Lokmat (literally 'People's Opinion') is a Marathi language newspaper published in Maharashtra state. Founded in 1971 by Jawaharlal Darda, it is the largest read regional language newspaper in India with more than 18 million readers and the No. 1 Marathi newspaper in Maharashtra & Goa states.[1][2][3] It is also available in E-Paper format.
Broadcast news channel
Lokmat extended its media business to television through a 50-50 joint venture with IBN18 Broadcast Limited. The joint venture company, IBN-Lokmat Private Limited (“IBNL”), operates IBN-Lokmat, a 24 x 7 Marathi news and current affairs television channel which went on air on April 6, 2008.[4]
Controversies
2015 ISIS cartoon controversy
In 2015, a cartoon published alongside the article "ISIS cha Paisa" (ISIS' money), regarding the funding pattern of terrorist group ISIS, led to violent protests from Muslim groups and attacks on the newspaper's offices in Jalgaon, Dhule, Nandurbar, Malegaon and other locations across Maharashtra. Protestors deemed the cartoon to be "blasphemous". Several complaints were filed with the police regarding the cartoon, and subsequently, an FIR was lodged against the owners, the cartoonist and the editor. The newspaper later published an apology.[5][6][7][8] Police stated that they had increased security at all Lokmat offices across Maharashtra following the attacks.[7]
References
- ↑ IRS 2017: Daily Thanthi, Lokmat, Malayala Manorama command highest regional readership. Exchange4Media News Service(2018-01-19). Retrieved 2018-09-26.
- ↑ IRS 2017: Newspapers add 11.2 crore readers in 4 years; no English dailies in top 10. The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2018-09-26.
- ↑ IRS 2017: Newspapers add 11.2 cr readers in 4 yrs; no English. Outlook. Retrieved 2018-09-26.
- ↑ Marathi news channel to be JV with Lokmat: GBN(Jun 14, 2007). Retrieved 2015-12-01.
- ↑ Offices of Lokmat Newspaper Attacked Over Piggy Bank Cartoon(December 1, 2015). Retrieved 2015-12-01.
- ↑ FIR against Marathi daily. Retrieved 2015-12-01.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Marathi daily attacked for publishing 'derogatory' cartoon(30 November 2015). Retrieved 2015-12-01.
- ↑ Lokmat having to apologise for a cartoon on ISIS shows the sorry state of press freedom in India, Saikia, Arunabh. newslaundry.com. Newslaundry(November 30, 2015). Retrieved March 11, 2018.