4 Years of Independent News Analysis from Newsclick

On 27th April 2013, Newsclick.in turned 4. To celebrate four years of independent, alternative and in-depth analysis of news and issues, we invited our friends, well-wishers and supporters to a see what we have been up to.

The event kicked off with writer and journalist Vijay Prashad's talk on the immediate and important need of serious, “low-octane” journalism.

He pointed out that this is an era in which news is relegated to a secondary position, and major news barons state that they are not in the news business, but in the business of advertising. Such times need organisations such as Newsclick that practice meaningful and balanced journalism.

Prashad emphasized that in journalism, facilitating public understanding does not mean “dumbing down” their intellect; analysing complexity should not mean simplistic, “reduced” reality.

Senior political analyst Aijaz Ahmad spoke of Newsclick's pioneering efforts in reporting local, national as well as international stories of struggle and resistance. He said that the Newsclick team has always intended to cover as wide a field as possible, reporting not just politics but also health, culture, science, economics and the media.

Ahmad also reminded the audience that Newsclick, as a serious alternative, depends upon public support in terms of active involvement and funding, without which its expansion would be limited.

Writer Githa Hariharan shared with the audience her journey through Israel occupied Palestine and briefly introduced Newsclick's short feature on two farmers in the West Bank fighting for their land.

The screening of the feature followed.

Prabir Purkayastha's rounded off the Palestine feature by discussing the possible emergence of a third Intifada in Palestine. He said that there is a clear coming together of all kinds of activism and resistance at the ground level. Purkayastha also underlined that India has an important role to play in international solidarity for Palestine.