A Goa newspaper editor accused of Plagiarism

The public has a right to know other peoples secrets but has no right to know the Press' secrets (Alfred C Thompson II 2004)


There is quite a commotion about plagiarism allegedly being practised by the editor of a well loved Goa newspaper. From the documentation available to TGF, the allegation appears well founded. So where does one go from here?

One method would be to have the editor severely censured; another to organise his departure from that newspaper.

But will that do Goan journalism any great good?

TGF had the opportunity to review the allegedly plagiaristic editorials, and the ones purported to be the originals. None of the allegedly plagiarised nor the alleged originals were even remotely related to Goa.

That begs the questions. What purpose really do the Goa newspapers serve? Why are Goa newspapers writing lead scripts about obscure non-Goa related matters? Are there NO happenings in Goa?

Is the garbage situation in Goa settled?
Is malaria in Goa under control?
Are the Goa roads in reasonably motor able shape?
Have Goans been getting regular supplies of electricity?
What is the status of bribery at the basic village panchayat level?
Do Goans have to bribe officials to get basic services like a telephone connection?
Have the politicians & public works officials stopped swiping public funds?
Are the Goa courts functioning appropriately?
What is the status of squatting in Goan houses?
How are the elderly in Goa making out?
Are public buildings and facilities (including transport) accessible to the disabled?
Has the Indian Navy renewed its lease in Dabolim or is it planning to continue the squat?
Have the communal vandals stopped threatening Fontainhas?
Are the public hospitals less filthy than before?
Has sexual violence decreased in Goa?
Has child labour in Goa been terminated as per Goa Children's Act 2003?
Have Goa public schools been made clean enough for children to attend?
Has police corruption been brought under control in Goa?
Has the incidence of crime in Goa been reduced?
Has that eye sore barge "MV River Princess" been removed yet?
Has Uday Bhembre explained why he suggested the boycott of the Konkani Kendra?
Is it true that some Goa journalists have been receiving hospitality from Goa politicians?
Whatever happened to the child labour and molestation case involving the editor of another English newspaper from Goa? Did the Heraldo newspaper black out the news about that incident?

There must be some very good reason why so called Goa Journos write about all things in this world, but stay silent about issues Goan. They even take the slightest opportunity to get all very excited and take a wild swing at the long gone from Goa, Portuguese -often mixing facts with fiction and total nonsense.

There must be a very good reason why the owners of newspapers employ compliant editors to lead their news organisations.

Is the purpose of newspapers to inform, or merely decide what the populace must know?

Is the choreography of news not censorship? or is it what some would classify as moderation?  Does censorship, news choreography and diversion of attention by newspapers have any constructive role in a democracy? Is this what the fantasists call "liberation"?

In conclusion TGF wonders which is a lesser sin: plagiarism by an editor given an express or implied directive to 'not rock the boat', or the consistent diversion of attention by the Goa merchants of opportunity masquerading as journalists ?


TGF
December 8, 2005