While print newspapers may be seen to be declining in Europe, the printed word remains an aspiration in some developing markets, such as India, according to an article in The Independent.

"Anyone who can read or write is still looked at with a bit of awe" in many markets in India, says Rajesh Kalra, a veteran journalist who is now chief editor of IndiaTimes, the digital branch of The Times of India.

According to Kalra, many people want to overtly show they are literate and "the first thing you want to do is be seen to be reading a newspaper."

The literacy rate in India is currently at about 61% - but it is 76% for youths. And the print market is booming, so it isn't surprising that many western media are eyeing India for new launches.

"We do see a big potential in emerging markets," says John Ridding, chief executive of the Financial Times. The FT just launched a Middle East edition in Abu Dhabi, and it sees "big opportunities for expansion" in India.

One mustn't confuse expansion with amelioration though.

"In some of these new or fast-growing markets, absolute freedom of the press is untested, and unbiased news coverage is unfamiliar," reported the Independent, echoing a recent Weblog interview with Raju Narisetti, managing editor of Mint.

Source: The Independent (IHT)