Why Great Indian Media companies fail on the internet?

I had “stumbled upon” this article on Npost.com, which analyzes why most Indian media majors fail to make it online. The author to summarize states that most Indian portals are just hit concepts from the US re-purposed for the Indian auds. Also, most media companies see online as an extension of their offline presence and believe their brands is strong enough to draw visitors. Its very true that new media companies like Google (with Google News), Craiglist (with classifieds), Facebook have disrupted the traditional media business.

Continue reading the article on Npost.com >>

Personally, for Southscope my own print magazine – it has a no presence on the web, though we have a skeletal website. The problem is coming from the web-designing background I just dont feel like having an apologetic online presence like most magazines. Amongst international magazine, only TIME had a strong online presence back in the day, but now the others have caught up too. Amongst the other magazine lot, I think BusinessWeek, Entertainment Weekly have done a good job online. Most Indian magazines have a very apologetic online presence. I have an extensive plan for Southscope with a lot of web 2.0 features like Facebook and iPhone apps, interactive content, high-res videos – but lack the team that has a technical capability to execute my vision. I was looking for the “editorial-best” to benchmark my site with. In terms of content, I found BollywoodHungama, Idlebrain and Behindwoods the best, while in terms of presentation buzz18.com was the best, but still no match for most international portals. I do not wish to compete with the “editorial-best” in what they’re already market leaders in, but find a new space/niche not covered by them and serve that new space.

PS : I am looking for techies who love web 2.0 stuff (like apps, widgets, social-media et all) and movies to work with Southscope. We’re a startup, yet we pay market competent salaries. We’re looking at full-time employees, but can consider part-time if you’re extraordinarily talented or a freelancer with a proven track record. If you think you fit in, drop in a line. We’d get in touch with you.