The Hindu : Front Page : <I>The Hindu</I> will appoint Readers' Editor: N. Ram

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jan 11, 2006

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The Hindu will appoint Readers' Editor: N. Ram

Diplomatic Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Hindu has decided to appoint India's first Readers' Editor based closely on The Guardian model, Editor-in-Chief N. Ram announced on Tuesday evening. A formal announcement about the position will be made in Chennai on January 13, Mr. Ram said in the presence of The Guardian's Editor, Alan Rusbridger, and its Readers' Editor, Ian Mayes.

A Readers' Editor, according to Mr. Mayes, is an ombudsman who works independently within news organisations as an interface between readers, listeners and viewers, on the one hand, and journalists and editors, on the other. It was a self-regulatory mechanism, he said.

Mr. Ram acknowledged that The Times of India appointed former Chief Justice P.N. Bhagwati as an external ombudsman (not a Readers' Editor) in 1988, but the position lasted only a couple of years. "I also wish to acknowledge that The Hindu has been inspired by The Guardian's exemplary practice and experience in this crucial area of newspaper performance ... "

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