MASS MEDIA

Kottayam occupies a prominent place in the history of Journalism. Kottayam is the headquarters of three leading Malayalam dailies- Malayala Manorama, Deepika and Mangalam.

The origin of journalistic activity in the district can be traced back to the middle of the last century. Jnananikshepam the first newspaper published by the natives, was brought out from C.M.S press at Kottayam in 1848. Vidyasamgraham a publication of the C.M.S College , was started in 1864. This is the first College Magazine in the State. Many of the then famous writers , had contributed to this publication. In 1867, Sandishtavadi, another newspaper was started at Kottayam by W.H.Moor, which was later banned. Malayala Mithram started in 1878 was in circulation for about 12 years.

In 1887, Nasrani Deepika was started at Mannanam, near Kottayam by the Carmelities of Mary Immaculates (C.M.I) Missionaries, which later became the Deepika. Malayala manorama, the leading Malayalam daily was started at Kottayam in 1890 by K.C. Mammen Mappilai. Bhashaposhini, the literary magazine was also started by him in 1892. After a long break, this publication has been revived by the Malayala Manorama group of Publications. Contribution of veterans like Kerala Varma Valiyakoi Thampuran, Muloor S. Padmanabha Panicker, Kattakkayathil Cheriyan Mappilai and Moorkothu Kumaran had appeared in the pages of this publication. First agricultural publication Karshakan and first political satire magazine Sarasan was brought out from Kottayam. In the last century , Mangalam daily started publication from Kottayam.

Kottayam is the centre of news papers and periodicals. Six major dailies- Malayala Manorama, Mathrubhoomi, Deepika, Mangalam, Kerala kaumudi, Desabhimani and Rashtra Deepika evening daily are being published from here. So many periodicals are brought out from Kottayam which include Vanitha, The Week, Malayala Manorama Weekly, Mano-rama Year Book, Karshaka Sree, Thozhil Veedhi, Balarama, Kalikkudukka Magic Pot, Business Deepika, Career Deepika, Childrens' Digest, Kuttikalude Deepika, Kasrshakan, Sthree Dhanam, Rashtra Deepika Cinema Weekly, Mangalam Weekly, Cinema Mangalam, Bala Mangalam and Vartha Mangalam.

The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (I.I.M.C.), a Central Government Institution with its head quarters in New Delhi has opened its second branch at Kottayam. The site of the branch is at Vadavathoor, 3km. away from Kottayam town. I.I.M.C. is engaged in improving professional knowledge and technical skill of the personnel working in various media, Information and Publication Departments of the Government and Public sector undertakings