Friday Gurgaon
Of the People…For the People…By the People
The 21st Century era belongs to information. Be it the internet, mobile or electronic media.
However, the oldest yet considered the most effective media is still the print. So, newspapers have an important place in our lives. Everyone’s morning is complete with the dosage of newspaper. Although the segment has been nurtured by national publications majorly, still a new breed of area-specific publications with controlled subscription is gaining momentum. One such initiative is
Friday Gurgaon in NCR. Smita Dwivedi of All About Newspapers brings an account of this
weekly newspaper that has created a place for itself in the hearts of Gugaon residents.
Atul Sobti
|
Friday Gurgaon, a 24-page all colour tabloid format weekly newspaper, is published by Arap Media Ventures Pvt Ltd, which has been promoted by Atul Sobti with support from a few like-minded professionals. For those of you who don’t know Atul Sobti, he is the former MD & CEO of Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. An MBA from prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad and Graduate in Economics (Hons.) from St Stephen's College, Delhi, Atul did his schooling from the Lawrence School, Sanawar (Simla Hills). With over 34 years of corporate experience, Atul was also the executive director – business operations at Hero Honda Motors Ltd.
So how it all started! “Well realising the need of a dedicated publication which talks about the city and its concerns, we launched Friday Gurgaon on August 26, 2011,” said Atul Sobti, editor, Friday Gurgaon. “A well-read person is indeed a positive by himself/herself, and more importantly, as a member of society, as a citizen. Reading opens our mind and heart to the opinions and feelings of others; apart from mere informing and educating us,” felt Atul.
What made Atul quit his job and start a newspaper, to which he replied, “It was my passion. I always wanted to bring out a newspaper but I was too busy in corporate life, and so I couldn’t do it earlier.” Sharing his views about the significance of newspapers, he added, “A newspaper specifically provides a wonderful opportunity to represent as well as influence fellow society members for the common good - to think and act more responsibly, and especially, with greater care towards each other, other living beings, and nature. Most citizens are part of a "silent majority" - and should find a voice.”
Friday Gurgaon is printed at The Indian Express Ltd press, giving utmost importance to the production quality. “We feel that print quality is very important for newspapers to attract readers. This is the reason we give extra importance to printing technology and paper quality. Our printed hardcopy is a testimony to this,” added Atul.
Sharing views about editorial/ content quality, he narrated, “Friday Gurgaon hopes to keep hope and some fine traditions alive by being credible and relevant. News, after all, is a public trust. We inform, analyse, interpret, investigate, educate, and guide - but most importantly, we like to build agendas, to add value, to urge action.”
Keeping in mind the young and modern India, Friday Gurgaon aims to find answers, and be a part of the solution - not just throw up questions, and just be a part of the problem. “We must build hope, not cynicism - even, and especially when, confronted with negative news. We definitely would like to present both, or all, sides - as well as our corroboration.”
As the conversation matured, it was an obvious thought to know, the reason for choosing Gurgaon, and he added, “I was living in the city for over 15 years now. I never wanted to bring out newspaper in Delhi as there are many big players and conglomerates already well established. So, it wouldn’t be a wise decision. Moreover the profile of Gurgaon city is really good. Here we get good combination of people from different segments. It is a young city full of entrepreneurs…and there’s a lot that need to be said and wrote about them and the city.”
On asking about the circulation and distribution pattern, Atul informed, “We publish 15,000 copies and distribute all over Gurgaon. We distribute through subscription and also along with morning newspapers. We have tie-ups with certain newspaper vendors, who distribute it complementary.”
Talking about the revenue part, Atul shared openly that it is not a profitable venture, so far. But he is really hopeful for the future as it’s just been two years of establishment. So right now they are just focused on having strong foothold, “We do get a few advertisers but not enough to make profits. We have a team of over 20 fresh and experienced employees across editorial, desk, design, production, and distribution. And with support of our team, we are growing better with time. So, I do envisage a good future of our newspaper with many local and national advertisers supporting us.”
Message - Keep reading!
