Organization Study Malayala Manorama
Organization Study Malayala Manorama
Organization Study Malayala Manorama
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Communication is a tool which helps us to influence other people. It helps in bringing out the
changes in ours and other people s’ attitude. Communication makes the major part of the
social activity and our active life. It is the activity of conveying information through the
exchange of thoughts, messages, and information in the form of speech, visuals, signals, or
written words. Newspaper is one of the eminent sources of sharing information relating to the socio-
economic and political environment.
Newspaper is one among the mass media available and probably the most distinct and
important achievement for the society. The newspaper acts as the agency of ‘Information and
Education’. It is also an instrument of democracy.
A newspaper is a periodic publication containing news and other informative articles, usually
advertisements. The new organizations that publish newspapers are themselves often
metonymically called newspapers. Most newspapers are now published online.
The role of newspaper during the independence struggle was significant. The newspaper has
not lost its importance with the rapid development of the other media which can be seen from
the increasing circulation of various newspapers. Newspapers have become the tool for
upgrading knowledge, overcoming fear and gaining information about current affairs around
the world nations, regions, etc. This is the same for a student, Business man, Government or
private employee or a housewife who has the important task of educating and bringing up
tomorrow’s citizens of the world.
The main aim of this real world study is to gain an organizational familiarization and a
practical exposure of the implementation of various layouts. This study helped me to
understand the functions, structure, policies and different procedures of the organization.
The main objective of this study is to identify the functions of various divisions in the
organization and also to gain knowledge about the organizational atmosphere and to find
the importance of this industry in the society.
The study is being conducted at The Malayala Manorama, Kottayam. This study is aimed at
getting an overall view of organization and functions carried out by different divisions like
Personnel & Administration, Circulation, Production, Editorial, Finance, Management
Accounts, Diversification, Marketing, Advertising and Scheduling. The study is based on the
relevant data and materials given from the organization.
Research simply means a search for facts – answers to questions and solution to
problems. It is a purposive investigation. It is an “organized inquiry” seeks to find
explanations to unexplained phenomenon, to clarify the thoughtful facts. The English
word ‘research ‘is derived from the French word “recherché” which means to seek
again.
Research is an activity directed at the systematic search for pertinent information on a
topic most of the early researchers will directed at revealing the mysteries of the
nature.
Interview method. Under this study, data are collected directly from the
officials, board members, managers and other employees in the organization.
CHAPTER 2
INDUSTRY PROFILE
HISTORY
The news has at one point or another played a part in every one of our lives. Whether it is a
weather report giving flash-flood warnings, information on presidential campaigns, or an
obituary citing the death of a television personality, we crave it. Until the recent development
and affluence of the Internet as a news source, newspapers have globally been the primary
source of current events. Having become part of a daily routine in most lives little is known
of the immense history this learning tool holds.
The story begins some five centuries ago in Europe. Here, merchants would distribute
newsletters written by hand containing information regarding the weather, economic
conditions, wars and human-interest stories. Although this was the first known form of
distributed written information, the country accredited with the creation of the first
newspaper is Germany. In the late fifteenth century, a cross between a brochure and a
pamphlet was dispersed among the people, the text containing highly sensationalized stories
along with description of the current news events.
America, however, was a step behind. Public Occurrences, Both Foreign and Domestic, was
the first newspaper published in America. Printed by Richard Pierce, and edited by Benjamin
Harris, the first copy issued on September 25, 1690 would also be the last. It filled only 3
sheets of paper measuring six by ten inches, the equivalent of filling half of the front page of
a newspaper today (14" x 23"). The paper had intended to be issued once a month.
The sudden discontinuation of Public Occurrences would mean the last news offered to
Americans for the next few years. Instead, newspapers published in London were read even
though the "first true newspaper in English was the London Gazette, published four years
later in 1666.
Fourteen years later, back in America, John Campbell, a bookseller appointed Postmaster of
Boston, became the editor of the Boston News-Letter. The first issue was dated Monday,
April 17 to Monday April 24, 1704 and contained only one advertisement. This was produced
weekly and continued to be so even when William Brooker was appointed Postmaster to
replace Campbell. Campbell refused to authorize the use of the title "News-Letter" to anyone
else so Brooker called his newspaper the "Boston Gazette". Seven months later, Philip
Musgrave was awarded the position of Postmaster in Boston and replaced Brooker. At this
time, James Franklin, the printer of the Gazette, was also replaced. He wanted to start his own
newspaper even though friends and family dissuaded him from doing so by telling him that
Boston already had a sufficient number of newspapers (2) and a third could not survive.
Despite this, Franklin went ahead and published his own newspaper, the New England
Courant. The first issue was printed on August 19, 1721 making it the fourth newspaper
published in America.
When James Franklin published an editorial criticizing the government, he was sent to prison.
James' 13 year old brother and apprentice, Ben, took over the work of laying type, printing,
and delivery of the issues. Six months later, James Franklin was forbidden to publish any
more newspapers so the masthead now carried the name "Ben Franklin" as editor and
publisher. Ben, now legally free of being an apprentice, and having a dislike for his brother
James, ran away to New York and later to Philadelphia. The New England Courant kept
publishing issues claiming Ben Franklin was editor and publisher until 1726 without anyone
being the wiser.
GLOBAL SCENARIO
The fact that newspapers had been so scarce in Europe, America, and many other continents
is due to many factors. To find a literate man was no easy task after Europe was emerging
from the black age. Paper was extremely expensive, and hard to come across, and the task of
printing was long and laborious. The latter was still a problem even with the invention of the
printing press in 1436.
In the early 1800's the development of continuous rolls of paper enhanced the original
Gutenberg Press as did a steam-powered press and a way to use iron instead of wood for
building presses. This added efficiency of printing made the prices of printed goods more
reasonable hence the term "penny press". This phrase originated when newspaperman
Benjamin Day dropped the price of his New York Sun to a penny a copy in 1833. Historians
have accredited the "penny press" as the first true mass medium.
Advancement in the history of printing was the origin of Linotype, a method of creating
movable type by machine instead of by hand. This was introduced in 1884 and marked a
significant leap in production speed. In terms of the use of computers in the field of printing,
especially newspapers, the progression is unbelievable. From the first daisy-wheel and dot
matrix "impact" printers to common use of the non-impact printers: ink-jet, laser and thermal-
transfer, printing presses are on the brink of becoming a thing of the past.
The big question regarding what the future holds for the old-fashioned newspaper is whether
or not it will be overcome by the use of the Internet. Studies show that from 1992 to 1997, the
weekly hours of using the Internet has increased from 1.8 hours, to 9.1. Although the
evidence is convincing that in the future the use of computers will obliterate that of
newspapers, sometimes the tangible aspect is too great to give up for a color monitor.
But today the situation has going to change drastically and new advent technology are used in
to the all over world. The best result of such technology is Electronic newspapers (on-line
versions of city newspapers), which started in the late 1990s, have expanded to the point that
now thousands of the world's newspapers are now on the Internet. It has a major benefit that
publishing on-line newspaper saves the publishers two of their biggest expenses: newsprint
and distribution costs. But on-line articles are not as in-depth as the print versions. And hence
the print media plays a significant role even if there is a stiff competition from various
electronic media.
INDIAN SCENARIO
Before Freedom: History of print media and written communication follows the progress of
civilization which in turn moves in response to changing cultural technologies. The transfer
of complex information, ideas and concepts from one individual to another, or to a group,
underwent extreme evolution since prehistoric times. It has been 30,000 years later since the
first recorded evidence of written communication and it is still dramatically changing. The
Press in India, particularly the Indian language newspapers, was in the forefront of the
struggle for freedom. Many leaders from Mahatma Gandhi downwards used their newspapers
to activate the people to participate in the freedom struggle. But the newspapers are no longer
active in the fight against poverty, disease, illiteracy and superstition.
Political leaders used the Press to rouse the people. It was, therefore, natural that the British
rulers of India used every weapon in their armory to silence the nationalist press. Newspapers
always had the sword of Damocles hanging over their head. Security was asked at the
slightest pretext and editors and publishers were prosecuted for sedition. Some editors were
even transported to the Andaman. For the editors and people who worked in newspapers,
journalism was a mission. Even captains of commerce who published newspapers treated this
activity as their contribution to the struggle for freedom. Wages for journalists were poor and
there was no security. Newspaper publication was not profitable and journalism was not
paying as compared to other professions but things changed after Independence and each year
saw acceleration in change.
In India, whilst newspapers came much later as opposed to Europe or America, it has a rich
pedigree of being a witness and a catalyst to the birth and growth of the nation. The first
newspaper published in India was the Bengal Gazette started by James Augustus Hickey in
1780. Although the paper was rather frivolous in nature as it mostly only published gossip
and advertisements, the thriving media industry owes its existence to James Augustus Hickey
and his Gazette. Soon after, papers such as Bombay Herald and the Bombay Courier were
started in the country. Interestingly, the Bombay Courier later merged with the Times of India
newspaper. In 1818, the first regional language newspaper Samachar Darpan was published
in Bengali. The Bombay Samachar started in 1822, remains to this day the oldest newspaper
in Asia. In the pre independence era, newspapers had one agenda in their minds – to further
their ideology. Bal Ganghadar Tilak is a prominent stalwart of the pre-independence era and
a revolutionary leader who used his newspaper as a vehicle of communicating his ideas and
ideals of the freedom struggle. Kesari, which was established in 1880, was published in
Marathi. Prior to 1947, the newspaper industry had only one goal – to proliferate the cause of
Independence.
After India became Independent in 1947, British owners of the newspapers like The Times of
India also left the country, handing over the businesses to Indian companies. Editors of pro-
freedom struggle Indian newspapers had anti-British stance till 1947. These newspapers
gradually changed their approach; some became pro-establishment and the others adopted
aggressive anti-establishment strategies. The publishers during the subsequent decades
expanded their groups and chains with additions of new editions at other centers or new
publications.
It means after the independence of India scene of print media has changed. There has been a
phenomenal rise in the number of newspapers and their circulation. The number of pages has
increased. The quality of production has improved all rounds. Even medium Indian language
newspapers have taken advantage of the advances in printing and communication technology
to bring out multiple edition dailies. The best example of this one is Daily Sakaal which is
among the first newspapers not only in Maharashtra but also in India, to have adopted
modern management systems and processes. It has deployed the latest technology made
available through partners who are world leaders in their areas of specialization. Newspapers
of the big chains face a stiff competition from these newspapers because they are equally well
produced. What is more, being rooted in the soil they are more aware of local problems and
so they playing active role in the fight against poverty, disease, illiteracy and superstition.
Color printing has made the newspapers more attractive. Areas of national activity like
commerce now find a prominent place in almost all-Indian language newspapers. New
sectors of commerce and industry became available to businessmen. They found newspapers
useful in influencing the Government and the people. Some British-owned newspapers
passed into Indian hands and started newspapers in Hindi and other Indian languages. The
government accepted the demand for security of service for people working in newspapers
and news agencies. All this helped in the growth in the number of newspapers and their
circulation. The eighties and nineties saw the growth of medium Indian language newspapers.
They adapted the latest printing and communication technology to bring out multiple
editions.
After Freedom: Post 1947, newspapers in India had a choice to make – either align with the
government and support all its initiatives or act as a critique to the newly democratized
country and its head. Newspapers at first acted as unofficial sponsors of its various initiatives
and schemes. The five year plan especially came highly endorsed by the national newspapers.
Most of the newspapers in India came into existence post independence. Today thousands of
magazines and newspapers are in circulation. Whilst in the early days of democracy, the
Indian government enjoyed full support of the media houses.
In the pre-Independence era, the editorial in a newspaper was widely read for the lead it gave
and used newspaper as an instrument of social change. But in the new era, the editorial
became shorter in length and weak in impact. The new generation of industrialist-publishers
is now more interested in profits instead of society‘s obligation. Therefore, they closed down
serious literary and political publications so as to retain the profit from the flagship
publications. The tendency grew to treat the newspaper more as a marketable product than as
an instrument of social change
Turbulent 1970's: The decade of 1970s was a turbulent phase for media. The state-owned
television channel was launched in 1972 and the press was unsure about the possible impact
of the electronic medium on the newspapers. The press was subjected to censorship during
the period of Internal Emergency clamped by the Indira Gandhi government in 1975. After
the Emergency was revoked 19 months later, the Press appeared to have reborn with vigor.
Even though today, the newspaper are being used by the reader for more analysis of political
and social news.
Presently in the 21st century, Indian print media is one of the largest print media in the world.
The Times of India being the 8th most circulated newspaper in the world. With a daily
circulation of 3.146 millions, The Times of India tops the list of the best newspapers in India,
followed closely by local language papers. While Hindi dailies Dainik Bhaskar (2.547
million) and Dainik Jagran (2.168 million) compete for the second and third place
respectively, the Malayala Manorama stands fourth with a daily circulation of 1.514 million.
Circulation of the newspapers is certified by the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC).
CURRENT SCENARIO
Today various modern and sophisticated technologies are using by the print media in both
developed and under-developed countries and they also face stiff competition from electronic
media. The circulation trends of the print media: newspaper and magazines in India and other
few countries and also that how the role of print media in the development communication is
changing in recent era needs to be studied. It also concentrates on what is the impact of new
electronic media on the print media.
Post 1947, newspapers in India had a choice to make – either align with the government and
support all its initiatives or act as a critique to the newly democratized country and its head.
Newspapers at first acted as unofficial sponsors of its various initiatives and schemes. The
five year plan especially came highly endorsed by the national newspapers. Most of the
newspapers in India came into existence post independence. Today thousands of magazines
and newspapers are in circulation. Whilst in the early days of democracy, the Indian
government enjoyed full support of the media houses.
Today, due to the changing and advanced technology used in printing and communication
media, print media get huge importance in mind of people. So it‘s become important to study
how the trend and role of print media is changing in development communication.
Print has more than 10000+ unique titles in India. 46% of the registered publications are in
Vernacular language. There are two sources of information for print evaluation – Indian
Readership Survey & National Readership Survey. The Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) is
a body that ratifies the circulation figures of the publications but is not used as a primary
source for evaluation of publications. Out of these above survey NRS has not been updated
since 2006, while IRS updates its survey results every quarter. The IRS provides both the
Average Issue Readership (AIR) which based on whether the respondent has read a
publication within its last period of publication (last one day for dailies, last one month for
monthlies etc) as well as Total Readership. It covers both Urban & Rural India under its
survey which represents around 876 Million.
COMPANY PROFILE
Unlike other newspaper in Malayalam, the Malayala Manorama Company has achieved
unique and enviable growth both in production line and readership. Today Malayala
Manorama has nearly 1crore readership and extended the product line up to 45.
It shows the emerging growth and expansion of the organization to the new glorious levels.
It is because of the quality policy, trust, and leadership and communication style within the
organization. Every department shows their sincerity, hard work, commitment to achieve the
goals of Manorama family. It is essential to look deeply into the vision, mission, goals,
objectives, various department functions, product profile and services which keep them ahead
of its competitors.
HISTORY
According to the Audit Bureau of Circulation Malayala Manorama is the 2nd largest
circulating news paper in India with a brand icon value among the historical perspective of
news paper industry. This induces in us an eagerness to know how Manorama has built a trust
in the minds of the readers, what were the challenges faced and the milestones covered by the
firm.
Manorama Family
Malayala Manorama was founded by Kandathil Varghese Mapillai on March 14, 1888 at
Kottayam, a small town in the state of Travancore, currently, a part of Kerala State. Malayala
Manorama, the most trusted name in print media was contributed by Vilvattathu Raghavan
Zambia from Thiruvalla. Kerala Varma granted Manorama the symbol which is a part of the
Travancore Kingdom symbol. It was the first joint stock publishing company in India. The
company started with one hundred shares of Rs 100 each. The investors paid in four equal
instalments. The first instalment was good enough to buy a press. It was a small treadle press,
a Hopkinson & Cope, made in London. As it is a treasure, it is kept safely at the head
quarters of Malayala Manorama KOTTAYAM.
It took two years after the establishment of the company for the first issue to come out and it
was on March 22, 1890. It was a four-page weekly newspaper, published every Saturday.
But, Kandathil Varghese Mappillai the pioneer behind the firm decided to be different, and
secular. He was a man of letters. Varghese Mappillai wanted Manorama to stay close to the
people at the base level. He wanted to bring about a change in the social conditions and
practices. Manorama’s very first editorial spoke for pulayas, the untouchables who could not
even walk on public roads. He tried for pointing out the problems faced by the society and to
stand with them. His eye opening words recommended the rights of pulayas to get educated.
The editor and his readers belonged to the landed gentry. The landed gentry were oppressors
of pulayas and did not want them to be educated. But the editor had the courage of conviction
to swim against the current. Thus began Manorama’s unflagging fight against injustice and
iniquity, and people grew close to it. Manorama grew with them, too. Those were years of
struggle and evolution, power and glory, repression and rebirth. After the death of Kandathil
Varghese Mappillai in July 6, 1904, his nephew K.C.Mammen Mappillai who was a teacher
became its editor. The uncle had groomed the nephew, who proved a worthy successor.
The weekly newspaper became a bi-weekly in 1901, a tri-weekly in 1918 and a daily in
1928.various aspects of the society received benefits from the firm. The motto stood precisely
to collect news regarding the social issues and problems in Travancore. There was a time
where the agents enquired for collecting advertisements for the news paper. News paper has
created tremendous influence in the Travancore. People rushed to see even a piece of news
paper. Manoramma strongly focused on quality printing, and truthful news. Varughese
Mappillai always desired to change the style, font and design. He never focused on figures.
It was an era of lack of decent jobs. Malayala Manorama created large opportunities to be
part of their venture with additional benefits.
Varughese Mapillai valued his friendship groups which include politicians, lawyers,
entrepreneurs, novelist, poets, social reformers and strong communication with various
spiritual personalities. They had been a strong support for upgrading Malayala Manorama
towards new heights.
Family members were the strong supporters of Malayala Manorama. Every one stood with a
vision and tried the level best to do their part.
For more than a century Malayala Manorama has had a stimulating effect in the mind of the
malayalee. It reflects the social progress, cultural sensibility and even set political agenda.
Malayala Manorama has gone through both good and worse times since its establishment.
Encounters with extinction were part of its exciting evolution. It has been a saga of courage
and endurance, of triumph of excellence, of dedication and commitment to the people and
their aspirations.
Kandathil Varghese Mappillai launched Malayala Manorama while he was a teacher. He was
only 31 at that time. Even the Maharajah of Travancore, Sree Moolam Thirunal, held him in
high esteem. The Maharajah gave Manorama the Royal Coat of Arms. With a slight
modification, it adorns the newspaper’s logo, to this day. Kandathil Varghese Mappillai
campaigned, through editorials, for human rights and greater powers for the legislature. He
sparked many a political debate. And he spent reams on literature, throwing the pages of
Manorama open to the finest poets and writers. He nurtured new talent. Soon after its birth,
Manorama triggered a war over alliteration. It was the fiercest literary debate in the history of
Malayalam. Literature was intoxicating stuff those days. In 1891 Kandathil Varghese
Mappillai formed a literary club, Bhashaposhini Sabha. It helped develop the language and
break barriers of caste. The sabha held keen literary contests. An offshoot of the Sabha was
Bhashaposhini magazine, which Kandathil Varghese Mappillai launched in 1892. It remains
the most respected literary journal in Malayalam. The 50 years from 1904 were eventful for
Malayala Manorama.
Countdown Begins
It was the time when Manorama has been emerging towards the successful path, and strongly
been a part of society by reporting the problems. Malayala Manorama was in the forefront of
the struggle in the princely state of Travancore. The paper was actively involved in the civil
rights agitation, the formation of the Travancore State Congress and the historic campaign for
responsible government. K.C.Mammen Mappillai’s trenchant writings and public speeches
invited the wrath of the all-powerful Divan Sir. C.P.Ramaswami Aiyer., after it reported how
the police assaulted and shot people agitating for civil rights.
He banned Manorama for its candid reporting on police firings and atrocities against people
demanding democratic rights at Neyyattinkara on September 1, 1938. On September 10,
1938, armed police confiscated the Manorama office in Kottayam and sealed its doors. Later,
K.C.Mammen Mappillai was arrested and all his property confiscated. He played a pivotal
role in the Abstention Movement and several other mass initiatives for civil rights and
responsible government. Everywhere his voice throbbed with the spirit of freedom. The day
Manorama was banned was the saddest in the life of K.C.Mammen Mappillai. He walked out
of jail two years.
A New Beginning
Words lay dead in the throat for nine years. India won freedom on August 15, 1947. K.C.
Mammen Mappillai built Manorama all over again after the country attained freedom.
Malayala Manorama was back on November 29, 1947. It was a glorious rebirth. It eventually
became the best-read newspaper in India. K.C.Mammen Mappillai breathed his last on first
day of 1954. And the people raised in his memory the K.C Mammen Mappillai Memorial
Hall in Kottayam. This beautiful edifice stands in perpetual tribute to a man who built an
empire in human hearts.
K.C.Mammen Mappillai built into Manorama the kind of grit and determination Indian
Journalism had only seen rarely. He maintained the secular and literary tradition set by his
uncle. And he infused it with a new vigorous setting, a lively style, starting columns for
women and children, and initiating debates on politics and Industry. Opening windows to the
world outside, he made Manorama a powerful catalyst of social change. He made Malayala
Manorama delve into diverse fields. Popularizing rubber cultivation, he gave Kerala’s
economy a new bounce. Rubber became the economic backbone of Kerala’s midlands. For
nine long years Malayala Manorama lay in chains. It was a heavy price paid for freedom of
expression. The 1930s were tempestuous years of India’s struggle for freedom. On
K.C.Mammen Mappillai’s death, his eldest son K.M. Cherian took over as chief editor in
1954. His immediate goal was the emotional integration of the people of Travancore, Cochin
and Malabar, which were uniting to form the state of kerala.
.He won acclaim for the admirable effort. He cherished lofty ideals and kept his father’s last
dictum close to his heart. But it was a struggle running the impecunious institution. And there
was severe challenge from militant trade unionists. K.M. Cherian had immense faith in his
employees. “If you don’t want this institution to survive, I also don’t want it,” he told
them. They came around and stood by him. Under his inspiring leadership Manorama
steadily gained strength and launched an edition from Kozhikode in 1966. K.M. Cherian also
started a few other successful publications. The circulation of the newspaper soared from
30,000 to 300,000, and that of Manorama Weekly, which he had revived in 1956, rose to
329,000. K.M. Cherian was chairman of Press Trust of India and president of the Indian
Newspaper society. He received several national honors, including Padma Shri and Padma
Bhushan. He died on March 14, 1973. If Kandathil Varghese Mappillai conceived Manorama
and K.C.Mammen Mappillai molded its character, K.M. Cherian breathed new life into it.
And he won it national glory.
Change in Technologies
Online news, news channels were launched. It sustained the reading habit of neo-literate
adults. Down to Earth, he honoured the farmer- with a biannual award and a monthly
magazine. He has won several awards himself, including the Padma Bhushan. And the B.D
Goenka Award for excellence in journalism. K.M. Mathew regularly sharpened Manorama’s
managerial and technological edge. And he honed its news-gathering skills. But he excelled
himself in building emotional bonds with the readers, giving information with the human
touch. He breathed his last on August 1, 2010. Under the leadership of K.M. Mathew,
Malayala Manorama grew into 17 Editions and crossed a circulation of more than 2.13
million copies.
After the death of Mr. K.M. Mathew, his eldest son Mr. Mammen Mathew became the Chief
Editor and Managing Director of Malayala Manorama. Mammen Mathew has 44 years of
experience that saw him working with reputed publications in India and abroad. After
finishing BA and MA in Medieval Indian History from St. Stephen's College in Delhi, he
underwent editorial training in The Times of India. He then joined Malayala Manorama as its
Delhi correspondent. In 1970, he became the Resident Editor of Malayala Manorama's
Kozhikode Unit. He assumed charge as General Manager and Managing Editor of Malayala
Manorama in Kottayam in 1980, and eight years later became the Editor as well as the
Managing Director. Now under the leadership of Mammen Mathew the march goes on,
winning hearts every step of the way.
MANAGEMENT
VISION
MISSION
GOALS
Finding out the social, political, economic issues in the environment and reporting it
truthfully.
Keeping a strong relationship bond with the readers, agents, subscriber, and
advertising agencies. And external Environment which they are related.
Keeping a track of continuous Innovation in style, quality font size of news paper.
MILESTONES
1890 – The first issue of Malayala Manorama (weekly newspaper) was printed on March 22.
1939 – K.C. Mammen Mappillai was convicted and imprisoned on trumpeted charges of
corruption and fraud.
1941 – Mammen Mappillai released after being absolved of all false cases.
1954 –
1965 –
1966 –
1973 – K.M. Mathew becomes Chief Editor and Mammen Varghese General Manager
1986 – President Giani Zail Singh inaugurates facsimile transmission system at Manorama,
Kottayam, on August 30
1988 –
1990 - Tamilnadu Governor Dr.Bhish Narain Singh releases Manorama Year Book in Tamil
on March 15.
1995-
1998 –
1999 –
2000 –
2001 –
2002-
2004 - Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurates Manorama’s Delhi edition
2005 –
Editor and Managing Director Mammen Mathew were awarded Padma Shri and Rajiv
Gandhi Award for excellence in journalism.
A special page for students, ‘Padippura’, was introduced on June 3
2006 –
2007 –
2013 – President of India, Shri. Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 125th Anniversary
Celebrations of Malayala Manorama on March 16.
SISTER CONCERNS
MM PUBLICATIONS
Head quartered at Kottayam. It publishes all the above listed publications except Malayala
Manorama News Paper.
MM TV
Head quartered at Aroor, Alappuzha District. They Launched a 24*7 TV News channel on
17th August 2006. MM TV was the biggest diversification effort in the history of Malayala
Manorama, a Turning point in a long journey. MM TV is about to launch their new
Entertainment Channel.
MANORAMA VISION
Manorama vision is a separate division based in Cochin. It Was launched on 18th October
1993.it is the electronic media division engaged in the production of serials, Telefilms, TV
Commercials, and software programs telecast on the Malayalam Television channels. It also
functions as a registered advertising agency. Manorama vision also Makes TV
documentaries.
MANORAMA MUSIC
Manorama Music was launched on 1st June 1995. This electronic entertainment division of
Malayala Manorama has been in the production of high quality musical CD s and cassettes
over the year and has become a brand icon in musical industry of Kerala.
RADIO MANGO
The FM service of Manorama was launched in four urban centres in Kerala in 2007. Radio
Mango offers a wide range of programs ranging from entertainments to informatory services.
The caption ‘Nattilengum Pattai’ itself opens up the entertainment focus of Radio Mango.
There are 4 stations all over Kerala. Cochin, Kannur, Thrissur, Kozhikode are the main
stations.
M4 MARRY
M4 Marry .com is an exclusive Malaya lee Matrimonial portal from Malayala Manorama
group. Through this portal one can finds out a pair for himself much easily and effectively.
HELLO ADREESS
Hello address .com is the real estate portal from Malayala Manorama. It offers a wide range
of real estate dealings through which one can find out the property he is looking for with less
effort. It is very helpful for the common people as they didn’t need the help of the middle
men and their commission.
MASCOM
Naturally, a passion for coaching journalists has played a key role in Manorama’s evolution.
As Manorama grew bigger and spawned new publications, it set up an in-house training
centre in the 1970s. The inspiration was The Thomson Foundation, in the UK, where several
Manorama staffers had trained. Then, in the new millennium, Manorama opened a fully
fledged school, MASCOM, to meet the demands of the ICE age. Established in 2002,
MASCOM offers an eleven-month course in mass communication in two languages- English
and Malayalam. The teaching methods and standards are world class. It is a rigorous training
program that has produced well-rounded journalists and communication professionals.
Former students say MASCOM is a mind-expanding experience.
COMPETITORS
There is intense competition in the state from other news papers and also from also 18
different. The political parties in the state and the religious groups in Kerala also have their
own news papers and TV channels. In the light of the above factors, Kerala is one of the
states in India where there is highest competition amongst print media. The following are the
main competitors of Manorama.
Malayala Manorama 99
Mathrubhumi 63
Deshabhimani 33.06
Madhyamam 11.45
Being a print media Manorama requires a well equipped and adequate technological backup.
During 1980’s Manorama brought in much modern technological advancement so as to
provide a basis for its technical growth. Manorama implemented various versions of
application software and operating systems from late 1990s onwards.
Operating systems that were initially used include Windows NT, Windows 3.1 dose version.
Rocket folio was the main software used. Manorama has always taken care of keeping its
technology updated with the new changes.
CURRENT TECHNOLOGIES:
They function as a leased point to point digital circuit for the bulk transport of data, voice and
video. It allows simultaneous two way transmission of digital signals at speed ranging from
64 kbps to 155Mbps. It has one point in India and other point in a foreign country.
It is a network system which interconnects various office units. It also outsources buildings
and management. VPN helps communicate with employees while travelling.
ACCOUNTING SOFTWARES:
Billing
Agent Copy Management
Finance billing
All business accounting network of Malayala Manorama has been interconnected with SAP.
DESIGNING SOFTWARES:
Adobe Photoshop
Acrobat d
Disceller
RIP (Rational Imaging Processor)
ADOBE indesign software
PUBISHING CENTRES
In Kerala State:
Kottayam
Kozhikode
Thiruvananthapuram
Kochi
Thrissur
Kannur
Kollam
Palakkad
Malappuram
Pathanamthitta
Alappuzha
In rest of India:
Mangalore
Bangalore
Mumbai
Chennai
Delhi
In Bahrain
Manama
In Qatar
Doha
Pala Thulli
Launched in 2004, the ‘Pala Thulli’ project is aimed at water conservation and rainwater
harvesting. The paper devoted one full page every week to Pala Thulli. And it distributed free
information booklets in every towns and villages, and conducted a series of video shows,
exhibitions, seminars and road shows on saving water. Being inspired by the campaign, a
large number of government and private institutions built rainwater harvesting systems. Many
homes followed the model.
Students conducted surveys, ran cleanliness campaigns and discouraged mindless use of
plastic bags. To applaud them, Manorama instituted ‘Pala Thulli’ awards for the best student
campaigns. Pala Thulli won many awards, including the UNESCO – IPDC Prize for Rural
Communication. Malayala Manorama was also awarded Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Award for
the year 2004 for its innovative and effective campaign on ‘Pala Thulli’.
Sukrutha Keralam is project for cleaning our environments. The project was mainly aimed at
the prevention of contagious diseases like dengue and chikunguniya. Manorama launched
Sukrutha Keralam to make people aware about the need for reducing and disposal of waste.
Manorama started articles in the daily, organized seminars, workshops, exhibitions and street
– plays to create awareness.
Ente Malayalam
Manorama launched the campaign ‘Ente Malayalam’ (My Malayalam) to emphasize and
protect the importance of Malayalam. This fight to save the language was also a fight to save
Kerala’s culture, traditions, and life style. Writers, artists, scholars and lovers of nature and bio-
diversity helped Manorama involve the masses in ‘Ente Malayalam’. Kathayattom, a unique
show by renowned actor Mohanlal was one highlight of the campaign.
Vidhyarambham
Far away from Kerala, a village of golden sunflowers took a new name in 1995. It renamed
itself ‘Malayala Manorama Banegaon’. No one there reads Malayala Manorama. They only
love it. Banegaon was one of 40 villages in Later, Maharashtra, which crumbled in a massive
earthquake on September 30, 1993. Sharing the grief, Manorama opened a relief fund,
contributing to Rs 10 lakh, and appealed to its readers: “Let us reach out and touch the frozen
face of Latur”. The readers had no bonds with Latur; most of them had never even heard of
the place. Yet, within 45 days, the fund swelled to Rs 2.39 crore.
a community hall, a bus shelter, a temple, a mosque, a pigeon cage and a village gate. And
they inscribed Malayala Manorama Chapredi on the gate.
Manorama Snehatheeram
Manorama went back to rebuilding houses as Kerala shed salty tears over the victims of
tsunami that invaded its coast in December 2004. With help from readers, Manorama
constructed 145 houses for tsunami survivors in three coastal villages in Kollam and
Alappuzha districts..
Hridayapoorvam
In 1999, Manorama did a random survey of cardiac cases in Kerala and realized that many
patients had no money for life-saving surgery. Joining hands with Madras Medical Mission
Chennai, the newspaper launched a project for free heart surgery. It was called
‘Hridayapoorvam’, meaning Heartfelt. With the help of readers a fund was raised to the tune
of 3 crores. With their contributions, 530 patients underwent heart surgery at Madras Medical
Mission.
Bhoomikkoru Kuda
A road show project to create awareness among the people about the road accidents,
involving school children.
It is a project to create awareness among the children about the importance of saving
electricity at their homes. The project won an International Award from WAN-IFRA Young
Readers Prize for this project.
Nalla Padam
Nalla Padam is a social movement aiming at making school children in Kerala to creatively
participate in the socio- economic & environmental upliftment of the society. The purpose is
of weaning away the students from negative influences.
Sooryakaanthi
Balajanasakhyam
ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
Culture implies a pattern of believers and behaviour. Organizational culture is the totality of
believes, customs traditions and values shared by the members of the organizational. The
cultural characteristics of an organization are relatively enduring overtime and relatively
static in the propensity to change. Organizational culture exercises a significant influence on
the attitudes behaving and performance of the organizational members.
Malayala Manorama, the most trusted name in print media has a splendid and enduring
culture. This was passed between the generations and makes Manorama what it is. The firm
keeps an intimate relationship with the employees. They protect and satisfy the needs of their
members. This is why all employees are strongly committed towards the organization and is
objectives. Whatever heights does Manorama attain is the collective and sincere effort of all
its employees.
Another feature that makes Manorama different from other organizations is the harmonic
brotherhood relation between its management and its employees. For Manorama employees
are the key elements of its success. Since its establishment, Manorama stood for its
employees, their safety and welfare. That’s why Manorama has always been able to keep its
employees satisfied. The firm considers serving society as one of its major responsibilities.
Manorama’s culture is largely reflected by its perspective and approach towards the society.
The firm always keeps an eye on all levels of the society. Through its deeds, they have
always shown a new way of upgrading societal values.
Manorama has certain quality policies which form the basis of all its endeavours. There is a
commitment tone another within Manorama, like its commitment to their work and society.
They respect each other and their mutual dependence. Manorama still hold the values of its
founder editor.
MARKET STATUS
PRODUCT PROFILE
Today Malayala Manorama is a highly successful Media House with a slew of immensely
popular publications and other products. Besides the daily Newspaper, it has publications for
different age groups based on different taste and needs. The following are the major products
of Malayala Manorama.
Monthly Malayalam
Bhashaposhini Arts & literature
j
Manorama Year Yearly Malayalam, Hindi General awareness
Book.
PRODUCT FEATURES
It was launched on 8th August 1937. It has effectively captured the imagination of the readers
with fast paced novels, film star interviews, fast paced novels, jokes, home, trips, counselling,
jokes etc. It has about 54, 06, 000 readers. It is a weekly with 40 pages standard newsprint
that hits stands on Thursdays
THE WEEK
The Week is an Indian weekly newsmagazine published by The Malayala Manorama Co.
Ltd. The magazine is published from Kochi and is currently printed in Delhi, Mumbai,
Bangalore and Kottayam. . According to the Audit Bureau of Circulations, it is the largest
selling English newsmagazine in India. It was launched in 26 th December 1982. It captures
many facts of India in politics, religion, movies, arts and its people. ‘The Week’ reports and
analyzes current events and happenings around the world. It uses art paper and glazed news
print. It hits stands on Mondays. The Week’s competitors are India Today and Outlook.
BHASHAPOSHINI
Bhashaposhini was launched on 25th April 1892 by Kandathil Varghese Mappillai. It is the
group’s second oldest publication and it brings forth the best of Malayalam prose and poetry,
short stories and dramas. It is also a platform for aspirant writers to display their skills. It
reflects the various dimensions of our vibrant art, culture and heritage. It has a circulation of
17, 809 copies per month. It is a monthly with 84 pages. It uses art paper and standard
newsprint. It hits stands on 10th of every month.
KARSHAKASREE
Karshakasree was launched on 2nd September 1995. It updates small time farmer on how to
continuously improve his products. Tips are on farming methods enriched with research
support on scientific irrigation and agriculture. Main focus is on farmers and their families
with separate section for the urban audience ranging from horticulture to rearing pets. It
satisfied the needs of all classes of farmers in Kerala. It is a monthly with 76 pages. It uses
art paper and standard newsprint. It hits the stands on every month.
VANITHA
THOZHILVEEDHI
BALARAMA
KALIKKUDUKKA
It was launched in April 1994. It is a 36 page Malayalam weekly magazine for preschoolers
introducing them to the world of letters in a fun way. It targets children between 2 to 7 years
of age. It contains amusing activities, colouring pages, stories, riddles, puzzles etc. It also
helps the advertisers to reach young, discerning woman in Kerala. It uses are paper and
standard newsprints. It hits the stands on Tuesday.
MAGIC POT
It was launched in 1st May 2000. It is a 52 page English fortnightly for nursery/primary
school children. It increases the intelligence, creativity and confidence of the children. It
features read aloud stories, action songs, join the dots, crafts and colouring pages and so on. It
is a fest for the tiny tots and their moms. It also helps the advertisers to reach the young
educated, affluent, women. It uses art paper and standard newsprints. It hits the stands on 1st
and 15th of every month.
AROGYAM
FASTTRACK
Manorama Fast track is a complete automobile magazine in Malayalam from the Malayala
Manorama Group. The magazine publishes informative articles on cars and two wheelers in a
simple language. Manorama Fast track covers latest news and reviews about cars and two
wheelers, information about automobile industry in India, details of latest auto accessories
and information about auto loan products from Banks and other financial institutions. A
notable feature of Fast track is the comparison of cars from different manufactures. Fast track
publishes comparison tests and test drive reports of latest cars and two wheelers. An
interesting feature of this magazine is a travelogue published in every issue covering
picturesque locations in India travelled in a select car model. The magazine has informative
regular features such as auto guru – a section where readers can request answers for their
automobile related questions, and buyers guide. Fast track is an excellent magazine for auto
enthusiasts to read in Malayalam for an economical prize.
SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS
YEAR BOOK
ONAM ANNUAL
It is launched in August 1930. The special two volumes annual is a collector’s item. It makes
for spellbound reading with reverting novels, gripping stories, enthralling poems and other
fascinating features. It uses art paper and standard newsprints. ‘Onam Ponnonam’ which was
launched in September 2003 is a special gift for malayalees abroad.
VISHUKKANI
It was launched in April 2002. It contains articles, memories, short stories, interviews,
features on marriage, travel, beauty, cuisine, etc.
THIRUVABHARANAM
It is available in both Malayalam and Tamil. It is brought out during the Mandala Kala. It
includes articles on the legends and historical events in Sabarimala as well as road maps.
THE MAN
It was launched in November 2004. This English magazine covers a range of themes to do
with modern Indian Male. It uses art papers. ‘The Man’ is a complete entertainment magazine
for men. It is a monthly English magazine which covers wide topics on fashion, gadgets,
automobile, travel, art and adventure.
PARPIDAM
The English magazine was launched in April 2001. It brings together information on career,
courses, educational institutions and much more. It has added sections on scholarships,
entrance tests and educational institutions abroad.
VEEDU
It was launched in December 2003. It is the niche and premium magazine on interiors, a
comprehensive authority on loans, locations, plans and vaasthu. It also focuses on
construction materials, cost factors, maintenance and flooring materials. It is a complete
guide to dream homes.
LIFESTYLE
This English magazine was launched in August 2004, helps to pick a lifestyle one would love
to lead.
FASHION
This Malayalam Fashion guide launched in July 2002 has detailed do it yourself features in
selected dresses and their stitching patterns. It also focuses on new trends in accessories in
like jewellers, foot wears and bags.
PACHAKAM
This cookery special collector’s item launched in July 2002 includes a wide range of recipes.
VANITHA PLUS
This Malayalam magazine was launched in April 2005. It is an influential guide for a better
living. It paves the way for a better tomorrow
TELL ME WHY
It is English monthly with 95 pages which is designed to attract the children segment. Each
issue on a specific subject and provides comprehensive information on all aspects of the
subjects.
BALARAMA DIGEST
It is a 52 page weekly which presents knowledge is an attractive capsule format. The topic
range from sports to science, arts to history, films to fiction.
AMARCHITHRAKATHA
It is a 52 page fortnightly that brings to life culture heritage of Indian mythology and history.
SWAYAMVARAM
This 156 pages Malayalam wedding guide was launched in January 2003. It has details on
wedding costumes, jewelleries, sarees, catering etc.
OTHER PRODUCTS
Other products include Calendars, Diaries, Books, CDs, products from the week and
Balarama and other occasional publications like Amrutha, Gurupadam, Sixer, Kickoff,
Election guide and also Manorama Annual, CD ROM, Ente Malayalam CD ROM etc.
Balarama 13
Arogyam
20
Balarama Amar Chithra Kadha 10
Balarama Digest
10
Bhashaposhini 13
Karshakasree
12
Magic Pot
10
The Man
100
Smart Life
30
Kalikkudukka
12
Tell Me Why
22
Thozhil Veedhi
7
Vanitha
20
Vanitha Veedu
14
The Week
20
Year Book
145
Fast Track
20
Manorama weekly
12
News paper
6.50
CHAPTER 3
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
An organizational structure shows the authority and responsibility relationships between the
various positions in the organization by showing who reports to whom. It is a set of planned
relationships between groups of related functions and between physical factors and personnel
required for the achievement of organizational goals. Organization involves establishing an
appropriate structure for the goal –seeking activities. The structure of an organization is
generally shown on an organization chart on a job –task pyramid.
Organizational structure affects organizational actions in two ways. First, it provides the
foundation on which standard operating procedures and routines rest. Second, it determines
which individuals have to participate in which decision making processes, and thus to what
extent their views shape the organization’s actions. It determines the duities and
responsibilities of each employee in accordence with thir position.
DEPARTMENT PROFILE
Every division has significant importance in building organization to achieve the goals and
targets. Beyond every division, personnel and administration division functions the key
activities like employee’s records and attendance system, statutory compliance, civil works,
and leasing, travel transport and event facilitation and also some minor activities like
reception, security, and housekeeping. The division also gives more value in handling charity
works and medical care.
Recruitment
Employee records
Attendance system
Remuneration
Discipline
Work environment
Civil work and leasing
Purchase of land
Travel and Accommodation
Communication Systems
Automobile
Legal
Security
Reception and Public relation
Employee welfare
Insurance schemes
CSR activities
RECRUITMENT
EMPLOYEE RECORDS
It is essential for an organization to keep and maintain its employee records as long as they
persist in the organization. The Personnel and Administration division of Malayala
Manorama is mainly responsible for handling the personnel records and documents. As soon
as a new appointment is reported, the P&A division will start preparing his/her personal
record which includes the appointment order, bio data and certificates.
The Chief General Manager of P&A receives selection results, background clearance note
and management approval. Appointment letter is prepared by the Assistant Manager of P&A
and signed by the management. The CGM sends a copy of appointment order to all
concerned persons.
Assistant manager P&A verifies copies of certificates and gets all the forms filled by the
employee. He also arranges for the ID card and press card and also makes necessary
arrangements for opening a bank account. Retirement notice and relieving order are also
prepared by the Assistant Manager. The appraisal reports from HR division are received by
the Chief General Manager and he prepares probation, confirmation and extension letters.
Contract renewal, transfer and separation letters are also prepared by the CGM.
Front office assistants maintain attendance and leave records as per the specified standards.
The sanctioned leave applications are used to update attendance records. Authorized out pass,
attendance regularization forms, out station duty forms etc are used to regularize attendance
record.
ATTENDANCE SYSTEM
The P&A division of Malayala Manorama have an automated attendance system. The
employees can mark their attendance with the help of an electronic punching system. The
front office assistants keep the records of employee attendance and it is managed by using
software.
REMUNERATION
The salary of employees is fixed by the management according to the grades they belong to.
When an individual joins the organization, the P&A division prepares the detailed salary
structure and hand it over to the finance division. The details of salary increment are also
recorded by the P&A division.
DISCIPLINE
It is the Personnel and Administration division that works behind the discipline of the
organization. The annual increment for all the employees who take more than five days of
leave a month is withheld and their attendance record will be under observation for the next
six months. After six months, if it is found that the employee has taken less than 40 days of
leave, the salary held will be released.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
In any organization the productivity of the employees is highly influenced by the work
environment that prevails. In Manorama, the Personnel and Administration division is mainly
responsible for maintaining a hygienic and fruitful working environment. Some of the staff of
P&A is specially assigned for housekeeping activities. They supervise the cleaning activities
and take care of all the materials and their well being. They handle all complaints regarding
any damage or destruction of materials and make necessary arrangements for their
replacement.
This function involves lease of land and building, construction and maintenance of building.
These functions are carried out by the unit head and concerned personnel in the head office.
The details of land and building requirements are received from the management or the
concerned division. Land or building either to be leased or purchased is identified and the
proposal is sent to the top management for approval. Lease agreements are executed and
renewed periodically. Plans and estimates are prepared by the architects and submitted to the
management for approval and budget sanction. The concerned staff of P&A contacts
architects and contractors and prepares work order and purchase order.
P&A division carries out all unit level construction, maintenance and repairs. The budget is
also prepared by the P&A division.
PURCHASE OF LAND
The Personnel and Administration division undertakes purchase of land as per the
requirements of various construction projects.
The personnel and administration division caters the transportation and accommodation needs
of both management and staff. Ticketing requests from all divisions is sent with authorized
signatory to the concerned staff of P&A.T he expense incurred and other travelling allowance
is governed by travelling rules.
COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
AUTOMOBILE
The personnel and administration division of Manorama also deals with automobile. It serves
the needs that arise from various divisions for vehicles. The P&A division undertake
purchase, allotment and maintenance of vehicles. Automobile section is also in charge of
vehicle loans. All the activities involve d are effectively managed using the Vehicle
Maintenance Software (VMS).
LEGAL
The personnel and administration division of Malayala Manorama handles all legal matters
associated with the organization.
SECURITY
Ex-service men obtained from an agency are employed as security staff on contract basis.
They operate in three shifts and are responsible for handling visitors and issuing visitors pass.
The receptionists of Malayala Manorama belong to P&A division. Apart from the routine
functions, receptionists perform some special tasks like making necessary arrangements for
meetings to be conducted within company premises and providing information regarding
railway and flight timings.
EMPLOYEE WELFARE
Malayala Manorama has great love and care for its employees. And all its employees seem to
be happy and satisfied being part of the company. Following are the employee welfare
programs of Manorama:
Scholarship
Children of regular and retired contract employees are eligible for scholarship. Children in
high school who score 80percent and above and degree level who score 75percent and above
are given scholarship.
Medical Check-up
A free medical check-up is conducted biannually for all the employees and their spouse. They
can also have laboratory diagnosis which will be arranged at any medical centres at
Kottayam.
The company has a system to get the list of employees who are absent for more than three
consecutive days. Company will enquire about the person and if their absence is due to some
illness, it will make necessary arrangements to have the best medical attention. In case an
employee is met with an accident during the duty time, he/she will be immediately taken to
District Hospital and all the expenses are borne by the company.
Attendance Award
A cash award of rupees Rs.1000, 800 and 600 are given to employees who comes first,
second and third respectively in terms of attendance. An employee who receives the first
prize for four consecutive years is rewarded a special attendance prize of Rs.5000.
Festival Advance
The company gives Rs.1250 in advance to all regular employees as festival advance for
Easter, Bakrid, Vishu and Onam..
Copies of the Malayala Manorama daily and Manorama weekly are given to employees free
of cost. Other publications are given at a concession rate based on employee grade and
category.
Canteen
The canteen in Manorama has been is run by company subsidy. About 95percent of the actual
cost is given as subsidy. Breakfast, lunch, tea, snacks and dinner are served by the canteen.
The canteen is given for contract.
Pension
Pension is given as per the rules and regulations stipulated in the Malayala Manorama
pension scheme. It is given for 10 years from the date of retirement. At present pension is
paid at the rate of 20 percent of the basic pay or Rs.3000 whichever is less.
INSURANCE SCHEMES
The personnel and administration division oversees the various insurance schemes employed
in the organization. The most important among them is the Employee State Insurance (ESI).
It is a policy implemented by the central government. All employees with a salary scale of
15000 or below are eligible for ESI. The insurance amount is 1.75% of the salary plus its
4.75% contributed by the company. The assets and various equipments of the company are
also insured and it is renewed every year.
Senior Manager
Manager
Assistant Manager
FUNCTIONS
Chief General Manager: Chief General Manager is the supreme authority of P&A
Department. He oversees all the functions and activities of the department and report directly
to the top management. The CGM receives selection results, background clearance note and
management approval. The appraisal reports from HR division are also received by the CGM
and he prepares probation, confirmation, extension, contract renewal, and transfer and
separation letters.
Senior Manager: Senior manager is the signing authority. He oversees the functions like
employee benefits and welfare.
Deputy Manager: Deputy Manager of construction oversees all the construction related
activities which include civil works and leasing. Deputy Manager P&A undertakes functions
like transportation, legal and communication.
Senior Executive: Senior executive of automobiles handle all the automobile related
functions which include purchase, allotment and maintenance of vehicles.
Supervisor: Supervisor supervises all activities related to front office administration, canteen
facilities, housekeeping and security.
Marketing is closely related to the existence of every organization. Marketing is the backbone
of every business and even service sectors. Malayala Manorama has already created a brand
image in the minds of every individual in the society. “In Kerala TV is a medium, but print is
something an extra - extra large.” A firm utilizes their potentials and innovations and
different marketing strategies to step beyond every competitor.
For any business firm, marketing is all about selling their products or services. As far as a
print media is concerned the process of marketing includes space selling or time selling as
well. In Manorama, product selling is done by the circulation division and space selling and
or time selling is done by the marketing division.
BRAND VALUE
The history of over a century has seen the Malayala Manorama define the cultural and
political conscience of Malayalees. The core value of this brand goes far beyond journalism.
Embracing the role of an effective catalyst for social changes, a firm has made its potent
enough to shape and guide public opinion and use to accelerate economic and social progress
in Kerala.
The new generation is more focused on social media and online sites. The firm has explored
newer distribution channels to reach the readers. It has launched an online edition, Manorama
online, in English as well as in Malayalam. Today, it has become the most popular news
portal for the huge online audience. Malayala Manorama has installed newspaper vending
machines at major airports in India. It is also available in major international hotels, where
machines vend the newspaper in tabloid form. Online subscribers get a digital version of the
paper as electronic mail every morning.
Space and time selling are the major functions that the finance division undertakes.
Advertisements form the major source of revenue for a newspaper. Advertisements are
charged according to the space that they cover. Different pages have different areas devoted
for advertisements. So the advertising charges vary accordingly. The marketing division
invites advertisements by consulting with clients representing different companies. The
advertising charges are also fixed by the marketing division. In short they sell of the space so
as to maximize the revenue.
Time selling is related with the visual media. The marketing division of MM TV does the
time selling for the advertisements that appear on the channel. Here the advertising charges
are determined based on the time at which they appear.
ADVERTISING
Display advertisements
They come in through advertising agencies. These advertisements are charged per
square centimetre. Premium rates are charged for printing the advertisements on
particular pages as per the client’s requirements.
Classifieds
They are generally brought in by walk in customers and agents. More than revenue,
these ads serve to increase the readership of the daily. They are normally charged at
word rate.
Apart from the regular Ads there are special Ads classified under “Personals” section which
include wedding anniversary, death anniversary, weds today Ads etc. There is also a third
category of Ads known as “Display Classifieds”. They appear under classifieds but are
charged at display rate.
PRODUCT MANAGEMENT
Product management involves the space selling of the publications; The Week, The Man,
Watch Time and She.
MARKETING RESEARCH
This section studies the market and market trends and suggests ways for improving the
performance. They also give inputs to clients who want to advertise in Manorama with regard
to its reach, effect etc. The National Readership Survey (NRS) and Indian Readership Survey
(IRS) give key information regarding its readership. It is through market research that the
company investigates the opportunities for a new publication.
PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES
The marketing division has also forayed into the field of managing events in order to find a
new way to connect with readers. Manorama have got a lot of top notch events sparkling in
its arena’s like:
Radio Mango
Radio Mango helps the brand promotion to a great extent. It is a venture of Manorama that
helps popularizing the daily and all its publications.
Manorama conducts various seasonal and geographical events as part of its brand promotion.
They include:
Kayal Mela
Malabar Fest
Highrangre Fest
Kadal Mela
DIRECT SELLING
The marketing division also uses direct selling as a method of product selling. This involves
direct selling of products to the readers with the help of a particular agent. Direct selling also
helps to seek a relationship with their readers without consulting any retail outlets.
CGM CGM
Executives
Administrating
Staff
FUNCTIONS
Chief General Manager: CGM of advertising and sales oversees all advertisement related to
advertising. It Include setting advertising targets, making clients and contacting clients.
Regional General Manager: The regional General Managers oversees all the marketing
related activities of respective regional units like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Bangalore.
Deputy General Manager (Market Research): The Deputy General Manager of market
research heads all research activities of the research executives. Also undertakes the
responsibility of various events and exhibitions as part of marketing.
Deputy General Manager (Online): The DGM of online undertakes advertising and
promotional activities related to Manorama online.
Unit Heads: The unit heads of marketing prepares the dummy of daily newspaper and other
publications.
Managers: Assist unit heads in preparing dummy and gives instructions to executives
regarding relationship with various clients.
Executives: Marketing executives contact clients on a regular basis and seeks advertisement.
Research Executives: Does the market research regarding the demand of various products
and opportunities for new publications and ventures.
Each page of the newspaper is drafted by separate group of people. The selection of news, the
headlines and the way of presentation is all done by the journalist. The life story of an
individual is always presented in an inverted pyramid order i.e. beginning from their death till
the time of their birth and the main source of this information is a well equipped library.
As name implies the reporters, general public and correspondents bring the news. The copy
desk handles the general news and local desk handles the local news. The news bureau
gathers the news and the news desk edit and proofreads according to the style book. The
headings are given by the editors.
COPY DESK
News items are received from the copy desk coordinator. The news items are from agencies
of Press Trust of India and United News of India. News is also gathered from sources outside
Kerala. The desk chief understands the news contents, realizes the importance on the basis of
policy style, length and distributes to appropriate sub editors.
Sub editor creates news on the basis of the news items giving of slugs and remarks. The story
is keyed in the computer. The desk chief receives stories written by editors. These stories sent
to works department for composing and proofreading.
A printed format is attached to this stories in which slug remarks location to which story
should go are written. This list is also sent to hubs. The edited and proof items from copy
desk are placed in respective baskets in Kottayam hub and/ or sent to respective hubs by the
news room assistance in works division.
LOCAL DESK
This desk consists of local chief and page editors. News items are received from the agents,
part time reporters and the photos which are received from the staff photographers outside the
studio and program organizers.
The local chief tests the local news, stories and channels them to appropriate desk with
instruction regarding location to which the story should go and length display etc. Different
sub editors are responsible for different pages. Stories are edited and sent for composing or
proof reading. Pictures are received from bureaus through courier or computers. Page print
out is shown to the desk chief for comments of correction of any training classes are held for
agents and part timers usually.
Business, common and international pages are common for all units. Three editors are
assigned for doing pages separately. Page templates are opened in the computer and
advertisement space is marked in dummies supplied by news editor who gets it from
Each module is thoroughly read by sub editor while pasting the matter on the page. Agency
copies and overseas writings received from copy desk coordinated and sorted out translated,
edited in accordance with space requirements and sent for composing and proofing color
dummy for all units is released by 8 pm. There are nine feature pages and one booklet which
come out on different days with Manorama daily. Different editors deputed for it under the
supervision of chief news editor to do these feature pages.
For reporters and photographers, duty begins with the daily morning conference at the new
cubicle around 9.30 am. News editor briefs them about day’s schedule and duties. The
reporters as well as photographers keep separate news diaries. Based on the morning
conference discussions, the bureau chief and chief photographers keep assign duties to
reporters, part timers and photographers respectively.
In the news bureau, news is also received from part timers, agents, sub officers, press club
and various outside sources. These stories are entered in to the computer and before sending,
the concerned reporter checks the story on the screen whenever necessary, to ensure that
facts, grammar, spelling etc. are correct. The news editor testes general stories and direct
them to the rewrite desk with specific instructions. If sensitive controversial news is to be
concerned, it is referred to chief news editor for clearance. Photographers cover regular
functions and they try for best pictures depending on the news situation and editorial
guidelines. Taken photos are developed in the studio or in the colour lab. After allotting the
space for the particular news, the dummy is then sent to the works department for further
processing.
FUNCTIONS
News reporters
Local stingers
Agents
Direct customers
Other sources
The news items are sorted and arranged based on priority. The leading
stories of the day are given on the front page. Sports articles are designated under sports
page, editor’s view on the editorial page, local news under the local pages and late news
items under the night news page.
News items are included or excluded based on their relevance and space constrain.
FUNCTIONS
Editorial Director: The Editorial Director oversees all activities related to news editing. He
approves the news after thorough reading and seeks advice from top management.
Associate Editor: He ensures the credibility and relevance of each news item.
News Editor: News editor tests various news stories collected from different sources and
direct them to the rewrite desk with specific instructions. If sensitive or controversial news is
to be concerned, it is referred to chief news editor for clearance. News editor prepares news
by giving those slugs and remarks.
Desk Staff: The editorial department consists of two desks; copy desk and local desk. The
desk consists of local chief and page editors. Each page editor is specially assigned for the
preparation of different pages. The local chief tests the news, stories and channels them to
corresponding section with instruction regarding location to which the story should go and
length of display etc. Page print out is prepared by the desk editors and shown to the desk
chief for verification.
Reporters: Manorama has reporters from each locality. They collect local news and submit
to the local desk of corresponding units.
Library Staff: The library staffs maintain a well equipped library which keeps all the details
of various prominent personalities.
Editorial Director
Associate Editor
Co-ordinating
Editor/News Editor
Circulation is one of the most important factors behind the growth of any publication house
in the media industry. It plays a crucial role in generating revenue. Efficient circulation
fetches advertisements for the concerned publication house. Circulation and marketing
departments go hand-in- hand. Well organized circulation is vital in reaching the public.
Circulation division of Malaya Manorama is mainly responsible for marketing its products
and also the circulation process. Circulation inspectors are employed in order to do the field
work. They approach the clients directly for the marketing of products. They approach
schools, colleges, door to door etc. for the purpose of marketing products like CD-ROMS,
Children’s magazine, yearbook, diaries etc. Circulation duties of outside Kerala are done by
P&A division. This division handles the postal subscription of products. Manorama
introduced various schemes for subscription on the basis of 1 year, 3 year and 5 year. This
division does the market surveys and prepares periodical statistical reports about the
performance of the product in the market.
This division deals with the agents who circulate the products to the customers. They have to
see that the product reach to the agents at the right time and right destination. They are also
responsible for collecting cash from the agents. Agent’s commission is also decided by this
division. Dispatch section controls the transportation, time keeping, appropriate destination
etc.
Circulation division gives scholarships for agents’ children they are also responsible to solve
various problems faced by agents. They have to make sure that all the customers of
Manorama are satisfied with the service of agents. The agents are appointed with some
security collected from them.
FUNCTIONS
The circulation division is mainly responsible for the sale of all media products, the
circulation process and control of agent network. Planning and development of advertisement
and promotional strategies is another major responsibility of this division. Promotional
strategies are undertaken at the central level and unit level. All above the line promotional
activities are designed and implemented by the central office. At the unit level, promotional
strategies are decided based on the local conditions. Some of the promotional activities
undertaken at the unit level are:
PR Exercises: Temple festivals, citizen forums, citizen issues like ACV tie-up,
Palathulli campaign.
Timely service: Customer wakes up with Manorama- Our motto: Deliver the daily
before 6.30 am.
Malayala Manorama has a well established finance division. The finance division manages
the receipts and payments of the entire activities of the organization. It is mainly comprised
of two divisions- financial accounts and sales accounts.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS
This section is in charge of preparing the wage/salary statements and its administration. It
also controls company purchase and bill statements. The company mainly purchases
newsprint, machinery, spare parts for machinery and other office items. This section is
responsible for the settlement of all these purchase bills and it also controls all other expenses
incurred by other divisions.
Main accounts section also prepares Bank Reconciliation statement, Profit & Loss
statements and files RBI returns. Sales tax returns are filed monthly and income tax returns
annually. Sales tax audit, income tax audit and company audit are conducted annually. It also
deals with the arrangement of term loans. SAP was implemented in this section in1998.
SALES ACCOUNT
The sales account section is responsible for raising the bills to the advertisers and collection
of amounts. It is also responsible for the sales of the product of the company. Main revenue
of the newspaper is its advertisements and sales of its daily and other publications. Though
the circulation department collects these amounts, this section is responsible for preparing the
sales as well as revenue statement. Advertisement agencies are allowed credit period and
discounts based on their accreditation status with Indian Newspaper Society, which is the
controlling agency for publishers and advertisement agencies. A fully accredited ad agency
would get15% trade discount and two months credit period.
This division does the analysis of overall financial requirements of the company, budget
preparation for the company as well as different divisions. This section consists of a panel of
experts who provide management information regarding the financial status of the company
to the top management. This helps the top management to take effective measures and can
advice its various divisions about the financial position.
Each division prepares the individual budget and submits to the management accounts
division. The departmental budget includes details regarding salary of employees and
departmental expenses. The departments prepare monthly budgets and the consolidated
annual budget is submitted to the management accounts division. This division investigates
the variances between the budgeted and actual figures and seeks explanation from the
divisional heads.
CASH
Cash deals with the flow of liquid cash to and from the company. A cash counter is working
in the main office of Malayala Manorama and it belongs to the finance division. The liquid
cash from the public as well as the agents is accepted by this cash section. The payments for
different agents are made by the cash division. Also it issues voucher for company expenses.
The clerk encashes cheques after being passed by the Senior Manager. Payments above
Rs.20000 are not made in cash.
This division works with a team of auditors. Auditing activities of the company are
undertaken here. This division is lead by Senior Manager, internal audits.
Human Resources division in Manorama started its functioning on February 1st 1998.Before
its commencement all the human resource functions of the company were handled between
the top management and P&A division. Within a short span of time, human resources
division has proved its excellence. The division looks after many important functions like
analysis of manpower recruitment, manpower planning, recruitment, selection, induction,
analysis of training needs, training and development and contribution appraisal.
MANPOWER REQUISITION
MANPOWER PLANNING
The HR division also handles the recruiting function of the company. The different sources of
recruitment being used by company are databank, advertisement and campus interviews and
through different consultancy firms. After inviting the application, HR division does the
screening process. Call letter for different tests and interviews are sent to those applicants
who are selected after the screening process. The different tests and interviews conducted
vary depending upon the nature of the job. For journalists and stenographers, test is
compulsory. For the managerial cadre, psychological test and interview is must. There is a
final interview for the senior managers. After this the selected candidates are placed on their
respective jobs with the aid of an induction, training and probationary period.
RECRUITMENT
For the factory staff, the recruitment policy is designed in such a way that the employee’s
children and dependents will get maximum preference for the job. This policy of the
management is the main factor behind the good industrial relation scene in Manorama and the
loyalty among the employees.
Administrative staffs are recruited mainly through external sources. The company did not
give much priority for internal recruitment. But preference is given to employee children
provided they have the necessary qualification for the job. For the vacancies in the
administrative posts, advertisements are published in the local news papers to attract the right
candidate.
Management and editorial staff are recruited through advertisements as well as campus
recruitment. Advertisements are given in national dailies. Those recruited through campus
interviews are kept as management / editorial trainees for one year and if satisfactory, they
will be absorbed as probationers.
SELECTION
Selection involves picking up the right person from the total set of applicants. Selections are
done comparing the requirements of the job and the organization policy with the applicants
‘qualification and background. This attention is behind the wonderful success of this
organization which hasn’t even lost any single man hour due to labour unrest in the last 110
years.
Step-1: Reception of application – here application with reference to the advertisements are
received in the company.
Step -2: Preliminary screening of the application- after receiving the application a proper
screening is done and for suitable candidates, company will give an application form for
collecting the necessary details about the applicant.
Step -3: Test – the applicants have to undergo a number of tests which includes aptitude test,
psychological tests, skilled tests etc
Step-4: Preliminary interview – based on the tests, the short listed candidates are called for
an interview which is conducted by the division head and concerned persons with a
representative from personnel or human resource division. Thus interview is for getting the
facts and to get all the relevant information about the candidate and to analyze the attitude
and aptitude of a person.
This is the most important formality in Malayala Manorama selection procedure. The
candidates ‘past, background etc, are checked to see whether suits in the organization.
Background checking is very easy with the well structure network of Malayala Manorama
This interview is purely based on merit and skill. Ratio of 1/5 candidates is called for
this interview.
Final selection is based on the reference, medical check-up, and the discretion of the
top Management. After getting the approval from top Management, the decision is
communicated to the applicants.
INDUCTION
The company has a system of contribution appraisal to create appropriate working conditions.
This is an annual exercise. The exercise mainly aims to bring about ailments between an
individual’s expectations from his job with the expectation of his supervisors from hi. This
exercise also brings out the areas where he can contribute further.
PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL
PROMOTION
Promotion policy in Malayala Manorama is based on seniority and merit. The promotion is
based on the performance appraisal rating and the availability of higher posts. Here more
preference is given to merit.
Senior Manager
Senior Executive
Senior Clerk
Stenographer
Nothing on the web captures life in Kerala like the portal Manorama online. It takes visitors
deeper and deeper into the heart and hinterlands of Kerala. The portal has number of niche
channels, all smooth-flowing and easily navigable. Many of the arresting headlines streamed
from remotest villages in Kerala. The micro-coverage is so comprehensive that the nostalgic
Malayalee Diaspora has strong emotional connect with the portal. It is especially popular in
the Gulf States, the United States and the United Kingdom.
International media organizations like WAN-IFRA have acknowledged the sites for its
excellence and credibility in the news they provide. The site believes in updating by seconds
and not by minutes which has steered it to many accomplishments and recognition. It
showcases Kerala’s arts and culture, music, literature, food, religions, festivals and lifestyle
trends. It acts as a tourist guide, education counsellor, job spotter, investment advisor and
superstore.
Bilingual, the portal ripples with youthful energy, creativity and insouciance. It is a favourite
site for the malayalee youth to hang out on the web, chat, make friends or find life partners.
Manorama online was not the first electronic avatar of Malayala Manorama. Prince Philip of
the United Kingdom had inaugurated the internet editions of the newspaper and THE WEEK
on a visit to Manorama’s office in Kochi on October 17, 1997.These later evolved into an all-
encompassing portal, which grew phenomenally, creating a wide range of new services to the
visitors.
In 2007, the web rating site Alexa.com ranked Manorama online the world’s third most
popular online newspaper, after the New York Times and The Washington Post. Manorama
online promises to be a convergence hub of Manorama and its wings.
Manorama online services are available on the SMS and IVRS platforms to provide added
interactivity to the audience. Manorama online ipad application was launched in March 2011.
Led by world renowned designer Mario Garcia, an in-house team created and launched the
app. It has received critical acclaim from users the world over. The app is also available on
android and i phone platforms.
The works division is concerned with the conversion of raw materials into finished products
in the required quantity, maintaining a specified level of quality. The raw materials are news
(text and pictures) from the editorial and advertisement from the marketing division.
Malayala Manorama uses’ High speed Web Offset’ printing technology. The presses are
generally imported from Japan and Germany. Cold set presses are used for printing daily
while heats set presses are used for printing other publications like periodicals. The cold set
presses used in company are City line, frontline, news line and uniset presses. The heat set
presses used are Komori and Toshiba.
In the heat set presses, LPG is used to dry the ink. At present, there is a maximum printing
capacity of 24 pages with 8 colour pages. There is a provision for supplements also. The
maximum number of copies that can be printed every hour is 35000. Normally, the presses
run at a speed of 30000- 32000 copies/hour. Once the printing process is over, the
publications are automatically counted, packed and stacked and are dispatched to the agents
for distribution.
STORAGE
Storage of raw materials in highly secured area is important, especially in the case of news
print. Large go downs are arranged for storing raw materials in various operational units.
Pre- press
Press
Post press
The pre- press activities involve conversion of data into digital format. It includes data
entry, proof reading, editorial compilation, processing, picture scanning, CTP (computer to
plate ).there is a server system with back up which forms a connected network accessible
from all parts of India. This system forms the backbone of pre- press.
Proof reading
The process is done when the news is sent from the editorial board. proof reading is
done manually or using computer. They check the mistakes and structure of the
sentence and corrections are made if necessary. Proof readers are assigned to do this
job. Proof read pages are then verified by sub-editor and approved.
Scanning
This section is responsible for the scanning of the photos and other pictures which are
to be added in the pages. Manorama use modern scanning machines for this purpose.
This photos and pictures are scanned and are sent to computer for preparing the pages.
Pagination
Pagination starts as soon as the composed matter and scanned pictures are received
from the photo composing and systems scanning respectively. In the process the
columns and pictures are pasted on a page to adjust the space and prepare the layout.
PRESS ACTIVITIES
This department is responsible for preparing the films for the purpose of printing.
Two types of films are prepared, negative and positive. Both are prepared on
transparent sheets; positive for colour page and negative for black and white pages.
These films are sent to the plate making section for making plates for printing.
Printing Malayala Manorama uses the modern machinery of Toshiba and Komori for
printing purpose.This machinery is imported from Japan. Indian machinery is
manufactured by MANU GRAPHS,Mumbai. The company uses both automatic and
manually
controlled machines for printing purpose. Malayala Manorama uses both heat set and
cold set units for printing.
POST PRESS
After printing, the packages are sorted based on the place of dispatch and routes taken. And
the bundles are loaded to the vehicle in First in last out order. The major aim of dispatch
activities is to provide the right product to right agent in right time and in right quantity.
Executive Engineer
Foreman
Manager-Quality
Assurance
The Materials Division of Malayalam Manorama is in charge of the inflow and outflow of
materials required by the organization. It mainly controls the purchase of materials, all
materials except stationery. The major items of purchase are:-
Newsprint
Consumables
Capital goods
Spares
Promotionals
Newsprint is the major purchase item of the materials division. 50% of newsprint is imported
while the rest is sourced from indigenous sources. The major countries from where the
newsprint is imported are Canada, Finland, Sweden and Russia. The local suppliers include
Hindustan Newsprint Limited, Mysore Paper Mills etc. A consortium has been formed for
newsprint purchase by Malayala Manorama, Mathrubhumi, Deccan Herald and The Hindu
for better negotiating power. The qualities assessed while purchasing newsprint are:-
Malayala Manorama uses the following types of newsprints for printing various publications:
The grade of newsprint is based on GSM, opacity, brightness and lab values. The grams per
square meter (GSM) value affect the newsprint consumption. Lower the GSM value, higher
is the mileage derived from one reel of newsprint. As such, newsprint consumption can be
reduced bringing costs down. The GSM value for standard newsprint used in daily has been
reduced from 48.8 to 45 GSM recently. The target is to bring down the GSM value further
down to 43.5 as adopted by Japanese publishers.
The budget for newsprint is prepared by the materials division based in inputs regarding
pagination from marketing division, print order from circulation division and mileage details
from works division. The budgeted and actual figures of these factors are analyzed for future
budgets and also during audit.
Pages × Copies
𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 =
Mileage
The main of materials division is to optimize the newsprint cost per 100 pages, attain a
mileage of225.5 pages/kg of newsprint and to keep the wastage levels steadily below 3%.
The major items in consumables are black ink, colour inks, heat set inks, photopolymer
plates, heat set blankets, cold set blankets, packing straps, polythene sheets, fountain solution,
blanket wash etc. Around 50%of consumables are imported mainly from Japan. For materials
purchased indigenously, 30 days credit is allowed. For imported materials, payment is made
as soon as the documents arrive. The First in First Out System (FIFO) is practiced for issue of
consumables.
Capital expenditure is incurred when goods are bought for the first time. Spares are generally
purchased locally as and when need arises. Promotional include items which are given away
as gifts.
Newsprint
Printing ink
Aluminium plate
Chemicals
FUNCTIONS
The most important task is to prepare newsprint budget, month wise and unit
wise
Capital expenditure is budgeted at the beginning of the year
Market is watched daily for fluctuations
Forecast the cost of newsprint to decide whether to stock it or not
Check whether the number of pages has increased and take necessary
consideration
Discussions with Editorial and Marketing divisions on sales and total page
requirement for the year
Purchase of consumables, stationery and newsprint.
VENDOR RATING
In vendor rating parameters such as quality, service, delivery and price are considered. In
quality parameters such as application, product quality index, specific consumption,
runnability, printability, optical characteristics, finishing, packing and forwarding are
considered. In service parameters like document management, logistics service, technical
service and discounts settlement are evaluated. In delivery, details like delivery as per
demand and delivery schedule or flexibility is considered. In price rating, factors such as
price level and price history are considered. The vendor with the closest value to the rating is
ranked top and is preferred by the company.
General Manager
Senior Manager
Executives
Supervisors- Newsprint,
Consumables, Spares, Capital Item
Senior Clerk
Clerk
Store Keeper
CHAPTER 4
SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
CUSTOMERS
Malayala Manorama has a very loyal customer base. Thus they do not face any threat
of losing their customers and the cost of maintaining the customer loyalty would be
negligible when compared to that required by other newspapers in the market.
Manorama has always tried to serve its customers with credible news. That is the
reason why its customers trust Manorama the most.
EMPLOYEES
One of the major strengths of Manorama is its employees. The employees of the firm
are loyal and highly satisfied. The willingness of its employees to remain with the
firm and to follow its culture and practices is a highly contributing factor towards
Manorama’s success. This has also helped in increasing the productivity. Thus the
firm faces a very low employee turnover. The firm has got a pool of capable and
highly experienced work force and they form the firm’s most valuable assets.
MANAGEMENT
Management forms the backbone of Manorama. Employees being the main concern,
the management of Manorama has always stood for its employees and their welfare.
And also they succeeded in making its employees follow their culture and discipline
of the organization. The management of Manorama follows a decentralized system of
decision making. It helps the firm to have effective communication and quick action.
BRAND IMAGE
Manorama over its period of existence has built up its brand name as the paper of the
working class. The brand name is also perceived as one that has “Truth in News”.
Manorama has always tried to stand up to the expectations of its customers. Its
enriched culture and legacy has always helped Manorama to attain great heights.
SOCIAL COMMITMENT
The commitment that Malayala Manorama has towards the society is the most
prominent among its activities beyond journalism. Manorama considers social welfare
as important as providing credible news. Its welfare activities have gained wide
popularity as they go deep into the problems and bring out the desired results.
MARKET POSITION
Manorama enjoys the privilege of being in the first position with regards to
circulation quality and readership. This is one advantage that the newspaper can
project in improving aspects such as circulation and advertisement revenue.
WEAKNESSES
Age Distinction
Existence of old computers in Department
Fewer chance of promotion.
OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS
ELECTRONIC MEDIA
Modern media like television and internet are big challenges for the print media. Easy
accessibility and advanced facilities in communication make electronic media
preferred to print media. And also the reading habit of present generation has
degraded compared to before.
COMPETITORS
The competitors of Manorama raise a great threat for the firm. The
competitors are trying to catch the market by introducing new styles, ideas and
marketing strategies.
CHAPTER 5
4.3 FINDINGS
Trusted Name: Malayala Manorama is the most trusted name in the print media.
Manorama give due importance to credible news and facts.
Iconic Brand Value: Manorama has created an iconic brand value among other print
media competitors which are far behind. Manorama has the lead of 7 lakhs of copies
than its immediate competitor.
Management with great vision: Management with great vision leads the firm
towards glorious heights. All the activities and strategies of Manorama are future
oriented and they contribute to its success in all levels.
Top rankings: Malayala Manorama is the No.1 daily in Kerala, No.1 vernacular
language daily in India and is at the 3rd position among all the dailies in India.
Employee friendly work environment: Manorama provides a splendid work
environment for its employees. Advanced facilities, properly designed work place,
cleanliness make the work environment fruitful for the employees to deliver their best
performance.
Highly motivated work group: Manorama always care for its employees. It provides
a number of benefits to keep its employees satisfied and motivated. The high level
motivation of employees helps in increasing the overall productivity of the firm.
No age limit for employees: No age limit is set for the employees in Manorama.
He/she can work in accordance with his or her wish. There is no retirement.
CSR activities and Charity: The firm has been highly endeavoured to serve the
society with a number of CSR activities and Charity programs. As its mission
statement indicates, Manorama does a number of charity woks which is a part of its
culture. CSR activities of Manorama like Palathulli, Snehatheeram and Nalla Padam
have touched the deep roots of society and brought the change which they intended to
make.
Friendly atmosphere: The employees of Manorama are in a harmonic relation and
they work towards achieving the organizational goals in a coordinated manner.
High quality in printing: Manorama has got the latest models of imported printing
machines. Thereby it maintains the high quality of printing in all its publications.
Strong quality control measures: Strong quality control measures are adopted by
the works division of Manorama. It ensures the quality of its products by
implementing various measures to meet the quality standards. The works division
conducts quality checks starting from the raw materials and in all stages of
production.
Strong presence in visual media, online and radio: Manorama has become a strong
presence in visual media, online and radio. MM TV has become one of the most
popular and rated news channels on television. Manorama online is the 3rd most
popular online newspaper in the world. Radio Mango is one among the most popular
FM and it entertains and influences a large audience.
Wide range of publications: Manorama has got a number of publications which
covers readers in every age group. The publications of Manorama covers all societal
aspects like politics, economy, culture, literature, health, education and career, life
style etc. Also Manorama has publications especially for women, men and children.
Financial Status: The firm is highly secured with its financial status and is one of the
most profitable organizations in print media.
Coordination among Department is high: The departments of Manorama being
well coordinated and clearly focused are able to help achieve its goals within the time
and cost constraints. Each department has individual goals and strategies. The
departmental targets are met and these lead to the attainment of organizational goals.
The departments rely on an effective communication system that facilitates timely
decisions. Every division keeps a strong link with other divisions.
Time oriented: Time has great significance in news paper industry. So all the
activities are done in a timely manner in order to meet daily deadlines.
Public Events: The firm has been conducting many event programs associated with
various private sectors as well public sectors. It is one among its marketing strategies.
True life story: Manorama has a true life story and they give more value for the
cultural aspects, dedication, hard work and its positive energy stands truly to serve the
society.
4.4 SUGGESTIONS
4.5 CONCLUSION
News paper is one of the strongest media of communication. It covers entire information
relating to human being. By having a detailed study we had a practical understanding on what
the company is all about and what are the key functions of various divisions. I experienced a
different culture and had a close relationship with the working environment. Malayala
Manorama is one of the most successfully family owned business group in India. The success
of Malayala Manorama lies in its dedicated work force.
There are various underlying factors for Manorama’s success and achievements. The most
contributing factor is its committed and satisfied manpower that remain strongly bounded
with its enduring culture. The affection and care that the management has towards its
employees creates a fruitful and conducive environment within the organization. It provides
the employees with a sense of being secured and balanced.
The Departments of Manorama being well coordinated and clearly focused are able to help
achieve its goals within the time and cost constraints. Each department has individual goals
and strategies. The departmental targets are met and these lead to the attainment of
organizational goals. The departments rely on an effective communication system that
facilitates timely decisions.
Manorama is such a socially responsible organization that it has always tried to touch the
deep roots of society. It reflects its social commitment through its various social welfare
activities which has a constant nature of serving the purpose.
Manorama with its enriched culture, future oriented vision, harmonic employer employee
relation and specific quality concerns, is growing to new heights day by day.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
WEBLIOGRAPHY
www.google.com
www.wikipedia.com
www.manoramaonline.com