayan. hope you two will revitalize the rescently lost charm of the post and kantipur. by the way, did these resignations have anything to do with the billionare story? can anyone ably enlighten me here? truly decadence |
| money | Posted
on 05-Nov-03 03:13 AM
Oh...Ho...Whats going on here? Discussion on another fake topic? I came to know about his on Wednesday that there is some news about Kantipur/Kathmandu Post Editor Change. I especially registered at Sajha.com to post this message when one of my friend send me a link. What surprises me most is the validity of the first posting. Who is this Dinesh Wagle? Any relationship with Narayan Wagle? Why should we beleive on a strangers postings? After all, if you see todays Kantipur and the Kathmandu Post, you can see the name Yubaraj Ghimire on the last page. Should we beleive that there are three Editors in Kantipur and Post now? What do you have to say on this, Dinesh? You have claimed that both Narayan and Prateek confirmed your exclusive news...Then why their name is not appearing on newspapers? May I know what Prateek have to say on this? Because I read his posting too. By the way, if Suman Pradhan was working in the Kathmandu Post as News Editor, why did he left? Haveing another job and taking leave from Post. Is it really good? Well, well, well, if you guys have really become the editor of the dailies, then Congratulations guys....Because I am always with new generation... |
| dineshwagle | Posted
on 05-Nov-03 03:36 AM
Hi Money, Thanks for giving so much interest on my postings. First of all, let me clear something: Who am I? For you convenience and using Sajhas facility, I have posted some informations about myself on this site. Please, just click on my name while reading my posting. There are so many wagles around the world- From India to America. I am also one of them. And I consider myself as a great fan of Mr. Narayan Wagle. If you go to my site WAGLE.com.np and click on its "Job" page, you will know that I am also associated with Kantipur Pub. but not in Kantipur daily and Kathmandu Post. As for your question about Yubaraj Ghimires name in todays Kantipur and Post, what I only want to say is: wait for the next 2 days. This is still an exclusive news, remember? For more, read my earlier posting...again.. And please, lets talk about the topic [New Editor in Kantipur...] and lets not talk about who posted it...Ok? By the way, this is my first experience on Sajha posting. I suspect, some very senior personalities for me, like Mr. Suman Pradhan, are taking part in this discussion. I am quite embarassed... So, I reallly don't know how to answer back such questions... |
| akela | Posted
on 05-Nov-03 04:22 PM
Yubraj Ghimire is a talented man. Wagle ra Pradhan lai Yubarajsanga compare garna mildaina. |
| ashu | Posted
on 05-Nov-03 05:49 PM
Decadence wrote: "Did these resignations have anything to do with the billionare story?" Let's just that say the billionaire story was the last straw that broke the camel's back!! *********** Dinesh wagle wrote: "There are so many wagles around the world- From India to America. I am also one of them." And as I accidentally discovered while buying flower-seeds, a proper genealogy of the Wagles (of Tanahu, Gorkha and Kaski) could be found at that agricultural shop at Bhadrakali, run by a couple of Wagle brothers, who also run Kathmandu's Wagle Bandhu Samaaj. Plus, there's a whole lotta Wagles in Maharastra in India. A small world, no? oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| Suman Pradhan | Posted
on 05-Nov-03 08:39 PM
Dinesh, what's there to suspect? I am posting publicly in this forum in my own name so there's no question of suspecting if the real Suman Pradhan is posting or not. Also, I don't see why you should be embarrassed. Embarrassed of what? Having to defend what you write, or writing what you don't beleive in? Or could it be a problem with the language? On another note, the elevation of Prateek Pradhan to the Post editorship comes at a time when the Nepalese media really needs to get its act together to deal with the issues raised by the Maoist insurgency, the Palace's "constructive monarchy" theory, the creeping militarization of the country, and the anti-reform political parties who can't get thier act together. I hope Prateek is capable of this. The one person who was certainly capable was Akhilesh Upadhyay, a fine journalist, who lost out in the final toss up. But knowing Akhiless for over 15 years both as freind and colleague, I can say that we haven't heard the last of him. And this to Ashu: how do you reconcile your last column in the Nepali Times to what you wrote in this thread earlier? cheers Suman |
| dineshwagle | Posted
on 05-Nov-03 09:25 PM
Thank You Aashu for that info related to Wagles. |
| ashu | Posted
on 05-Nov-03 09:36 PM
>>>>>And this to Ashu: how do you reconcile your last column in the Nepali Times to what you wrote in this thread earlier? <<<<< A great question, Suman. This brings up a great public/private split that I find intellectually interesting to think about. My justification is this: Kantipur Publications is a PRIVATE-sector company, run by private individuals' money and NOT by public shareholders' shares. And so, how this private-sector company does it own internal promotions and demotions of its staff and manages its own internal corporate affairs is NOT for me (an outsider) to comment on PUBLICLY. I could do that, of course. But then, I would have to divulge sensitive information and betray trust -- and, as I have said earlier, there is simply NO way I am going to divulge sensitive information or betray trust, even of people I do not like or people who don't like me. So, that's the "private" angle to this. BUT the "public" angle would be: How Kantipur Publications WENT WRONG a) in its treatement of the truth and b) in its service to its readers and audience is something I can be very CRITICAL about -- quite publicly. And that is why, in my last column, I felt quite comfortable slamming this privately-run Kantipur Publications for its PUBLIC failures on both counts. Does this answer your question? oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| ashu | Posted
on 05-Nov-03 09:44 PM
Suman wrote: "The one person who was certainly capable was Akhilesh Upadhyay, a fine journalist, who lost out in the final toss up. But knowing Akhiless . . . . I can say that we haven't heard the last of him." I agree with this 110 per cent. oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 05-Nov-03 09:44 PM
Then, lots of leg pulling/kin-bech activities in KantipurPubs?? No ideaaaaaaaaaa...me puzzled....auchhhh |
| Suman Pradhan | Posted
on 05-Nov-03 11:09 PM
No Ashu, it doesn't answer my question. You took a public position in your Nep Times column slamming not just the media house and its journalistic and corporate policies but also the reporter in question who wrote the story, without naming names of course. But since we all know who that reporter was, your public-private argument doesn't quite cut ice. If you do not choose to speak your mind here, I can understand that. I've been a journalist for too long not to understand the various compulsions and pressures individuals face. Also, Akhilesh and mine brand of journalism was infused with a healthy dose of skepticism, so its hard for me to take things at face value. I think you understand what I'm hinting at now. cheers suman |
| ashu | Posted
on 05-Nov-03 11:49 PM
Suman, I think I gave you enough of a response to justify my stance. Please don't push me into a corner of taking sides on Kantipur's INTERNAL personnel "mam-la" in this PUBLIC forum. But if you really want me -- an OUTSIDER to Kantipur Publications -- to come out swinging on one side or the other, sorry, I am not going to do that in a PUBLIC forum. That's because this is neither the place nor the time for me to do that, without, as I have said earlier, compromising my own credibility and trustworthiness. [Of course, if we were talking about, say, the state-funded Rastriya Beema Sansthan, then, sure, I would be much more critical of its INTERNAL corporate policies. But Kantipur, like I said, is a PRIVATE company, and its internal corporate affairs concerning its personnel issues related to who gets promoted and who doesn't is NOT for me to comment on publicly here.) The only justifiable PUBLIC stance I can take is to strongly criticize Kantipur's "misguided corporate priorities" with regard to that 'billionaire' story, and I have already done that last Friday in that column. Look, this answer may not fully satisfy you, but this is the best I can do. I hope you understand. oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| Suman Pradhan | Posted
on 06-Nov-03 12:33 AM
Ashu, fair enough. But I didn't ask you to take public positions on Kantipur's internal mamla. That's none of my business either since I'm already out from there, and in any case, I strongly beleive that the management has all the right to pick an editor of thier choice. What I was saying, however, was since you made such a big issue (rightfully) with your column about that particular story, could you please reconcile that with what you wrote here? I mean, how can a person take a public stand on Friday and completely forget to mention on Tuesday that particular issue which riled him so much just four days ago? If you don't see the connection here, then we should stop discussing this topic publicly altogether and meet in private for some guff suff. cheers suman |
| ashu | Posted
on 06-Nov-03 12:52 AM
Suman, I am puzzled. What exactly did I say on Friday that I am not saying on Tuesday? Please do tell me -- as clearly as you can so that I can understand my own alleged change of positions. I am pretty dumb when it comes to picking up hints. :-( That aside, sure, let's meet for guff-suff one of these days soon. You know my contacts, right? oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 06-Nov-03 02:10 AM
Is that "billionnaire" the cause of recent management upheavel in KantipurPubs?? rasendra ta nikkai powerfool hola jasto chha ni...ehehe |
| rat-a-tat | Posted
on 06-Nov-03 07:26 AM
The decision is now official. Just saw the news about the change in arms at Kantipur on Kantipur TV this evening. However, the news did not mention at all the reasons behind Yubaraj Ghimire's resignation. But I haven't seen any mention of it on Kantipur Online so far. So, the Rasendra Bhattarai issue still remains unanswered. I am sure the new The Kathmandu Post Editor would care to enlighten us on the issue. Afterall, it was under his by-line that the "sexed up" (I'd like to quote Ashu's column on Nepali Times) story had appeared. I am sure Prateek's been following this thread. At a personal level, as a person who's worked with both Akhilesh and Prateek, I do support Suman Pradhan and Ashu in their views that Akhilesh was more capable and a fine journalist indeed. On the other hand, I don't mean to discourage Prateek in his new endeavour either. I hope he does live upto our expectations. And, I am surely eagerly awaiting for those unanswered questions. |
| SITARA | Posted
on 06-Nov-03 10:33 AM
Editorship is not about journalism! It is about being prudent about matters beyond the field of journalism. Making decisions requires knowlege about government rules and regulation, trends in market shifts and technology, privacy and libel laws, corporate and finance laws...the list is long. Although, the newspaper is "headed" by the editor, the responsibility to produce prudent news falls equally upon the other contributing journalists. I strongly feel that, its high time, reporters took upon themselves as professionals sharing the burdens of the newspaper they work for. Gone are those days when the head honcho cracked the whip to make news. It is NOT the editor who makes the newspaper but the whole newsroom community( and its extensions), combined, that do the trick. Journalism, today, had taken on dimensions so great that each journalist HAS an identity and consequently, an individual credibility. The validity of each reporting makes or breaks the credibility of the newspaper. The recent "Rasendra" case is just one more scenario where the burden of the "shame" needs to be shared by the contributing journalists as well as the editor. In addition, the journalists' view of the public as a news source, a scoop store and therefore a means to an end needs to be revised. The public should be a source for interaction and not just an "object" for news. Any detached/unaccounable and unresearched way of news reporting translates into undermining the public's intelligence...and therefore an insult! Would it be possible that along with the revamping of the newpaper (and its editor), other journalists and reporters could benefit from a crash-course in "Prudence: A Shared Responsibility"! Just a thought. I wish both the editors Mr. Wagle and Mr. Pradhan, the best in their new endeavors. |
| lonely1 | Posted
on 06-Nov-03 10:37 AM
Is it another instance of discrimination against the people of terai origin that a more capable and senior Akhilesh is dumped and a less qualified Prateek from the valley is picked, especially in the aftermath of the billionaire farce? The other rumors say that it was also to appease the fake billionaire and the Kathmandu Newars who saw the Kantipur publication as a bahun (Gulmi-Bardiya samanta Gyanwali) adventure. Any thoughts? |
| SITARA | Posted
on 06-Nov-03 10:46 AM
Lonely ji: Akhilesh ji is extremely competent in his field. I doubt that he was by-passed because of some "conspiracy theory". He is a recent US returnee and my assumption is that, many may think, he "needs" additional time to "gather moss"( to use a trite phrase ) and gain clout in the newsroom politics. I don't think the newsroom politics spans regional and/or caste discrimination. I wish it was not so. I am a well wisher of Akhilesh ji--- always have been and always will be! |
| Nepe | Posted
on 06-Nov-03 12:03 PM
I have something to say about Yubaraj Ghimire. Before that, let me discolse (to new posters) that I am a self-made republican. So I may have my own bias. So take it with a spoon of whatever tastes good. Based on my reading of his editorials, I find Yubaraj Ghimire a mediocre intellectual with a recognizable sense of insecurity. Biswo ji cited one interesting case, but I have often found him trying hard to strike an artificial balance by talking about the opposite party whenever he has to criticize somebody- which to me, reflects his insecurity rather than a sense of justice. But the most disappointing part of his editorials is the lack of deep analysis of anything. They are super superficial. And he also shares, of course collectively with all other journalists, the guilt of compromising the press freedom by practicing what will be recorded as a black chapter in the annals of Nepali journalism, a self-censorship, during the emergency and it's hang-over until now. Yubaraj's fame and glamor seems like gained from his luck- happening at the right place at the right time- rather than his what is inside his head. Nothing to be surprised of, in Nepal, though. I dunno nothing about new names. My best wishes to them and good luck (but not like Yubaraj's !) Nepe for a bold and intelligent press |
| john doe | Posted
on 06-Nov-03 12:12 PM
Ashu, perhaps what Suman Pradhan is referring to is the fact that on Friday you publicly criticized Prateek Pradhan's obvious lack of judgment (albeit indirectly) in writing the Rassendra story and the following Tuesday you are publicly (or at least on the Sajha platform) congratulating him on his newly bestowed editorship. I am not speaking for myself here, but to some people, this may have come across as blatant hypocrisy on your part. Suman Pradhan, please correct me if my assumption is wrong. JD |
| lonely1 | Posted
on 06-Nov-03 02:57 PM
Then, Sitarajee, how could you forget that Prateekjee is also a US returnee? Having known both of them and the situation back in the newsroom--with some experience of working there myself in the past--I am saying all this. If Sitarajyu has some way of knowing the inside stories or the conscious/ unconscious motivations behind the appointment, I would be glad to be enlightened. What surprises me, however, is that the critical-minded Sitara that understood the role of the internalized ideological/ value systems in earlier postings on various issues is here saying that the newsroom politics--as if the newsroom crew had any part in making those 'big' decisions--can not be affected by those subtle manifestations of biases and prejudices. Don't get me wrong, I am not inciting a terai vs. non-terai battle; myself being a pahade (or terai migrant) I can not speak for the "madhesis" but can certainly understand, in my better critical moments at least, the denials and biases that haunt the understandings and judgments of us Kathmanduites and pahades. On a different note, John Doe, to my reading has caught the bone of contention between Ashu and Suman. I would add that the conflict is also symptomatic of one between a sceptial journalist (Suman) and a liberal-humanist and pragmatist business enterpreneur/writer (Ashu). |
| Biswo | Posted
on 06-Nov-03 04:00 PM
Quite a few Kantipur people here! In a related note, I am always amazed by the rise of Kantipur. I don't think they coasted through, in a free environment that demanded more independent media, like some of its critics always charged. I think the people there worked hard.My another opinion was that the environment there is relatively free of pressure from outsiders, like publishers, so value of journalism is relatively preserved. In fact, sometimes I thought of their culture beling like that of Wall Street Journal people (Despite the fact that their owner the bancroft family is predominantly democrat, the journal espouses conservative view. ) But is it really? I as an outsider find the signal very mixed these days. While "Nepal" carries the article by Surya Nath Upadhyay, Kantipur seems dead against him: it went after him immediately after CIAA hounded its publisher. It was a great consistency, and whether it was because of overzealous journalists trying to please their owner or the vindictive owner using his media for revenge remains a matter of mystery. |
| SITARA | Posted
on 06-Nov-03 05:10 PM
Lonely1 ji (Are you the other lonely?): You flatter me by saying "the critical minded Sitara", however, being "critical minded" is a double-edged sword which can be wielded to critique or criticize. At this point, I chose to give the newspaper the benefit of doubt, seeing little concrete information regarding the whys and wherefores of the promotion. Like Biswo, I have taken the liberty to assume that Kantipur is a self-respecting and independent entity, fully capable of functioning at levels devoid of external manipulations, such as the one you mentioned (Pahadis versus Terai-bashis). Perhaps, one can attribute such an assumption(mine) to my naivete regarding newsroom politics, or have I bestowed undue credit to Kantipur?! Well, whatever it is, Lonely ji, it seems, you are in a better position than I, to make such speculations as you seem to be better equipped with "insider knowledge". |
| ashu | Posted
on 06-Nov-03 05:26 PM
John Doe wrote: "Ashu, perhaps what Suman Pradhan is referring to is the fact that on Friday you publicly criticized Prateek Pradhan's obvious lack of judgment (albeit indirectly) in writing the Rassendra story and the following Tuesday you are publicly (or at least on the Sajha platform) congratulating him on his newly bestowed editorship. I am not speaking for myself here, but to some people, this may have come across as blatant hypocrisy on your part. " Thank you, John Doe To be fair, in my Nepali Times piece, I did NOT name names. In fact, I cited THREE media entities: Kantipur daily, The Kathmandu Post and the Kantipur Television. So it was not as though I talked ONLY about the Kathmandu Post. Moreover, my attack was more against "misplaced corporate priorities" of a private-sector media house (i.e. Kantipur Publications as a whole) than about the failings of any one particular journalist. Let's get this point straight, shall we? Second, just because I congratulated Prateek Pradhan -- and this may be hard for Suman and others to understand, let alone accept -- that does NOT mean that I agreed or with or even excused Prateek's treatment of that "Rasendra" story. I didn't and I don't, and Prateek himself knows this quite well. Here on Sajha, I have even told Prateek to count on us readers for "blunt, straight and no-nonsense" advice .. . which he will continue to get to make The Post a better paper. If Prateek messes up again, I will be the first one to tell him so, quite publicly. Yes, thinking broadly: You can publicly disagree with someone or even criticize someone's treatment of a particular story AND still be gracious enough to congratulate that person for some OTHER thing WHILE letting your disaagreable views known to that person in no uncertain terms. And this, in the name of honesty, I have already done. I say this because: In Nepal and among Nepali societies, we have this tendency that if we don't like one action of one person at one time, then we get into a psychological jam to not like all other actions of that person at any other time. This, I think is a childish approach, and surely, we can do better on this front-- can't we? Finally, I said that I cannot talk PUBLICLY about Kantpur's internal personnel stuff (such as: why Kantipur chose certain people as Yubaraj's replacements and other Kantipur-related issues) -- without betraying trust. And that remains that. oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| Suman Pradhan | Posted
on 06-Nov-03 05:27 PM
Ashu, John Doe here hit the nail on its head. That's exactly what I was referring to. Lonely, just to clear a few misconceptions. No there's no caste-based or Kathmandu-Terai divide in the Post or Kantipur newsrooms. Having worked there for 11 years, I can say that both the newsrooms are pretty liberal in thier outlook, and are staffed by people from across the country who also come from a variety of castes and ethnicities. Post and Kantipur newsroom reflect the general ethnic composition of the country (some might say only superficially though). Sitara is somewhat right in that an editor is mostly chosen for reasons that transcedes journalism, at lest here in Nepal. Publishers too face various compulsions, and I know this quite well. Well, the new editors of both the Post and Kantipur have been confirmed. And once again, I congratulate both Narayan Wagle and Prateek Pradhan. Narayan I know is a superb journalist and just the person to take helm of Kantipur at this trying time. Prateek needs to prove himself, and all my best wishes with him. cheers suman |
| ashu | Posted
on 06-Nov-03 05:38 PM
Suman wrote "Ashu, John Doe here hit the nail on its head. That's exactly what I was referring to." Suman, Fair enough. Here's my response. Just because I congratulated Prateek Pradhan -- and this may be hard for Suman and others to understand, let alone accept -- that does NOT mean that I agreed or with or even excused Prateek's treatment of that "Rasendra" story. I didn't and I don't, and Prateek himself knows this quite well. Here on Sajha, I have even told Prateek to count on us readers for "blunt, straight and no-nonsense" advice .. . which he will continue to get to make The Post a better paper. If Prateek messes up again, I will be the first one to tell him so, quite publicly. Yes, thinking broadly: You can publicly disagree with someone or even criticize someone's treatment of a particular story AND still be gracious enough to congratulate that person for some OTHER thing WHILE letting your disaagreable views known to that person in no uncertain terms. And this, in the name of honesty, I have already done. I say this because: In Nepal and among Nepali societies, we have this tendency that if we don't like one action of one person at one time, then we get into a psychological jam to not like all other actions of that person at any other time. This, I think is a childish approach, and surely, we can do better on this front-- can't we? oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 06-Nov-03 06:06 PM
Did Kantipur do anything to erase the illusion of 24 million nepali (if 100% of Nepali read Kantipur/Ktm post) about the replicability of turning Rs 100 into US$ 1 billion? If not yet then what is barring KantipurPubs from? Or, such practice is "chaltahe" or "aiisa to hoti rahega"?? |
| sparsha | Posted
on 06-Nov-03 06:37 PM
"Did Kantipur do anything to erase the illusion of 24 million nepali (if 100% of Nepali read Kantipur/Ktm post) about the replicability of turning Rs 100 into US$ 1 billion? If not yet then what is barring KantipurPubs from? Or, such practice is "chaltahe" or "aiisa to hoti rahega"?? Bhunte ji, What do you mean by .*if 100% of Nepali read kantipur/ktmpost?* I didn't quite get the agreement between this remark and the rest of the sentence you wrote above. How could 100 percent Nepali read kantipur/ktmpost when even the most liberal literacy rate (meaning if you can read from Ka thru Gnya, you are literate) is stuck below 40%? I would doubt even if the conservative literacy rate was 100 %, all of them would read kantipur/ktmpost. Do I need a cup of coffee or what? |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 06-Nov-03 06:44 PM
read the link for the formal news related to this thread - http://www.kantipuronline.com/php/kolnews.php?&nid=2329 Sparsha ji, that's about the maximum readership if all are literate and have access to kantipur/ktmpost in Nepal. |
| dineshwagle | Posted
on 06-Nov-03 09:58 PM
We talked a lot about the new Kantipur/Post leadership.We congratulated them. We wished best for them. They have started working. Lets not talk about past. Lets talk about the future, and more specifically. Why don't we, all the well wishers of Kantipur & Post, give some concrete suggestions/advice to the new leaders regarding how they should do their job? We, as reader and well wisher of Kantipur/Post have right to do this. I am sure they will listen to our voices. Lets give them our suggestions, point by point. There is already one posted by Mr. Ashu which I want to repeat here: "Can you (Prateek Pradhan) please look into the possibility of reviving the fortnightly Kathmandu Post Review of Books, which, after running well for five-plus years got unceremoniously killed by your predecessor without an explanation in August 2002?" |
| golkhandi | Posted
on 07-Nov-03 02:42 PM
Good luck Damane ko juwain. |
| ashu | Posted
on 07-Nov-03 05:42 PM
Nepe wrote: "Based on my reading of his editorials, I find Yubaraj Ghimire a mediocre intellectual with a recognizable sense of insecurity." To be fair to Yubaraj, he has never claimed to be an intellectual of any sort. And as psychologists have discovered, even "a recognizable sense of insecurity" is NOT a bad thing for it prompts one to achieve more in life. Yubaraj made his name in India, where he was an established as well as a rising journalist at magazines such as India Today, Outlook and other publications. Had he stayed in India, the likelihood is high that he would have gone on to be all the more famous reporter there. Let it be noted that no Nepali journalist in India or anywhere else i the world had and has accomplished as much as Yubaraj did when he was n India. That alone STILL remains something to celebrate about him. From a purely management point of view, I would say that Yubaraj's strengths were miscast at Kantipur. Yubaraj was and is a first-rate reporter. But let's face it, often great reporters do NOT necessarily make great editors, and that's life. I mean, some people are better at playing the violin or the piano, but are not good at conducting the whole orchestra, and that's fine. I wish Yubaraj all the best, thank him for three years of Kantipur and one year of the Post, hope Yubaraj will keep on reporting on many burning issues of the day. In Nepal, one thing we desperately need is BETTER and more hard-hitting journalism. oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 07-Nov-03 06:07 PM
Those interested in journalism can apply for the prestigious Jefferson Fellowship. It is about a month of workshop with handsome $$. Journalists (some of them in the past were Pulitzer prize winner) from top media like CNN, newsweek, Times of India, etc from US and Asia meet every year in USA) usually participates. I have met two lucky Nepali journalists who have got a chance to participate in that program. |
| Jesh | Posted
on 08-Nov-03 02:24 PM
Hello to all Being a person with technical background I may not posses the deep insight into the 'dangerous' field of Journalism.But I have a interest in Print media, and I have been following the astronomical rise of Kantipur in Nepal. I would like to ask you gentleman a few things, especially to ashu and Suman. - First there is a 'story' about a gentleman claiming to be the richest Nepali. -Then there is a resignation of a well known editor. -Then ho!ho!, the person who breaks the news about the Nepali Bill Gates becomes the editor. What is this? Is this a plot of a holywood movie or a scene from the media sector of a country which may have the lowest literacy rate in the world. Is there so much money in media in Nepal to play the games like this. |
| ashu | Posted
on 08-Nov-03 04:27 PM
Jesh, Well, I don't know the answer to your question. Perhaps it can be better answered by the Kantipur management (i.e. Binod Gyawali and Kailash Sirohiya) that made the decision. oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| DP | Posted
on 08-Nov-03 05:10 PM
I read Prateek's posting earlier.The "$1B" story was funny.I am sure,by now Prateek has realized his mistake.But,I am so surprised he has not still spoken a single word on that story.Man, he has tried to ignore the topic as if he never wrote the story.Not a good sign....... Prateek, would love to hear from you...... |
| akela | Posted
on 08-Nov-03 05:27 PM
jo editor aaye pani hamilai kehi chhaina. |
| Suman Pradhan | Posted
on 08-Nov-03 05:59 PM
Jesh, I think you should ask the actors involved, i.e. the management, the outgoing editor and teh new editor. I can't say much on this topic. Ashu wrote: "Just because I congratulated Prateek Pradhan -- and this may be hard for Suman and others to understand, let alone accept -- that does NOT mean that I agreed or with or even excused Prateek's treatment of that "Rasendra" story" No Ashu this is not hard for me. You can ask Prateek, how many times I have congratulated him myself. We did have our professional disagreements, and I did publicly root for Akhilesh getting the editorship, but that doesn't mean we aren't civilized enough. But I didn't see you mention that particular story here in this thread. I know there's another thread going on where you are posting your thoughts, but I wonder why you haven't linked those two. As someone mentioned in this thread: is it because you have the book project to push with the new editor? I wonder. By the way, I completely agree that the Book Review was a superb product, though at times the people who handled it went overboard and encroached on editorial independence. Ashu also wrote: "In Nepal and among Nepali societies, we have this tendency that if we don't like one action of one person at one time, then we get into a psychological jam to not like all other actions of that person at any other time. This, I think is a childish approach, and surely, we can do better on this front-- can't we?" This is not a tendency among just Nepalis. we can see it in the US too (in how the liberals react to any new initiative from Bush and how the conservatives view the liberals). So this is a universal trait, I wouldn't single out Nepalis and Nepali socieities for this. But in a broader sense, I do agree that this is a childish approach and we have to get over it. Well I am over it, but I wonder whether Ashu is. How about if I fling the same argument back at you? Aren't you going to great lenghts to defend what you wrote in this thread by coming up with this public-private justification? I still think you are speaking with two minds here. What's wrong in calling a spade a spade? No offense intended. I'm tired of this discussion, actually. Yeah, let's meet over chai and talk it over. cheers Suman |
| kamu | Posted
on 08-Nov-03 06:19 PM
Yubaraj Ghimire deserves special praise. His work is highly appreciated.I am deeply impressed by wagleji and Pradhanji's work too. We have to appeal to the political leaders, opinion makers, media personnel and Nepalese citizens to place a moratorium on all issues which are impediments to the development of the nation, from now and pledge ourselves to make the missions of Developed Nepal a reality. This will be the greatest legacy that we can proudly leave behind for our next generation, so that they can have a better tomorrow. We have to provide the wisdom, knowledge, physical resources and ability to work hard to succeed in our missions. good luck. K.S. |
| garibjanata | Posted
on 08-Nov-03 06:44 PM
The 'Kingmaker' has gone, long live the kings! |
| ashu | Posted
on 08-Nov-03 07:02 PM
Suman wrote: "So this is a universal trait, I wouldn't single out Nepalis and Nepali socieities for this." Fair enough. I accept your argument. It's just that because this is a "bringing Nepali communities together" site, I felt more confident talking about Nepalis with my admitted "limited eexperience". That's all. ************** Suman wrote: "But I didn't see you mention that particular story here in this thread. I know there's another thread going on where you are posting your thoughts, but I wonder why you haven't linked those two." Fine, Suman, please link them up. I have absolutely no problem with that. If anything, my points become all the more strong WHEN things are indeed linked up together. That said, I am beginning to sense that you are trying to find a smoking gun here where there is NONE. But to answer you: I assumed many Sajha folks were following the stories (i.e. the billionaire threads, my Nepali Times piece and this particular thread) anyway. I respected their intelligence to put things together for themselves to understand what was what. Because EVERYTHING is out in the OPEN here on Sajha (i.e. people can go back and forth to check and re-check, and that's great!), there is NO such thing as not mentioning this thread or not linking that thread here and there. Unlike research publicatons with proper citations, this FREE FLOW of kura-kani is the nature of this particular beast here. ******* Suman wrote: "As someone mentioned in this thread: is it because you have the book project to push with the new editor?" No. The book project -- which you say "was a superb product" -- is 'editor-neutral'. I would have brought it up REGARDLESS of who became the editor. In fact, I had raised the issue with both Yubaraj and Akhilesh on separate occasions WELL before the recent resignations and appointments. Yubaraj did not give me a clear answer, while Akhilesh said that he would see what could be done. So that's that. **** Suman wote: "By the way, I completely agree that the Book Review was a superb product, though at times the people who handled it went overboard and encroached on editorial independence." Well, look, in fairness, you guys (at The Kathmandu Post) can't have it both ways. If, as you say, "at times the people who handled it went overboard and encroached on editorial independence", then, what stopped you (as in The Kathmandu Post) to EITHER say no to book review altogether OR issue a tight contract and deal with it, especially when you (as in Suman) say that "the Book Review was a superb product"? My friends at Martin Chautari -- notably Dr. Seira Tamang and Bhaskar Gautam -- met with the Kathmandu Post people FOUR times to inquire what was wrong. They were NEVER given a clear answer. They asked whether the Post was unhappy with any aspect of the Book Project. They were still NOT given a clear answer. They asked whether a tight contract -- with mutual expectations all cleared up -- could be issued to MC to run the book project. They were still NOT given a clear answer. The Post could have said NO, and we could all live with that just fine. The Post jst dragged its feet. As far as I can see, the Martin Chautari people played a fair game, but something inside the Kathmandu Post was NEITHER forthcoming NOR upfront about how to go forward .. . a jam I hope the new editor will break. **** And now, you, as the former news editor, PUBLICLY declare that "though at times the people who handled it went overboard and encroached on editorial independence" I mean, come on, what the hell is that for? If what you are saying is TRUE, then it begs the question whether outsiders were/are so powerful that they could actually "encroach on editorial independence" at the Post, and, if so, what the editors were/are doing at the time to let that happen? If what you are saying is false, then, you have just made a gratuitious accusation that you'll find very hard to back up with evidence when challenged. Either way, Suman, such an inflammatory remark in public does NOT suit a first-rate journalist of your caliber. And I say that with the greatest of personal respect for you. **** As for "calling a spade a spade", well, I have ALREADY said on Sajha that Prateek messed up big time on that billionaire story. In fact, I was the FIRST one to say that. I have also slammed Prateek's employer in The Nepali Times. Now, why Prateek is CHOSEN to be the editor is FOR his bosses to justify to their former and current employees, and NOT for me -- an outsider -- to comment on publicly here on Sajha without divulging trust. Sure, I can imagine that some people are irked that I chose to congratulate Prateek anyway, but I see NOTHING wrong with my congratulating him, ESPECIALLY after having told him publicly that he messed up on that story, and that he should be more careful. What more do you guys want me to do now? Get a mike and a julus and a poster campaign? :-) Kay ho yesto, yaar? *********** Well, enough of this. I will give you a call, Suman, and let's meet up for chiya-siya and guff-suff soon. oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| jaytha | Posted
on 08-Nov-03 08:07 PM
Let me interject here. Yo Jaytha lai "pahadi ra terai" bhanera discuss pareko man parena hai. Ke ko pahadi? ke ko terai? Tehi line ma bicharan garne nai ho bhane, yatharthama hunaparne ta "janajati" ra non-Jannati ko barema. Jaba kunai pani NIYUKTI ko suchi prakash ma aunchha, Jaytha le ankha chankho parera kohi Jananjati le pani Nepal aama ko sewa garne awasar payo ki bhanera herchha. Tara sandhai prayajaso nirash nai hunu parne stithi chha. Aaja desh ma Maobadi kina ayo ra esle kina sustain gari raheko chha bhanne barera chintan garda janajati ko ke bhumika hola ta bhani sochnu parne dekhinchha. Yo pahadi ra terai wala ko kurama matrai sochera bhayena, bujrug barga??? Jaytha "...ukali chadna gahro, orali khuru...ru.... samjhi lyauda man runchha dhuru ru...." |
| Suman Pradhan | Posted
on 08-Nov-03 09:17 PM
Ashu, I could spill the beans here on what led the Post editor Yubaraj Ghimire to boot the Book Review out of the paper, but I don't think I'lll do that because although I no longer work for the Post, I cannot leak editorial decisions that were taken during my tenure. Same public-private thing, remember? As the former News Editor of the Post, the Book Review didn't fall under my department but I'm pretty much privy to what happened. I do remember that at the time I did think that a particular person in MC was encroaching on editorial independence, and was literally bullying a junior Post editor. You can take this as further accusation if you wish, but that is the truth of the matter. No matter how good a product MC put out, and it was indeed good, my personal opinion at the time was not to sub-contract out news pages to outsiders. I still beleive in it. As for the Post editors not being forthcoming in their answers to MC officials, well that's too bad. They should have been forthcoming. But I don't remember any MC officials meeting me about the matter. Otherwise, they would've been told in precise terms what was wrong and what was needed to do it right. But that is all history now. I wish the MC luck in getting back on the Post pages. And like I said, I'm tired of this. You obviously have the time and inclination to go on and on, but I don't. I have much more important things to do and this is my last posting on this matter. I'm open to a personal meeting though and clearing some of your misconceptions as well as letting you clear some my own if there are any. cheers suman |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 09-Nov-03 01:36 AM
it would be nice if online version of ktmpost or nepali times have provision of creation of some kind of thread like this where people can discuss. That would make authors to think/research before they actually publish.... |
| ashu | Posted
on 09-Nov-03 07:52 AM
Suman wrote: "I cannot leak editorial decisions that were taken during my tenure." Sure. I understand. I would NOT expect you to leak the editorial decisions just as I cannot and would NOT publicly divulge Kantipur- or any other Nepali private-company-related corporate decisions to which I am privy to. Conceptually: In our real jobs, we are expected to be professionals who can be trusted with sensitive information. And I don't see why we can't extend that kind of professionalism to the content of our Sajha postings too, even while retaining , well, highly PUBLIC Web personas. ****** Suman wrote: "I do remember that at the time I did think that a particular person in MC was encroaching on editorial independence, and was literally bullying a junior Post editor." Well, that's too bad. I did not know this. Had this issue been brought up and discussed in a forthright manner by the Post with the MC people, surely, a solution could have been found, and the issue could have been resolved much earlier . . . instead of having all these misunderstandings and ill-feelings fester and foment for more than a year. After all, the Post knew the book review project -- which I, as an outsider to the Post, started in 1996 -- was NOT a 'prima donna show' by any one individual, but always a COLLABORATIVE effort among various individuals, loosely affiliated with Martin Chautari. ************* Suman wrote: "As for the Post editors not being forthcoming in their answers to MC officials, well that's too bad. They should have been forthcoming." Yes. Mistakes do happen, often unintentionally. But it's always best to communicate directly and openly so that cobwebs of misunderstanding get cleared up. *********** Suman wrote: "You obviously have the time and inclination to go on and on . . ." Not really. Three things. First, I can type very fast. :-) Second, I can think while I type :-) Third, I only post when I am having a chiya break :-) I'll give you a call on Tuesday, and, over chiya, maybe we can discuss Samrat Upadhyay's opinion piece on Nepal which is going to appear in great old The New York Times tomorrow (Monday), November 10th. oohi "enjoying a glass of milk" ashu ktm,nepal |