About malayala manorama news paper industry

ORGANIZATION STUDY AT MALAYALA MANORAMA

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

MARTHOMA COLLEGE FOR MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY 1


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.



1.2 NEED OF THE STUDY

To be a part of the organization and to have a detailed study on the functions , activities,

divisions, cultural background ,and other services provided by the firm. This study also

enables us to have an insight into the application of various organizational theories and the

gap between knowledge and practice.

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.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

To familiarize with a reputed industry and to gain a practical experience, study the

functioning of various divisions and other activities which are carried out in the

organization.

To develop an understanding on various management practices followed in different

areas of the organization.

To club the theoretical knowledge with the organizational practices

To understand the organizational design

To understand how key business practices are carried out in the organization.

To understand how information is used in the organization for decision making at

various levels.

To understand the organizational structure

To study how the industry functions

To do the SWOT Analysis

To make suggestions according to my knowledge.



1.4 RESEARCH METHODOLGY

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.

Data Collection Methods

Data from primary sources:

Interview method. Under this study, data are collected directly from the

officials, board members, managers and other employees in the organization.

Data from secondary sources:

Library books, department documents, journals, reference books etc.



1.5 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

To understand an organization and its working completely, a period of 30 days was

not sufficient

Much information regarding the firm is not disclosed by the officials.

Other departments of the company were warned to be out of bounds, so it was not

possible to study in detail their activities and overall atmosphere.

The company by policy never reveals its financial information and this limits the

entirety of the study.

The detailed data of other companies related to the same business could not be

obtained and hence a comparative study was not possible.

Most of the employees were busy with their jobs so much interaction was not

possible.



CHAPTER 2

INDUSTRY PROFILE



1.6 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.

A 39-year-old Johann Gutenberg came up with a printing method, where, by arranging

stamps displaying the letters of the alphabet, one could construct a page of literature to be

copied numerous times. This became known as the Gutenberg Press, one of the greater

inventions the fifteenth century held. Although a giant improvement from hand copying, this

method still required the rearrangement of the letters each time a new page was to be printed.



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.



SL.NO NEWSPAPER COUNTRY

1 The New York Times United States

2 The Guardian United Kingdom

3 The Daily Mail United Kingdom

4 The Wall Street Journal United States

5 The Washington Post United States

6 The People’s Daily China

7 The Daily Telegraph United Kingdom

8 USA Today United States

9 Los Angeles Times United States

10 EL Mundo Spain

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



2.1 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.

Contribution Towards Agriculture Sector

As mentioned Varughese Mappilai a future focused personality, has motivated farmers to

start rubber plantation, and highlighted the possibilities of planting rubber.

Creating Job Opportunities

It was an era of lack of decent jobs. Malayala Manorama created large opportunities to be

part of their venture with additional benefits.

Creating Network of Friendships:



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.

A Sacred Trust was Born

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

Mr. K.M.Mathew, the younger brother of K.M.Cherian joined Manorama as general

Manager in 1954 and held the reins with a steady hand. He soon became managing editor.

K.M. Mathew had proved his mettle as a coffee estate manager in Karnataka and was running

a successful business in Mumbai. At 37, he had little experience in running a newspaper. He

was, however long on courage. K.M. Mathew’s style-of journalism and management-had a

magical effect on Manorama’s fortunes. When K.M Cherian died in 1973, K.M Mathew

succeeded him as chief editor. He nurtured Manorama and made it branch out like a giant

banyan tree. Almost every publication from the Malayala Manorama group became the

largest selling in India. Yet, K.M. Mathew is best known for his caring, nurturing brand of

journalism. While spurring Manorama into circulation conquests and spawning other best-

selling publications he practiced an endearing brand of journalism-journalism with a human

touch. He triggered a host of development projects in Kerala by initiating a series of seminars

on Industry. At the same time, he launched several campaigns for protection of the

environment. In the 1980’s he set an easy-to-read writing style for the mass circulated

Manorama Weekly. He changed the typing mode towards computer technologies.

Implemented new system software’s for the easy printing and getting updated in news within

a short span. He realizes that innovation in full aspects is needed in challenging environment.



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

Chief Editor: Mammen Mathew

Executive Editor: Jacob Mathew

Editor & Managing Director: Philip Mathew

VISION

In a nutshell the Mission of Malayala Manorama is “Charity is our Household Divinity” and vision is “Neethiyukthamaya Swathanthramaya Sathyasanthamaya

Pathrapravarthanam”.



High Trust-Through Family Culture

Faces All Problem-Still maintains spirit of Harmony

Delegates and Develops-Yet retain Honesty

Helps others Succeed-Yet remains Informal

High Performance Standards-Which Allows Transparency

Highly Innovative-In being Ambitious

Process Happening-Create sense of Belongingness

MISSION

The Mission of Malayala Manorama is “Dharmosamath Kuladaivam” meaning

“Charity is our house hold divinity”. Manorama exists to lead the people to a

righteous lignin. Malayala Manorama has been socially conscious and welfare oriented

organization. It has an effective management and a decentralized system of decision

making.

GOALS

To satisfy the Readers with credible news.

Finding out the social, political, economic issues in the environment and reporting it truthfully.

Not to be profit oriented, but to be service oriented.

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

1888 – Malayala Manorama Company is founded by Kandathil Varghese Mappillai on March

14.

1890 – The first issue of Malayala Manorama (weekly newspaper) was printed on March 22.

1892 – Bhashaposhini literary magazine launched.

1901 – Manorama turns bi-weekly on August 7.

1915 – Manorama starts publishing World War supplements.

1918 – Manorama turns tri-weekly on July 2

1928 – Manorama becomes a daily on January 16

1929 – Akhila Kerala Balajana Sakhyam formed on May 29

1930 – Manorama begins publication of annual numbers

1937 – Manorama Weekly is launched on August 8

1938 – Manorama proscribed in Travancore on September 10

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.

1947 – From 29 November, Malayala Manorama re-commences regular publication.

1950 – Installation of the first rotary press

1951 – President Dr. Rajendra Prasad inaugurates diamond jubilee celebrations

1954 –

K.M. Cherian becomes Chief Editor

K.M. Mathew joins Manorama as General Manager



1956 – Manorama Weekly relaunched

1957 – Inauguration of Mammen Mappillai Memorial Hall, Kottayam

1959 – Manorama Yearbook, in Malayalam, released

1965 –

Manorama Yearbook’s English edition released

K.M. Cherian was awarded Padma Shri

1966 –

President S. Radhakrishnan inaugurates Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

Kozhikode Edition Launched on December 1

1971 – K.M. Cherian was awarded Padma Bhushan

1972 – Balarama was launched

1973 – K.M. Mathew becomes Chief Editor and Mammen Varghese General Manager

1975 – Vanitha was launched

1979 – Kochi Edition of the daily launched on January 15

1980 – Manorama won National Award for Newspaper Design

1982 – ‘The Week’ magazine launched on December 26

1986 – President Giani Zail Singh inaugurates facsimile transmission system at Manorama,

Kottayam, on August 30

1987 – Kerala Chief Minister K.Karunakaran inaugurates Thiruvananthapuram edition on

February 16

1988 –

President R.Venkataraman inaugurates Manorama’s centenary celebrations at

Kottayam on March 23

Commemorative postage stamp released



Mammen Mathew becomes editor and managing director on September 1

1990 - Tamilnadu Governor Dr.Bhish Narain Singh releases Manorama Year Book in Tamil

on March 15.

1992 – Chief Minister K.Karunakaran inaugurated Palakkad Edition on April 22

1993 – Manorama Vision, the electronic media vision, launched on October 15

1994 – Chief Minister K.Karunakaran inaugurated Kannur edition on December 17

Vijayaveedhi launched on January 5

1995-

Manorama Music launched on January 1

Karshakasree Magazine launched on September 2

1997 – Thozhilveedhi released on December 4

1998 –

K.M. Mathew was awarded Padma Bhushan on April 12

Kerala Chief Minister E.K.Naynar inaugurated Thrissur Edition on September 14

1999 –

Malayala Manorama got certified to ISO 9001 Standard

Balarama Digest released on November 13

2000 –

Magic Pot released on March 1

Vidhyarambham programme begins in all Manorama Units

2001 –

Vice-president Krishnan Kant inaugurated the Malappuram unit on February 25

Executive Editor Jacob Mathew elected to the Executive Council of the World

Association of Newspapers (WAN)



2002-

Online department launched on 20th June

Mumbai Edition Of Malayala Manorama Launched on January 11

Bangalore and Chennai editions launched on January 16

Manorama School of Communications (MASCOM) inaugurated on June 18

2003 – Manorama was selected as Super brand 2003-2004

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 –

Manorama e-paper launched on January 1

Malayala Manorama Pala Thulli campaign wins UNESCO-IPDC Prize for Rural

Communication

Manorama News, MM TV’s 24-hour news and current affairs channel, launched on

August 17

2007 –

A.K. Antony, Union Minister of Defense inaugurates Pathanamthitta Edition on May

28

Malayala Manorama becomes the only Regional Language Daily in India to cross 15

lakhs copies

Radio Mango Launched.

2010 - Mammen Mathew becomes the chief editor



2011 – Mazhavil Manorama, MM TV’s 24-hour entertainment channel launched

2012 – Alappuzha Edition Launched.

2013 – President of India, Shri. Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 125 th Anniversary

Celebrations of Malayala Manorama on March 16.

2014- Closing ceremony of 125th anniversary celebration was inaugurated by Honourable

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at New Delhi on March 14.

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.

Readership of top 5 Malayalam dailies

(source: Audit Bureau of Circulations, 2013)

Daily Readership (in lakhs)

Malayala Manorama 99

Mathrubhumi 63

Deshabhimani 33.06

Kerala Kaumudi 13.04

Madhyamam 11.45

TECHNOLOGICAL EDGE OF MALAYALA MANORAMMA

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:

Reliance and BSNL Data Circuits:

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.

Virtual Private Network

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:

SAP (System Applications and Products)

It is the latest mode of financial accounting.

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 United Arab Emirates

Dubai

In Bahrain

Manama

In Qatar

Doha



2.2 CSR ACTIVITIES OF MALAYALA MANORAMMA

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 ( Blessed Kerala)

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

On Vijayadasami day, Manorama holds a massive Vidhyarambham, initiation into learning

for children in all its units across the country, with literary and cultural icons as Gurus. It has

become a cultural festival for children and a pilgrimage for the grownups, year after year.

1000s of children start their journey of learning every year at Manorama.

Malayala Manorama Banegaon

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.

The state of Maharashtra allotted banegaon to Manorama for rebuilding. Renowned

architects, commissioned by Manorama, spent a month in Banegaon and visualized a holistic

village. Then a team of workmen hired by Manorama took over. In just 15 months, they built

an entire village: 163 houses, roads, a library, a hospital, a panchayat office, an open-air

theatre, a village parlour, a gymnasium, a tank to collect rainwater, and even a Hanuman

temple. All structures were built to withstand quakes of a magnitude of 6.5 on the ricter scale.

The villagers knew it. And they renamed the Village “Malayala Manorama Banegaon”

Malayala Manorama Chapredi

Manorama rushed to Gujarat when an earthquake destroyed hundreds of villages there on

January 26, 2001. Raising funds from readers and well-wishers, it chose the peasant village

of Chapredi in Kutch for rebuilding. Chapredi lay 17 kilometers from Lodai, the epicenter of

the quake that killed 25000 people. As in Banegaon, a team from Manorama camped in

Chapredi for months. They brave barriers of language, harsh climate, coils of red-tape and

fear of the unknown in the aftermath of rioting that followed the Godhra train carnage of

February 27, 2002. The villagers warmed to them and helped them rebuild 119 houses, roads,

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

It is a massive forestation program conducted by Malayala Manorama by distributing more

than 18 lakhs of plant saplings throughout Kerala in association with the State Forest

Department.

Njangalundu Koode (Palliative Care)

It is a program to take care of bedridden patients, in association with the Institute of

Palliative Medicine, Calicut.

Vazhikkannu (Road Safety project)

A road show project to create awareness among the people about the road accidents,

involving school children.

SAVE Energy Project



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

Sooryakaanthi is a project of Malayala Manorama launched with a view of generating energy

from solar power for the present and future generations.

Balajanasakhyam

It was found on 1929.The motto of Balajanasakhyam is to build leadership qualities and

creative energy and develop talents in children. Over the years it has grown into the largest

democratic institution of its kind in Asia. Its motto is “we serve”. It has branches in every

villages of Kerala. The members in the age group 6-18 elect the leaders to run the sakhyam. It

develops physical, mental, aesthetic abilities and initiates children’s community works.

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

The Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) is a non – profit circulation –auditing

organization. It certifies and audits the circulation of major publications, including news

papers and magazines in India. According to their latest reports, Manorama is the 4 th largest

circulating news paper in India & No1 daily language newspaper in Kerala with 22.32lakhs

of copies with a lead of 7.73 copies than their competitors.



PRODUCT PROFILE



2.3 PRODUCT LIST

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.

NAME FREQUENCY LANGUAGE TYPE

Balarama Weekly Malayalam Children

Arogyam Monthly Malayalam Health

Balarama Amar chitra kadha

Fortnightly Malayalam Comics

Balarama Digest Weekly Malayalam Children

BhashaposhiniMonthly Malayalam

Arts & literature

Karshakasree Monthly Malayalam Agriculture

Magic Pot Weekly English Children

The Man Monthly English Men

Smart Life Monthly English Society



Kalikkudukka Weekly Malayalam Children

Tell Me Why Monthly English Children

Thozhil Veedhi Weekly Malayalam Career

Vanitha Fortnightly Malayalam, Hindi Women

Vanitha Veedu Monthly Malayalam Property

Watch the India Monthly English Technology

The Week Weekly English General Interest

jManorama Year

Book.Yearly Malayalam, Hindi General awareness

Fast TrackMonthly Malayalam Automobile

Manorama weekly Weekly Malayalam General Interest

News paper Daily Malayalam, Daily news



PRODUCT FEATURES

MALAYALA MANORAMA DAILY

Malayala Manorama is a daily newspaper, in Malayalam language, published in the state of Kerala, India, by The Malayala Manorama Co. Ltd. According to World Association of Newspapers, as of 2008, it holds a position as top 26 th most circulating newspaper in the world (third largest circulating newspapers in India behind The Times of India and Dainik Jagran and most widely read daily and number one in Kerala. It was first published as a weekly on 14 March 1890, and currently has a readership of over 20 million, with a circulation base of over 1.9 million copies)

MALAYALA MANORAMA WEEKLY

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 26th 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

Vanitha is an Indian magazine published fortnightly by the Malayala Manorama group. Although its name translates to "woman" in Malayalam, it includes articles on a variety of topics, and is not strictly a women's magazine. Vanitha was launched in 1975 as a monthly, but turned into a fortnightly in 1987. The magazine was founded by Annamma Mathew, wife of K. M. Mathew, a woman who has contributed immensely in the fields of social service, cookery, journalism and literature. Vanitha launched a Hindi edition in 1997. Vanitha is published by MM Publications from Kottayam. MM Publications is part of Malayala Manorama Group. In 2004, the Malayalam edition of the magazine had a readership of over of 3.7 million, making it the fifth-highest read magazine in India. In addition to being released twice a month, Vanitha also includes special double issues for Onam, Easter, New Year's Day and Christmas.

THOZHILVEEDHI

Manorama Thozhil Veedhi is employment news weekly in Malayalam published by the Malayala Manorama group from Kochi. Thozhil Veedhi is a good companion for job seekers as it publishes details of Government Jobs, public as well as private job opportunities. Thozhil Veedhi covers excellent materials where one can enhance knowledge on current affairs. It publishes details of domestic as well as overseas job opportunities

BALARAMA

Balarama is a Malayalam comic magazine published by M. M. Publications Limited, Malayala Manorama Group from Kottayam, Kerala. Starting as a monthly in 1972, it became a fortnightly periodical in November 1984, before finally settling as a weekly in 1999. The magazine is popular among both the urban and the rural population in Kerala, but the reading is largely confined to children. Along with the comic strips (developed in-house or syndicated), the content also includes short stories, serialized novels and various puzzles.



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

It was launched in September 2004. It is a 84 page Malayalam Monthly which features columns on First Aid, Anxiety Prevention, Yoga, Home remedies, Health flash, Hospitals and medical technologies. The contributions from eminent doctors and medical experts increase its credibility. Every issue focuses on a particular ailment, its prevention and cure. It is fast becoming the favourite among the health conscious malayalees. It uses art paper, glazed newsprints and standard newsprints.

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

It releases in 5 languages; English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil and Malayalam. It brings information, knowledge and fun facts at our finger tips. It is a reference companion and information sources to all knowledge seekers. It also utilized for exams and entrance tests.

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

It was launched in March 2003. It is a comprehensive guide on entire construction industry from dream home plans to interiors and exteriors, from cost cutting to maintenance.



HIGHER EDUCATION DIRECTORY

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.

PRICE LIST EACH PUBLICATION

Publication Price (Rs)

Balarama 13

Arogyam20

Balarama Amar Chithra Kadha10

Balarama Digest10

Bhashaposhini13

Karshakasree12

Magic Pot10

The Man100

Smart Life30



Kalikkudukka12

Tell Me Why22

Thozhil Veedhi7

Vanitha20

Vanitha Veedu14

Watch The India20

The Week20

Year Book145

Fast Track20

Manorama weekly12

News paper6.50



CHAPTER 3

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE



2.4 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 is very significant as it is directly relate to the attainment of the

organizational objectives. A good organizational structure should not be static but dynamic.

It should be subjected to change from time to time in the light of the changes in the business

environment.

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

2.5 PERSONNEL & ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT

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.

FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The functions undertaken by Personnel and Administration division can be summarized as follows:

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

Recruitment is the process of attracting suitable applicants towards a vacancy in the

organization. Though the recruitment process is mainly undertaken by the Human Resources

division, the Personnel and Administration division also has a role in recruitment activities.

P&A division does the background check for selecting individuals.

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.



In short the personnel records consist of the following:

Appointment, Probation, Contract renewal, Confirmation, Separation and Transfer

letters.

Payroll number, PF number

ID cum swiping cards

Press cards

Attendance record

Leave records

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.

CIVIL WORK AND LEASING

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.

TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION

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

Communication is inevitable for any organization. The Personnel and Administration

division of Malayala Manorama is mainly responsible for maintaining an effective

communication system within the organization. The concerned staffs of P&A deal with all

aspects of communication including internet facilities. Communication within the

organization is made effective with the help of a Wide Area Network (WAN). Mobile

communication is also facilitated within the organization and SIM cards are provided for the

same. Tata, BSNL and Reliance are the major serviced providers.

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.

RECEPTION AND PUBLIC RELATION

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.

Free medical aid

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..

Complementary and Concessional sale of publications

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.



P&A DEPARTMENT CHART


Senior Manager

Manager

Deputy Manager, Construction

Deputy Manager, P&A

Assistant Manager

Senior Executive, Automobile

Executive P&A Supervisors Executive Automobile

Welfare Assistants,

House Keeper

Front office Assistant Clerk

Front Office, Reception

Stenographers, Section Heads

Drivers, Peons

Security

Chief General Manager

Security


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.

Assistant Manager: Assistant Manager is responsible for functions of insurance schemes,

charity and employee records. When an employee joins the firm, the Assistant Manager

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.

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.



2.6 MARKETING DEPARTMENT

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.

PRESENCE IN ONLINE MARKETING

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.



ACTIVITIES OF MARKETING DIVISION

Space & Time selling Advertising Product management Market research Promotional activities Direct selling Radio Mango.

SPACE & TIME SELLING

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

Advertisements can be classified into 2 categories:

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 of Manorama undertakes various promotional activities which

include:

Event Management (Junction K)

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:

Horizon- is a highly acclaimed educational exhibition conducted by Manorama

during the period April to June. The aim of this program is to strengthen the

relationship with the young adults who are the emerging customers of tomorrow.



Parpidam-is a real estate exhibition organized in the month of December. It focuses

on aspects regarding buying and building homes, housing finance, building materials,

designing etc. This is a short cut into the exploration of taste and preferences of

customers.

Manorama Fiesta-it is a customer exhibition organized during the festival season of

Onam to capitalize on the spending spree of Malayalee.

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.

Seasonal/ Geographical Events

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.



MARKETING DEPARTMENT CHART


CGM

Marketing Advertising &Sales

CGM

Marketing Services & Solutions

Regional GM

Mumbai

Senior GM

Delhi

Regional GM

Chennai

Regional GM

Bangalore

Unit Heads Marketing

Managers

Executives

Administrating Staff

Deputy GM

Market Research

Research Executives

Deputy GM

Marketing Online

Executives Online

Marketing


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.

3.1 EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT

Editorial division is the lifeline of every organizations belonging to print media. This division

plays a major role in collecting the news till printing. The copy desk handles general news

from agencies like PTI and UNI and also outside Kerala sources. Local desk handles news

items from agents, bureau reports, photographs and part time stingers.

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



marketing department. News schedule for common pages is supplied around 5 pm by

Trivandrum and Cochin units as most stories originate from these units.

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.

BUREAU REPORTERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

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

The activities of the editorial division at Malayala Manorama are:

A. Editorial new gathering

The editorial division gathers news from the following sources:

News agencies like Reuters, PTI etc.



News reporters

Local stingers

Agents

Direct customers

Other sources

B. Sorting news on priority base

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.

B. Excluding or including news

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 DEPARTMENT CHART


Associate Editor

Co-ordinating Editor/News Editor

Editorial Director

Reporting Staff

Administrative Staff

Library Staff Photographers Desk Staff (Editors)


3.2 CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT

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 major activities of circulation division in Manorama are:

Developing promotional strategies and materials.

Conduction market surveys for product improvement

Monitoring achievement of sales targets

Conceptualizing product promotional advertisements.

Providing developmental inputs to the editorial team

Evaluating own publications with that of competitors

Ensuring timely bill collection

Coordination with production team for timely delivery

Efficient agency network- backbone of successful circulation

Retail audit- to measure sales trend

New agency appointments

Regular agency meetings- informal interactive session with agents to address their

grievances, take valuable inputs and maintain long- term relationships

Schemes like Vayanakalari to increase circulation and rein in the next generation.

Social activities like Palathulli, Santhwanam, Hridayapoorvam, Njangal undu

koode etc.

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.

Contests: Unit level reader contest.

Timely service: Customer wakes up with Manorama- Our motto: Deliver the daily before 6.30 am.

Reader schemes: Tambola schemes, promotions, supplement launches.

Loyalty programs: Discount cards and monitoring of member establishments, Vazhikatti, reader insurance.

Events: Seminars, workshops, Athapookkalam, quizzes etc.

CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT CHART




Chief General Manager, Circulation

Senior Manager, Circulation

Manager, Circulation

Deputy Manager, Circulation

Assistant Manager, Circulation

Senior Executive, Circulation

Executive, Circulation

Supervisors, Circulation

Section Head, Circulation

Senior Clerk, Circulation

Junior Clerk, Circulation

Deputy General Manager, Circulation Senior General Manager, Sales

Regional General Managers, Sales

Junior Clerk, Sales

Senior Clerk, Sales

Sales Co-ordinators, Sales

Executives, Sales

Senior Executives, Sales

Assistant Managers, Sales

Deputy Managers, Sales

Regional Managers, Sales

Regional General Managers, Sales


3.3 FINANCE DEPARTMENT

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.



MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS DIVISION

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.

INTERNAL AUDIT DIVISION

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.



FINANCE DEPARTMENT CHART


Chief General Manager, Finance

Senior Manager, Main Accounts

Manager, Main Accounts

Senior Executives

Executive

Senior Accountants

Accountants

Manager, Sales Accounts

Manager, Sales Accounts

Deputy Manager, Sales Accounts

Senior Executives, Sales Accounts

Executives, Sales Account


3.4 HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

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

This is an important function performed by human resource division. HR division analyses

the requisitions made by different divisions. The immediate supervisor, manager or the news

editors make these requisitions to the functional heads of the concerned division. After

receiving requisition from the divisional head, the General Manager writes his comments

regarding the suggestion made on it and sends it to the SGM, human resources.

MANPOWER PLANNING

There is a manpower committee at Malayala Manorama, which is not a part of human

resource division. It is a body of top management, which includes GMs of HR and P&A

division. They study the feasibility and see whether a person is required. After analyzing the

feasibility, they sanction the manpower requisition from as and when the vacancy arises.

RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION

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

Recruitment in Malayala Manorama can be described in three categories:

1. Recruitment policy for factory staff

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.

2. Recruitment of administrative staff

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.

3. Recruitment of Managerial and editorial staff.

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.

The selection procedure of Malayala Manorama gives consideration to the organizational

policy, organizational requirements as well as technical and professional dimensions of

selection procedure. The selection procedure is different for factory staff, administrative staff



and management staff. However the selection procedure for the editorial staff and managerial

staff can be treated as the model procedure for selection.

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.

Step -5: Back ground checking

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

Step -6: Final interview

This interview is purely based on merit and skill. Ratio of 1/5 candidates is called for

this interview.

Step -7: Selection

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



It is the technique by which a new employee is rehabilitated in to the changed surroundings

and introduced to the practices, policies and purpose of the organization. Malayala Manorama

a person joins ether as a trainee, probationer or in permanents stream. The first step in the

induction process is introducing the person to his department. Later he is given all relevant

information about the organization, its hierarchy, culture, practices, procedures, benefits and

do’s and don’ts. Usually the induction program lasts for 1 month depending on the position

the employee holds in the organization. The management staff has to visit all the units before

the completion of the induction program.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

The training and development program in an organization helps the employees in a

continuous and planned way to acquire or sharpen their competencies. knowledge, attitudes,

values and skills required to perform various functions associated with their present or

expected future goals; discover and exploit their inner potentials for their own and or

organizational development purposes; bring about an integrated culture of trust, openness,

teamwork and collaboration. Malayala Manorama gives great emphasis to technology

education program. Company nominates employees for need based training programs like

computer classes, seminars, workshops and discussions etc. For editorial staff, separate

editorial training programs are conducted. Criteria for skilled training are:

the ability to learn

the company’s need for a person to learn a particular skill

whether the individual wants to learn

The important training programs in Malayala Manorama are:

Senior management program

Executive development program

Supervisory development program

Program on inter-personal relations

Personality development programs

program on total quality management

CONTRIBUTION APPRAISAL PROGRAM



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

Malayala Manorama performance appraisal serves several useful purposes;

It is the basis for job change and promotion

By identifying the strength and weakness of an employee. It serves as a guide for

formulating suitable training and development programs improve his quality of

performance on his present work

It serves as a feedback to employees

It serves as a means for evaluating the effectiveness of tools used for the selection and

classification of workers

In Malayala Manorama, performance of an employee is rated by a superior authority and the

process is done very confidential. The remarks of this will be marked in his personal file and

will be considered in the time of promotion or job change.

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.



HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT CHART


Senior General Manager

Senior Manager

Senior Executive

Senior Clerk

Stenographer


3.5 ONLINE DEPARTMENT

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.



ONLINE DEPARTMENT CHART

3.6 WORKS DEPARTMENT

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.


Chief Operating Officer, Manorama Online

Content Coordinator

Senior Engineer Electronics

Deputy General Manager

Marketing Executives

Web Assistants, Designers, Technical Assistants


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.

The operations of works divisions can be categorized as under:

Pre- press

Press

Post press

PRE – PRESS ACTIVITIES

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.



WORKS DEPARTMENT CHART



DGM Works

Manager, Operations Kodimatha

Assistant Manager Pre Press

Senior Executive

Executive

DGM- Production & Maintenance

Manager-Systems

Deputy Manager

Electronics

Senior Engineer

Engineer

Foreman

Manager-Quality Assurance


4.1 MATERIALS DEPARTMENT

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:-

Runnability: should not tear when water is passed

Printability: Ink should not spread

Optical characteristics: like shade, brightness etc

Malayala Manorama uses the following types of newsprints for printing various publications:

1) Standard newsprint- for daily

2) Glazed newsprint- for the publications like The Week and Vanitha

3) Art paper- for cover page of The Week

4) Map Litho- for calendar

5) Cream Wove- for certain pages of Thozhilveedhi

6) Light weight coated paper



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.

The newspaper consumption is calculated as:

Newsprint consumption=Pages× CopiesMileage

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.

The functions of materials division are controlled by SAP.

RAW MATERIALS IN PAPER PRODUCTION



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.

MATERIALS DEPARTMENT CHART



General Manager



General Manager

Senior Manager


CHAPTER 4

SWOT ANALYSIS



4.2 SWOT ANALYSIS

SWOT analysis is a check of managerial efficiency and effectiveness. It refers to Strength,

Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats. SWOT analysis helps us to analyze an organizations

standard and status of the company.

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.

MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIP

The firm enjoys a very good relationship between the management and the

employees. Thus there is a better coordination between the various organizational

levels. It is notable that in its 123 years of existence, Manorama had never faced a

single hour of labour unrest or any sort of industrial disputes.

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

THE OVERSEAS MARKET

The firm can widen its customer base by tapping the overseas markets in a better way.

The strategy to be followed in case of the foreign markets would have to be developed

after a detailed study of the market.

THE YOUTH MARKET

Today’s markets are youth centric. However the Kerala newspaper industry is yet to

tap this market in successful way. Manorama can capitalize on the gap in the market

by coming out with innovative products focusing on the youth.

INNOVATIVE MARKETING TECHNIQUES

Today’s market is experiencing innovations in marketing or circulation development

tactics through tie-ups with firms from other industries. Such market developments

need to be utilized by the firm so as to improve its position in the market.

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

FINDINGS AND SUGGESTION



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 3 rd 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

The firm should launch sports Magazine

The firm can increase their sales by collaborating with any English or Hindi News

Paper Industry.

Distribution channels of newspaper should be effective and continuously evaluate the

performance.

Opening up of a counter near the front desk or a separate outlet nearby providing

Manorama’s entire product range.

Company owned warehouses can be used for storage purpose instead of least ones. It

may reduce cost.

Online division must include a job portal site for giving details of expectations on the

jobs which they desire.

Company should implement new technologies to reduce cycle time, and also the old

computer systems must be replaced with new ones.



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

K. M Mathew, “One Bright Morning”, 3rd edition, DC Books, 2005

K. M Mathew, ”Ettamathe Mothiram”, 2nd edition, DC Books, 2006

T. N Chabra, “ Principles & Practice of Management”, Dhanpat Rai & CO, 9 th

edition, 2014

WEBLIOGRAPHY

www.google.com

www.wikipedia.com

www.manoramaonline.com


http://www.manoramaonline.com/

http://www.wikipedia.com/

http://www.google.com/

About malayala manorama news paper industry

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