Malayalam Language and Malayala Manorama: A Neutral Perspective Amidst Media Bias

The Malayalam language holds great cultural and historical significance for the people of Kerala, India. Often, discussions around the media in Kerala can be politically and religiously charged. One such newspaper, Malayala Manorama, has been a subject of these debates. It is important to dissect the claims and affirm the neutrality that it holds in its reporting.

Historical Background and Establishment

Malayala Manorama was established in 1888 during the independence movement, making it one of the oldest newspapers in the region. Historically, it has followed a centre-right ideology, aligning closely with the Indian National Congress (Congress). Its readership includes Syrian Christians and other communities with ties to the right-wing ideologies prevalent in Kerala.

Neutral Stance or Political Bias?

The assertion that Malayala Manorama is pro-congress is a misconception. A daily reader of Malayala Manorama would find that it tends to take a neutral stance. The newspaper has a history of criticizing every political party whenever necessary, as demonstrated in several instances. For example, during the event of the Secretariat siege, Malayala Manorama supported it and praised it for being a historical milestone. Similarly, when a Congress worker assaulted an LDF supporting lady, the newspaper published a photo on the front page and criticized the Congress party strongly.

However, it's important to note that no news media can be entirely unbiased. As mentioned, every news outlet carries a personal bias either directly or indirectly. For instance, Keralakaumudi and Mathrubhoomi can often be seen having clear favoritism towards the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

Business Interests and Biases

Like most media houses, Malayala Manorama has its financial interests in sectors like middle-grade media, such as television channels like Mazhavil Manorama, and its tyre business, MRF tyres. The newspaper take specific stances in some areas, such as diluting criticism on Congress and its leaders, and appropriately takes the side of Singaporean rubber companies, given their dependence on rubber prices.

Additionally, Malayala Manorama prides itself on having some of the best photographers and producing high-quality print media. They often use a human-interest angle, frequently front-paging embroiled Malayalis in any worldwide unfortunate events. It also has a tradition of sentimentalizing a story and transforming factual evidence into a moving narrative.

Services and Standards

Malayala Manorama provides exceptional services and maintains high standards. Here are a few points in favor:

Quality Print Media: The highest paper quality is a hallmark of Malayala Manorama, with best photographers and a high number of colour pages in their publications. Fact-Based Content: It has minimal factual errors, such as in providing accurate information on movie screenings and cinema locations. Live Election Updates: The newspaper has a reputation for providing the latest election results, crucial for local and national politics. Access and Credibility: The website's live updates of cricket scores during elections, despite blocking other sites, underlines its credibility and accessibility. Quality TV Channels: The Mazhavil Manorama and Manorama News are highly regarded in the industry, providing comprehensive news broadcasts. Children's Magazine: The children's magazine, Balarama, has been a significant part of Keralite households for over three decades, influencing younger generations with quality content.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it might be perceived that Malayala Manorama is biased, the evidence suggests a more nuanced stance. Despite its financial and ideological interests, the newspaper strives to maintain journalistic standards, providing a reliable and impactful source of news for the Malayalees. The critical reader must balance the claims of bias with the overall service and quality provided by such a noted publication.