Celebrating an evening of trust At the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Awards 2010
“Freedom of press guaranteed by the Constitution is more than just the freedom of publishers and editors,” said Maharashtra governor Shri K. Sankaranarayanan. “It is the freedom of society to have its voice heard. It also requires a journalism of honesty and integrity.”
Shri K Sankaranarayanan was speaking as chief guest at a vibrant function held on June 29th by at the ITC Grand Central Hotel, Mumbai, where he and other dignitaries presented the 2010 Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Platinum and Gold Awards in more than 30 product and service categories ranging from airlines and cars to mobile phones, packaged drinks and printers.
Shri K Sankaranarayanan pointed out that there has been rapid quantitative growth in the media. “However, this quantitative growth has not been matched by qualitative improvement. The pressures of competition have hobbled professionalism and encouraged some unhealthy trends in the media. Market forces are increasingly dictating the contents of the publications and online editions. Recently there was tacit admission about the existence of the paid news syndrome in the media, something unheard of in the past. These issues do not augur well for the credibility of media and more so for the future of democracy.”
Mr. Mohan Sivanand, Editor of Reader’s Digest India, explained how the winners of the Trusted Brand awards were chosen: “Strictly on the basis of independent surveys conducted by Synovate, a market analysis firm, to determine the true preferences of consumers. Survey respondents had rated each brand on six core qualities: trustworthiness and credibility, quality, value, understanding of customer needs, innovation and social responsibility.” The Trusted Brand survey has been conducted annually in India over the past five years and all over Asia since 1999” affirmed.
The audience of over 250 representing the media, advertising as well as several captains of industry were present.
The Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Awards 2010 was presented in association with BSNL, ICICI Bank and Galgotias. The print partner was Afaqs Reporter.
Shri K Sankaranarayanan was speaking as chief guest at a vibrant function held on June 29th by at the ITC Grand Central Hotel, Mumbai, where he and other dignitaries presented the 2010 Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Platinum and Gold Awards in more than 30 product and service categories ranging from airlines and cars to mobile phones, packaged drinks and printers. 
Shri K Sankaranarayanan pointed out that there has been rapid quantitative growth in the media. “However, this quantitative growth has not been matched by qualitative improvement. The pressures of competition have hobbled professionalism and encouraged some unhealthy trends in the media. Market forces are increasingly dictating the contents of the publications and online editions. Recently there was tacit admission about the existence of the paid news syndrome in the media, something unheard of in the past. These issues do not augur well for the credibility of media and more so for the future of democracy.”
Mr. Mohan Sivanand, Editor of Reader’s Digest India, explained how the winners of the Trusted Brand awards were chosen: “Strictly on the basis of independent surveys conducted by Synovate, a market analysis firm, to determine the true preferences of consumers. Survey respondents had rated each brand on six core qualities: trustworthiness and credibility, quality, value, understanding of customer needs, innovation and social responsibility.” The Trusted Brand survey has been conducted annually in India over the past five years and all over Asia since 1999” affirmed. 
The audience of over 250 representing the media, advertising as well as several captains of industry were present.
