Why I Love Outlook

I recall the day it was decided that Outlook would be published. I speak with this much clarity because I’ve been involved with media affairs for my party for many years. Initially, we felt it was an alternative to India Today, which by then was already well-established. The feeling was: how could yet another magazine take a share of that pie? But I think Vinod Mehta put the influence of his own personality on the magazine and Outlook stood on its own. I won’t say it is way different in the way it brings out its articles but the perception is that India Today, belonging to a bigger house that had many other publications and media items, sometimes took a political view in line with the other publications, networks and channels. There is a very perceptible political bent in that. Whereas Outlook, I’ve always felt, has been a magazine where free-play dominates, with a lot of independent PoVs coming across without cutting off the embarrassing edges. That way you have stood up for the freedom of the media. My intent is not to please the editorial staff of the Outlook, but you guys do hold your own in a world where magazines just come and shut down as quickly. But now of course, you have challenges from the social media and you have your format there as well. How you compete is now the next challenge. People look for short, meaningful interventions even when they read articles. I only hope you retain your independent views. And I think one of the reasons you held your own is because you didn’t compromise on points of view. For the reader that is a very important thing.