Question

As a class project, decide to focus on a particular news topic and cut out stories from different newspapers on this. Also, watch the coverage of this topic on TV news. Compare two newspapers and write down the similarity and differences in their reports. It might help to ask the following questions–

1. What information is this article providing?
2. What information is it leaving out?
3. From whose point of view is the article being written?
4. Whose point of view is being left out and why?

Answer 1

Here’s a sample example you can use or adapt for your class project. “Floods in Assam” – a recurring and important news issue in India.

Newspapers Compared: 

• The Times of India
• The Hindu

a. 

The Times of India focuses on the immediate impact of the floods, including the number of people affected, areas submerged, and relief operations.

The Hindu gives more in-depth coverage, including causes of recurring floods (like deforestation and poor drainage planning), and includes expert opinions on long-term solutions.

b.

The Times of India leaves out background causes and long-term solutions, focusing more on dramatic images and numbers.

The Hindu, while detailed, does not show many first-person accounts or emotions from affected villagers.

c. 

The Times of India seems to focus on the government and rescue agencies’ point of view, highlighting their efforts.

The Hindu presents the issue more from a neutral and analytical perspective, with some insights from environmental experts.

d.

In both newspapers, the local villagers’ or flood victims' direct voices are mostly missing.

This may be because reporters often rely on official sources or find it difficult to reach remote areas, especially during natural disasters.