www.idsn.in
Indian Defence Services News
The Need
The Indian media is the primary source of information to the common Indian citizen (CIC), including news about the Defence services.
It has been seen that the quality of reporting (Defence News) leaves much to be desired. The consequence is a steady erosion of the image of the Indian defence forces in the eyes of the CIC including the NRI community (which is very patriotic).
It must also be said that citizens of South Asia do watch the India
If any organization or institution loses credibility the organization falls “Ill
The Proposed Solution
The Government of India has not shown much interest in promoting the image of the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces themselves cannot, publically, protect themselves due to various stated and unstated policies and practices. The only other viable alternative is for Ex Servicemen to do the job.
There is enough talent within the Ex Serviceman fraternity to run an “On Line” News channel (www.idsn.in)
Aim. The aim of the www.idsn.in is keep the Indian citizen informed about what their Army, Navy and Air Force personnel are doing to protect the Nation, why and what it involves.
Key words – What, Why and What it involves – we explain to the CIC
(Needless to say, matters that will affect the security of the Nation, either directly or indirectly, will not be reveale)d.
The focus should be on the human angle and not just on doctrines and weapons systems. If one takes a look at most of the sites on the Internet, the aspect of the ‘Man’ behind the weapon is not prominent. The CIC cannot relate to the information and its impact on him/her / family.
The CIC needs to know what other CICs, in uniform, are doing for him/her, their children and what it takes to do the job.
The content should also bring out a particular incident or event impacts the security of the CIC and the Nation. An analysis – not a statement.
By-product of Aim. The expected by-products of the Aim are mentioned below:
(a) The CIC will get a ‘Fauji’ view of news, especially news dominating the media at that moment.
(b) When a CIC sees what it takes to do the job there will be an impact on how he/she feels about the Indian Defence Forces.
(c) The CIC will have an alternative source of information.
(d) The Defence Forces personnel will see their interests being protected by their own fraternity. It will give a sense of relief.
(e) The CIC can form his / her opinion using information from more than one source. The expected information is likely to be better than what is now.
(f) The Defence Forces will have another channel to motivate the CIC to join their ranks.
(And much more …)
Do’s and Don’ts
Will do | Will not do |
Present the right view of Defence Forces news in the media | Criticize the government |
Highlight achievements of Defence Forces Personnel and what it takes to do the job. | Criticize the media |
Mobilize public support for the Defence Forces | Criticize the public |
Highlight acts of Gallantry | Criticize anyone |
Mobilize support for initiatives being taken to help families of martyrs and the War Wounded | Say anything that can be interpreted as ‘Cribbing’ |
Appear too complicated and difficult for the common Indian to understand. |
The Team. The ‘Start Up’ team is best kept small. The roles that need to be played are:
(a) Editor – 1 (Ex Servicemen)
(b) Journalists – 3 (Ex Servicemen)
(c) Technology Team (UXL)
(d) Internet Marketing Team (UXL)
(e) Back office team to support Journalists and Editor – 2 (UXL)
Coverage
www.idsn.in can begin by covering the following subjects:
(a) News in the media – last 60 days
(b) News about gallant acts – award winners and others
(c) News about the history and purpose of the Defence Forces
(d) News about initiatives related to civilian welfare
(e) News related to the well being of Defence Forces families and martyrs
(f) Challenges that uniformed personnel face on a day to day basis and the pride with which they deal with the challenges.
(g) Any other information that the CIC ought to know
Phases
Phase 1 | January 2010 | Develop site and create content only for start up team to review |
Phase 2 | February 2010 | Continue content development Invite a larger group of Ex Servicemen to review |
Phase 3 | March 2010 | Continue content development Invite a group of CICs to review |
Phase 4 | 1 April 2010 | Open to CICs across the World Systematic Internet Marketing |
Risks – Challenges
Please comment
Funding
- Editors and Journalists - volunteers
- Technology by UXL – An Ex Serviceman’s
