Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Right choice?

The Hindu no doubt has many firsts to its credit. But one wonders how the new Readers' Editor — with due respect to his experience and contribution as a senior journalist — can function from a position of independence given that he has been with the newspaper for over half a century.

M.R. Srinivasan,
Chennai

Mr. Narayanan is obviously a capable and worthy person. But he has been with The Hindu all along and must therefore have imbibed much of the culture and institutional norms of the paper. From the terms of reference, it appears that anyone who occupies the post can only partly play the role of an ombudsman. It would have been far more credible if someone equally qualified but with greater exposure outside The Hindu had been considered.

Gurushri Swamy,
Bangalore

Can one who has been so close and loyal to The Hindu function as an effective ombudsman?

V. Balakrishnan,
Chennai

Hearty congratulations to Mr. Narayanan. As one who has spent his entire career in The Hindu , he can help in establishing the office and laying down norms for the future. The manner of appointment, however, is not in keeping with democratic principles. It will be a good practice if readers are allowed to elect someone from a panel proposed by the management.

S. Vidyadhar,
Hyderabad

It is surprising to find a past News Editor being appointed Readers' Editor. The appointment looks similar to the concept of single window systems in some of our government offices. Instead of minimising the time and effort spent by people in interacting with the Government, they just become an extra window for the public to go through. It is fondly hoped that in the days to come, The Hindu will ensure that the readers, in some form or the other, have a say in choosing their Editor.

M.S. Venkataraman,
Chennai

In this age of pulp journalism when newspapers are desperately promoting Page 3 culture, The Hindu is a stimulating, superior alternative for those who want to read serious news. Appointment of the Readers' Editor is a reinforcement of its sterling quality. But should the readers not have a right to choose the one who is going to represent them? The management could have presented candidates for the readers to vote.

Rajesh Mani,
Bangalore

I commend The Hindu 's initiative. Having said that, I wonder what contribution the readers made in the choice. This is no reflection on the credit or eligibility of the person chosen; but the way it was done gives an impression that it is yet another executive appointment.

N. Ravi Kumar,
Chennai

It was disappointing to see a former News Editor of The Hindu being appointed Readers' Editor. Mr. Narayanan is sure to be bound by the newspaper's line of thinking.

F. Velgean,
Chennai

The Readers' Editor should have no past connection with the newspaper if he is to work dispassionately.

S.R. Pavana Murthy,
Bangalore

The Readers' Editor appears to be the proverbial fifth wheel. Is not the Editor bound functionally and statutorily to discharge the duties enshrined in the terms of reference? If readers are to have their own editor, whose editor is the Editor?

D. Natesan,
Guduvancherry, T.N.

I have been reading The Hindu for three decades. On many occasions, I have disagreed with your views and even thought of switching over. But I could not. Your appointment of a Readers' Editor is an excellent decision. It leaves a comfortable space for those who disagree but still go together.

K. Sridhar,
Chennai

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