When any magazine starts operating at a national level, there are certain objectives that are clearly outlined. One of them is its stand on politics. The picture painted by Outlook in its political coverage is something I don’t agree with. There’s a clear lack of a 360-degree perspective on many issues. Any comprehensive piece of news entails inputs from everyone involved in the story and a holistic view on important topics. However, Outlook magazine is oblivious to many voices. Any public institution such as a magazine or a political party needs to have a rounded approach, but when the media considers itself the arbiter of justice, it emerges biased and becomes inclined to one party or a myopic view.
Having said that, I must add that biases exist and different points of views cohabit. So to disregard one or place one above another would be incorrect. The views put forward by Outlook I may not agree with, but I respect the magazine’s unconventional way of thinking, embracing those they like, and those they don’t.
If I were to keep aside Outlook’s strong political views, I think I could admit that it’s doing some good reporting, with attractively designed pages and interesting graphics.
(Yogi Adityanath, BJP MP and priest at the Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur)
Outlook invites readers to take part in its 20th anniversary celebrations. Send us your bouquets and, more importantly, your brickbats. E-mail your entry to editor [AT] outlookindia [DOT] com
