CHAPTER-I

INTRODUCTION AND DESIGN OF THE STUDY

1.1 INTRODUCTION OF THE STUDY

The newspaper is defined as “Any printed periodical work, containing public news or comments on public events” Press and Registration Book Act 1987.

Media in India, experience newspaper media, are undergoing significant changes in the current liberalized environment. Newspaper a publication that appears regularly and frequently carries news about a wide variety of current events. The newspaper publishes have a over all control by its business and news operations.

“The press is the Guardian Angel of Democracy”. A forceful and prosperous press is the guarantor of popular rights. The press flight by itself alone, but not for itself by alone. To most people “The press” means the daily newspaper, but although re-eminent in influence and importance, daily newspapers are only a small part of the press the farm “newspaper” is usually applied to the publications devoted mainly for recording current events and the term “periodicals” to magazines, reviews to journals.

In reality the press is a private industry and a public service. No other force in public life operates so persistently and so extensively in its range of appeal. The scope of this subject of appeal and matter as so does the press. Newspapers have a unique dimension of social responsibility, which means the newspaper industry different from every other industry. But business success is as vital to this industry as to any other.

According to the recorded facts the first newspaper of the world was published in China around 1000 years ago. It meant “News of the Capital”. The second newspaper of the world was the “Acto Divra” which meant, “Daily happening” in Greek. There are the oldest two newspapers in the pre-recorded history.

The first newspaper of the world was the “Morning Post” which was started in London in the year 1772 followed by this another newspaper “The London Times” started in publications.

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The Origin of the Indian Newspaper

The first newspaper in Indian appeared on 29 th January 1780, which James Augustris Hicky started the “Bengal Gazette” or “Calcutta General Advertises” This was a weekly political and commercial paper open to all parties but influenced by none. Journalism started in India as a mission to expose the malpractices of East India Company Rule and Administration for his criticisms Hicky was fined a large amount and later on imprisoned. Simultaneously a number of Journals emerged under the sponsorship of company officials for defending themselves against the criticism made by Hicky and his followers.

The second one came up in November 1780. The third one up in February 1784. The Calcutta Gazette this was followed by “Bengat Chronicle” in 1785 from them onwards the news and newspaper have flooded throughout India, Indian press the present Scenario.

The Indian press consists of more than 20000 newspaper magazines and periodicals published in 20 different languages with a combined circulation of more than 55 million. The number of the major newspaper, ‘magazines with membership in Indian Newspaper Society (INS) is given 53.4%. It has a combined circulation of 34 millions out of these there and 150 English with circulation of 7 millions and there are 38 in Indian languages with a circulation of 27 million.

News Agencies

There are 4 main news agencies in India.

1. Press Trust of India (PTI)

2. United News of India (UNI)

3. Sam char Bharathi (SB)

4. Hindustan Sam char (HS)

While the Press Trust of India is supplying news in English, the other two are operating through the medium of Hindi and other Indian languages. Since May 1982, the United News of India has also launched a new service in Hindi and the credit line of “UNIVARTA”. Similarly Press Trust of India has started in 1986 a Hindi language news service called Press Trust of India BHASHA.

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Role of Newspapers to the Consumers

The power of the press is felt on our activities. It controls the rise and face of ceings, cabinets and presidents. Once an editor said “I care not who governs the country so long as I can govern the press” . The press has rightly been called the “Fourth Estate”. Such an influential organ has to shoulder great responsibilities the power, unless used with great care will cause server damage.

The first and foremost duty of the press is to furnish uncolored news, but at the same time, it should furnish news on all fields such as science, economic, politics etc. The news should not suppressed undue emphasis be laid. Some sensational newspaper now a days print unimportant and trivial news in the front pages, while world wide important news are not given place in the first page.

Another great responsibility of the press is to represent public opinion without fear or favors. As the press is called the eyes and ear of the world, it has to keep an eye on what happens and reflects views of the people on those happenings. The press is a medium not only to give news to the public but also to express the public opinion.

The letters of the consumers published under “Letters to the Editors” “Yours Views” etc. Initiate debates on controversial issues. It will help definitely to bring out the best of it. Thus the press is not only a mirror of what the people thinks, but it is also a school of Instruction, a source of guidance to the common people.

Consumers Value

Consumers delivered value is the difference between total consumers value and total consumers cost. Total consumers value is the bundle of benefits consumers expect to incur in evaluating, obtaining, using and disposing of the product or service .

Consumers Statisfaction

“Satisfaction is a person’s feelings of Pleasure of disappointment resulting from comparing products perceived performance (or outcome) in relation to his or her expectations”.

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At this definition makes clear, satisfaction is a function of perceived

performance and expectations. If the performance falls short of expectations, the

consumers is dissatisfied. If the performance matches the expectations, the

consumers are satisfied. If the performance exceeds expectations, the consumers

is highly satisfied or delighted.

Many companies are aiming for high satisfaction because consumers who

are just satisfied still find it easy to switch when a better offer comes along.

Those who are highly satisfied are much less to switch. High satisfaction or

delight creates an emotional bond with the brand, not just, a rational preference.

The result is high consumer’s loyalty.

From past buying experience, friend’s and associate’s advice, and

marketer’s and competitor’s information and promises.

The key to generating high consumer’s loyalty is to deliver high

consumers value According to Michael Lanning, in hi delivering profitable

value; a company must develop a competitively superior value proposition and a

superior value delivery system.

A company’s value proposition is much more than it’s positioning on a

single attribute; it is a statement about the resulting experience consumers will

have from the offering and their relationship with the supplier.

The brand must represent a promise about the total resulting experience

that consumers can expect. Whether the promise is kept depends upon the

company’s ability to mange its value - delivery system includes all the

communications and channel experiences the consumers will have on the way

to obtaining the offering.

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1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Knowledge is power “In today’s world there is an increasing demand of

knowledge, especially after the economy has opened up the world is becoming

one small village newspaper is one effective media which producers relevant

information”.

Newspaper now days have become one of the most important sources

of information for reduce to know things in depth no doubt other media

vehicles live television, radio and other sources provided information but they

crack inner course of action that is really wanted by the reduce.

The print media becoming very competitive throughout the country. The

reduce by and large are modernizing their preference and there are various

newspapers are circulated everyday. The need of the study areas to know the

preference towards The Times of India Newspaper will also help to know the

attributes which made the upgradation to preference of The Times of India.

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1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

PROJECT TITLE: “Effectiveness of The Times of India”

PRODUCT : Times of India, Coimbatore

I have successfully completed my 2 months internship at “The Times of India”,

Coimbatore for the assigned project titled “Effectiveness of The Times of India” in

Coimbatore.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY:

The main objective of the research was “To study the factors affecting other English

newspapers since the launch of “The Times of India” in Coimbatore.

1. To study the consumer preference towards The Times of India Newspaper.

2. To know the consumer preference towards supplement issued by The Times of India

3. To study the preference of the reader with the present distribution system of newspaper with special reference to agent newspaper Vendors.

4. To offer suitable suggestions for enrich the consumer preference of The Times of India news paper.

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1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study is conducted to know the Effectiveness of “The Times of India newspaper”. This may help the company to decide upon their new ventured.

The research focuses on the several features of The Times of India and in awareness, suggestion in the market, which may help the company in further development of the newspaper.

The research provides a complete feedback on The Times of India which may sincere a backup for their future plans with respect to design area.

1.5 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

1. The sample size is only 150.

2. The period of study is limited

3. There is no comparative study made.

4. Under the study illiterate people excluded.

5. The result of analysis made in the study depends fully on the accuracy; reliability of information’s given by respondents.

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1.6 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

Research Design is descriptive as well as analytical, because the researcher has used facts or information already available and analyzed these to make a evaluation of the material.

Primary data collection

Primary data was collected with the help of a structured questionnaire. The questionnaires were administered to the selected 150 respondents of The Times of India news paper.

Technique of data collection

The questionnaire has been designed and used to collect the needed primary data. Both open ended and close ended questions were used.

Area of the study

The study on consumer preference towards has been limited to consumers located in Coimbatore City.

Period of the study

The period of the study covers one year during 2009-2011.

Sources of Data

The validity of any research is based on the data collected for the study. The present research is based on both primary as well as secondary data. The primary data were collected from the selected sample respondents in the study area. Simple satisfied random sampling method was used to selecting the respondents.

Questionnaire was the main tool used for collecting the first hand information from the respondents. Hence, great attention was given to construct the questionnaire. The questionnaire was prepared with the help of the research guide and experts. The questions were framed in a sample manner, capable of being answered easily and quickly by the respondents.

The possible answer to every question and to put a tick mark by the respondent whenever was applicable.

The study also consists of secondary data, which are collected from magazines, newspapers and journals and also website.

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Sample Size

The sample size selected for the study is 150 respondents. The respondents are selected by simple random sampling method.

Sampling Techniques

Data on the various aspects directly and indirectly related to the investigation were gathered through questionnaires to the respondents.

The questions were necessary to ensure the reliability of the information. The questions were simple to understand and to contain the choice of questions means simple alternative choice, etc., so that information should be collected from various respondents. It should be seen that parties are not biased or prejudiced and are mentally sound.

Tools for analysis:

In order to analyze the consumer preference of respondents, the following tables of analysis were used to obtain the various objectives of the study.

(i) Percentage analysis

Percentage refers to a special kind of ratio percentages are used in making comparing between preferences, awareness and satisfaction with various other factors.

Observed data

Percentage = --------------------- x 100

Sample size

Chi – square Test:

A family of probability distribution, differentiated by this degree of freedom is used to test a member of different hypothesis about variances, proportions, and distributional goodness of fit.

Formula for Chi-square Test

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Degree of freedom = (R -1) (C -1)

Wherein,

O = Refers to the observed frequency

e = Refers to the expected frequency

R = Refers to the number of rows

C = Refers to the number of columns

1.7 HYPOTHEISIS :

In order to realize that objective of the study the following hypothesis has been formulated.

There exists significant relationship between level of preference of age, gender, educational qualification, income, occupation, and family size.

The probabilities indicate the extent of reliance that can be placed on conclusion drawn. The same technique is used incase of chi- square test and the table value chi- square are available at various probabilities level. These levels are called level of significance. Usually the value of chi- square is at 5% level of significance.

Null hypothesis (H o )

“Null hypothesis is one that would be true if the alternative hypothesis were false”. It is a very useful tool in testing the significance of difference. It asserts that the there is no real difference in the sample and the population in the particular matter under consideration. It is usually denoted by the symbol H o.

The level of significance is always same percentage (usually 5%) which should be chosen with great care, thought and reason. H will be rejected when the sampling result is less than 0.05 probability of occurring it H o is true and vice versa in case of 5% level of significance.

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CHAPTER-II PROFILE OF TIMES OF INDIA

Type Daily newspaper

Format Broadsheet

Owner Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.

Publisher The Times Group

Editor-in-chief Jaideep Bose

Associate editor Jug Suraiya

Founded 3 November 1838

Language English

Headquarters Times House

7 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New

Delhi, Delhi 110002

Circulation 3,146,000 Daily

Sister newspapers The Economic Times

OCLC number 23379369

Official website Timesofindia.com

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2.1 COMPANY PROFILE:

TOI is the English-language daily newspaper in India. It has the largest circulation among all English-language newspapers in the world, across all formats (broadsheet, tabloid, compact, Berliner and online). It is owned and managed by Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. which is owned by the Sahu Jain family.

In the year 2008, the newspaper reported that (with a circulation of over 3.14 million) it was certified by the Audit Bureau of Circulations (India) as the world's largest selling English-language daily newspaper, placing as the 8th largest selling newspaper in any language in the world. According to the Indian Readership Survey (IRS) 2010, the Times of India is the most widely read English newspaper in India with a readership of 70.35 lakhs (7.035 million). This ranks the Times of India as the top English newspaper in India by readership. According to COM Score, India times (and not TOI online) is the world's most-visited newspaper website with 159 million page views in May 2009, ahead of the New York Times, The Sun, Washington Post, Daily Mail and USA Today website.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TIMES:

Indu Jain, current Chairperson

Samir Jain, Vice-Chairman & Publisher

Vineet Jain, MD

Ravi Dhariwal, CEO

\ Ownership: Sahu Jain Family

The Times of India Group, owned by Bennett Coleman & Company, began operations in 1863. Its activities include publishing (newspaper and magazines), entertainment and retail, broadcasting (television and radio) and online media.

ACTIVITIES

Newspaper Publishing

The group primarily operates in newspaper publishing.  Its newspaper portfolio includes the Times of India, The Economic Times, the Mumbai Mirror, the Navbharat Times, the Maharashtra Times and Metro Now.

The Times of India is an English language newspaper with a readership of 13.5 million (IRS R2, 2009).  It is published in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Patna, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Pune, Mangalore Mysore, Chennai and Coimbatore.  The Economic Times is an English language business daily with a readership of 1.8 million (IRS R2, 2009).  The Mumbai Mirror is an English language paper launched in 2005 and has a readership of 1.5 million. 

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The Navbharat Times is a Hindi language newspaper published in Mumbai and Delhi with a readership of 5.4 million (IRS R2, 2009). 

Magazine Publishing

In 2004, the Times of India group entered into a 50:50 joint venture with the British Broadcasting Corporation to form Worldwide Media, which publishes and markets magazines and books in India. Worldwide Media currently publishes more than 30 books and magazines, with Femina and Filmfare two of its more popular magazines.

Television

The group operates in television broadcasting through the Times Global Broadcasting Company Ltd, in which Reuters took a 26% stake in 2005.  It broadcasts 24-hour English news channel Times Now. Times Now is available via analogue and digital cable and DTH, and on mobile through Reliance and Idea services.  The group also broadcasts Zoom TV, a lifestyle and fashion channel.

Radio

The group operates in radio broadcasting through Entertainment Network (India) Ltd, in which it holds a 71% stake through Times Infotainment Media Ltd and Bennett Coleman & Company Ltd (March 2008).  It has a large FM radio network (under the Radio Mirchi brand name) operating 32 stations in 13 metropolitan cities across India.

Online Media

IndiaTimes.com is the group's main website and offers access to the online versions of its publications; key content areas include news, sports, astrology, shopping and travel.  It also operates an SMS-based mobile service (5888).  The group operates IndiaTimes through Times Internet Ltd, in which it holds a 90% stake.  The remaining 10% is held by Sequoia Capital, which invested in the company in 2005.

Other websites include: Timesjobs.com, Magicbricks.com and SimplyMarry.com.

Times Music

Times Music is the music production, promotion and distribution arm of the Times Group.  It has recently entered into film music under the Junglee Music brand.

Times of Money

Times of Money provide electronic payment solutions.  TimesofMoney.com serves consumers and financial institutions by facilitating internet-based money transfers.  Remit2India.com operates as an independent online money transfer portal for NRIs.

Outdoor Advertising

The Times of India Group is engaged in outdoor advertising through Times OOH Media Ltd.  It provides outdoor advertising services in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Kolkata.

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The Times Group is the largest media conglomerate in India. It is headed by brothers Samir and Vineet Jain.The company has eleven publishing centers, fifteen printing centers, fifty-five sales offices, Over 7000 employees, five dailies, including two of the largest in the country with approx 4.3 million, copies circulated daily, two lead magazines, twenty-nine niche magazines reaching 2468 cities and towns, thirty-two Radio Stations, two Television News Channels, one Television Life Style Channel and turnover in excess of USD 700 million.

1838: The first edition appears on November 3, 1838, known as The Bombay Times and Journal of Commerce. The newspaper is published twice a week under editor J.E. Brennan. It is basically a city paper reflecting the interest of Bombay's business community.

1846-1857: The newspaper changes hands and George Buist, LL.D, F.R.S., becomes the editor of the Times from 1840-57.

1850: Shareholders decide to increase the share capital and the paper is converted into a daily.

1859: Bombay Standard and Chronicle of Western India merges into The Bombay Times and Journal of Commerce to form Bombay Times & Standard

1861: Editor Robert Knight amalgamates The Bombay Times & Standard and Bombay Telegraph & Courier to form The Times of India and gives it a national character.

1880: The Times of India Weekly Edition is launched. This was later called The Times of India Illustrated Weekly and finally as The Illustrated Weekly of India in 1923.

1890: Editor Henry Curwen buys The Times of India in partnership with Charles Kane.

1892: Following the death of Henry Curwen, Thomas Jewell Bennett becomes the editor and enters into a partnership with F.M. Coleman to form a joint stock company Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. (BCCL).

1907: In the newspaper's first price war under editor Stanley Reed, the price is cut from 4 annas to 1 anna, and circulation rises 5 times.

1946: For the first time, the paper transfers to Indian ownership. Ram Kishan Dalmia buys out Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd for Rs. 2 crores.

1948: Sahu Jain Group become the owners of the company after Dalmia sells the firm to recover 2.5 crores he needs to pay back to an insurance company. Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain, son-in-law of Ram Kishan Dalmia, becomes the first chairman of the group.

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1950: Delhi edition is launched with K. Gopalswami as the first Indian editor.

1952: Filmfare launched and started by J.C Jain, the first Indian to be the GM of TOI.

1959: Femina is launched.

1960: Sahu Ramesh Chandra Jain joins BCCL

1961: The Economic Times is launched.

1982: Samir Jain join BCCL.

1984: Times of India, Bombay set up modernised newsroom (including new look classified pages)

1985: Times of India, Delhi set up modernised newsroom (including new look classified pages)

1985: Nandita Jain join BCCL and started Saturday Times (in color)

1986: Vineet Jain join BCCL after came back to Delhi (finishing his education).

1986: Times of India and Navbharat times, Patna edition started.

1987: Printing of The Times of India from Kandivili Press.

1990: The Times School of Marketing is established as an in-house training school to feed the group

1991: BBC features The Times of India among the world's six great newspapers.

1993: BCCL starts production of television software.

1996: The Times of India crosses 1 million mark in circulation.

1998: BCCL enters into music market with Times Music.

1999: India times webportal launched; BCCL enters music retailing business with Planet M.

2000: The Times of India crosses the 2 million mark in circulation.

2000: Timesofmoney - JV with Citibank.

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2001: Radio Mirchi - Nationwide Private FM Broadcasting.

2001: 360 Degrees - Event Management Arm launched.

2002: Times Outdoor - Outdoor Advertising & Billboard Marketing.

2003: Times Classifieds - Classifieds site catering to web audiences, the group publications and also publications from other countries like Sri Lanka.

2004: Launch of the Times Private Treaties - The Innovative Branding Solution from The Times Group stable.

Launch of the Jobs portal Times Jobs.

Television Business launched with the launch of a lifestyle and entertainment channel called z00m.

2005: Launch of a Matrimonials website TimesMatri

2006:

Launch of a television News Channel called Times Now in collaboration with Reuters. Radio Mirchi holding company ENIL (Entertainment Network India Limited) lists on the Indian stock markets. It is the first Times Group company to List on the bourses. Launch of a Property services Portal Magic Bricks TimesMatri is rebranded as Simply Marry[5] A new holding company by the name of TBSL is created. This company controls the brands TimesJobs SimplyMarry (earlier called TimesMatri) and MagicBricks TimesofMoney launches Remit2Home, to cater to Global Remittance Market

2007:

Launch of The Times of India - Kannada Launch of Bangalore Mirror Launch of Ahmedabad Mirror Planet M Retail taken over by Videocon Group

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2008:

Launch of SimplyMarryZine.com Launch of The Times of India, Chennai Edition[15] Launch of Pune Mirror Acquisition of Virgin Radio (now known as Absolute Radio) in the UK Launch of Times of India - Goa, along with Goa Mirror.

2009: Launch of ET Now - A business news channel

2010

Launch of The Times of India, Coimbatore Edition Launch of Vijayanext kannada Weekly magazine

2.2 PRODUCT PROFILE

TOI Sister Publications  Economic Times - A Financial daily Navhbharat Times - Hindi Daily Newspaper Maharashtra Times - Marathi Daily Newspaper Mumbai Mirror - Morning newspaper from Mumbai Femina - Women's magazine published in association with BBC Filmfare - English Film Magazine published in association with BBC

TOI Supplements

The Times of India comes with several city-specific supplements, such as Delhi Times, Bombay Times, Lucknow Times, Bangalore Times etc. These city supplements carry entertainment news, gossips, page3 party news, photographs and other lifestyle related happenings in metros and bigcities. 

Other major supplements of TOI include:

Times Wellness : Carries health related news and also provides solution of your grievances by experts. 

Education Times : Education Times is weekly supplement focussed towards students and acts as a counselor and advisor for student community. 

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Times Ascent : A weekly supplement Times Ascent seeks to introduce more understanding of Human Resources and corporate life related stories. Also carries the advertisements of various kinds of jobs in India and abroad. 

Times Drive : Times drive is a supplement related to auto-mobiles and latest development in the industry.

Times Property : The weekly supplement has real estate and property news. 

Times Life : Times life comes once in a week carrying news about life of personalities and famous people.

Times Classifieds : Carries advertisements regarding jobs, buy and sell of items etc.

Times Matrimonial : Feature marriage advertisement of boys and girls looking for match.

Rouge : A weekly supplement

Times en Vogue : A weekly supplement

COIMBATORE TIMES

Coimbatore represents a happy balance of environmental concerns and developmental priorities that policy-makers often talk about, but is virtually impossible to find. The dilemma of urban India in recent decades has been to create a model for growth that's sustainable and holistic. Expansion and redevelopment of the city has, in most cases, wiped out the old ways of life. Take Bangalore or Pune, for instance. Once synonymous with gracious living, the two cities are currently struggling to break through the gridlock of traffic and limit the destruction of ecology.

Coimbatore offers a model that's certainly worth emulating. A city located at the intersection of three states, surrounded by places of tourist interest and picturesque hill stations, it has managed to find the golden mean between progress and peace, tradition and modernity

The Times of India to launch Coimbatore edition on February 14 the English daily has introduced a yearly subscription of Rs 299 for the new edition.

The Times of India (TOI) is all set to launch its Coimbatore edition on February 14, with an estimated initial print run of 70,000 copies. This will be the group's second edition in Tamil Nadu (after Chennai). Bennett Coleman & Co (BCCL) will head towards Madurai next, and in all likelihood, will launch an edition from the city in March.

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The English newspaper has launched a yearly subscription drive, wherein subscribers need to pay Rs 299 for the entire year, and will also get a free sports bag. Those opting for monthly subscription need to pay around Rs 60 every month.

The Coimbatore edition will cover areas in a range of 70 km around the city. The Coimbatore editions of other English dailies cater to Tirupur, Udumalpet, Pollachi and some parts of eastern Kerala.

Talking about TOI's new destination, Rahul Kansal, chief marketing officer, BCCL, says, "It is an amazing and progressive city. A lot of development is happening across sectors, be it education, industries, hotels or others. Coimbatore has a happy blend of modernity and tradition."

In Coimbatore, TOI will face competition from The Hindu, The New Indian Express and the recently launched Deccan Chronicle. While The Hindu has a total readership of 2 lakh (as per IRS Q3 2010) in the city, The New Indian Express has 25,000 readers in the same period.

The newspaper market in Coimbatore is pegged at around Rs 80 crore. Tirupur, which is covered by Coimbatore editions, is a big export market. According to R S Suriyanarayanan, business director, LMG, "Coimbatore is an important strategic destination for any marketer. Hence, it is important for the print players to be there."

Vernacular print publications predominate in Coimbatore, which is a well-priced market. Regional dailies, on an average, have a cover price of Rs 3 during the week, and a higher weekend price of Rs 4-4.50. As far as English dailies are concerned, The Hindu also has a similar pricing strategy. The Hindu, being an old newspaper in the area, also has the advantage of a consolidated base.

Experts point out that in the long run, English dailies will make a dent in the vernacular print market, as the English-speaking population increases in the city and nearby areas.

Says Suriyanarayanan, "TOI has some very attractive subscription offers that will surely contribute to around 50-60 per cent of their print run, making its position stronger from the day it gets launched." According to him, the ad rates commanded by TOI should be in the range of that of The Hindu -- Rs 175-200 per sq cm.

However, a few industry experts are wary of the new entrant's success in the city. Says a media expert, "They (TOI) have not been able to make inroads into Chennai, yet. And, I think, it'll be more or less the same story here. The Hindu has a staunch following. It will take TOI a while to penetrate through that loyal following in the South."

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STRENGTHS:

Oldest newspaper(1838).

Big Brand, good reputation in the minds of customers.

1st rank in circulation in India and 8th in world.

Launches good campaign.

Daily English newspaper with rich supplements.

Good support from Times group companies.

World class printing machine-Geoman Goss.

110,000 copies per hour.

WEAKNESSES:

Late and repeated news.

Less information about stock market.

Grammar and vocabulary mistakes.

Pictures of nude girls.

Late circulation in small cities.

Lack in covering useful news for competitive students.

OPPORTUNITIES:

Literacy rate increases day by day.

People focus more on career, education etc.,

English is an international language and every one wants to learn it.

Life style being Hi-fi.

THREATS:

People are getting knowledge from Television, Internet etc.,

Day by day the readership of (“The Times of India-2nd position”) and (“The Hindu-3rd

position”) increases very fast.

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3.3 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Rebekah (2006) Wade has remarked that the newspaper success would

probably depend more on free CD’s and DVD’s than on it journalists

Newspaper particularly hope that CD’s and DVD’s will appeal to the young

who are increasingly getting their news online

Narasimha Rao P.V.L National consumership survey (2005) press .

continue to grow from time to time. Press adds 34 million consumers in the last 2

years over the last 3 years the number of consumers of dailies and magazines put

together among those aged 15 years and above has grown from 179mn to 200mn

a growth of 4% every years.

John O Shaughnessy (1987) marketing strategic is a broad conception of

how resource to be Delhi to achieve market success. The content for a marketing

strategy shows how the proposed key features of the films offering (products,

price, promotion and distribution) are intended to achieve the firm objectives.

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CHAPTER III

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

ANALYSIS

Analysis refers to the methodical classification of data gives in the financial statements.

INTERPRETATION

The term ‘Interpretation’ means explaining the meaning and significance of the data so arranged. It is the study of relationship between various factors.

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

Analysis and Interpretation are closely related. Interpretation is not possible without analysis and without interpretation analysis has no value. Hence the term analysis is widely used to refer both analysis and interpretation.

Reader’s satisfaction is an important element of marketing function which

decides the profitability of any concern. In this chapter an attempt is made to analyze the main factors influencing the purchase decision of the selected sample respondents in the study area. For the purpose of the analysis, variables are classified into two important strata viz., dependent variables and independent variable. The independent variables used in the study are age, sex, educational status, occupation, and income of the respondent, size of the family and awareness of the sample respondents.

The study uses both primary as well as secondary data; primary data was collected through field survey method. For collecting the data questionnaire was used as a main tool. The data thus collected were tabulated systematically in an orderly form. Simple statistical too like percentage age, and chi-square test were employed.

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TABLE NO: 3.1

AGE OF THE RESPONDENTS

FACTORS NO.OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

Below 20 49 32

21 to 30 30 21

31 to 40 51 34

Above 40 20 13

Total 150 100

INFERENCE

It is observed from the above table shows that 32% of the respondents are Below 20, 21% of the respondents belong to 21-30 years, 34% of the respondents belong to 31-40 years, 13% of the respondents belong to above 40 years of the age.

From the analysis, it is concluded that maximum of the respondents are 31-40 years to read The Times of India news paper.

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CHART NO: 3.1

NO OF AGE RESPONDENTS

NO OF AGE RESPONDENTS

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Below20

21 to 30 31 to 40 Above40

Total

NO.OF RESPONDENTS

PERCENTAGE

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TABLE NO: 3.2

GENDER OF THE RESPONDENTS

INFERENCE

It is identified from the above table shows that out of 150 respondents 80% of the respondents belong to male category and 20% of the respondents belong to female category.

From the analysis, it is concluded that maximum of the respondents are prefer belong to male category.

FACTORS NO.OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

Male 120 80

Female 30 20

Total 150 100

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CHART NO: 3.2

GENDER OF THE RESPONDENTS

GENDER OF THE RESPONDENTS

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Male Female Total

NO.OF RESPONDENTS

PERCENTAGE

26

TABLE NO: 3.3

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION OF THE RESPONDENTS

FACTORS NO.OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

Higher Secondary 45 30

Under Graduate 39 26

Post Graduate 53 35

Others 12 7

Total 150 100

INFERENCE

It is identified from the above table infers that 30% of the respondents belong to the Higher secondary, 26% of the respondents belong to the under graduate and 35% of the respondents belong to Post graduate, 7% of the respondents are belonging to other.

It is concluded from the above analysis, the maximum (35%) of the respondents, who prefer to the Times of India news paper, are at the Post graduate level.

27

CHART NO: 3.3

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION OF THE RESPONDENTS

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION OF THE RESPONDENTS

Higher Secondary

Under Graduate

Post Graduate

Others

Total

28

TABLE NO: 3.4

OCCUPATION OF THE RESPONDENTS

FACTORS NO.OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

Student 46 31

Employee 51 34

Business man 32 20

Others 22 15

Total 150 100

INFERENCE

It is evident from the above table shows that 34% of the respondent’s occupation belongs to the employee category, 31% of the respondents occupation belong to the student category, 20% of the respondents occupation belong to business man category and 15% of the respondents belong to others.

It is concluded from the above analysis, that maximum (34%) of the respondents are employees.

29

CHART NO: 3.4

OCCUPATION OF THE RESPONDENTS

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Student Businessman

Total

OCCUPATION OF THE RESPONDENTS

NO.OF RESPONDENTS

PERCENTAGE

30

TABLE NO: 3.5

SWITCH OVER TO TOI NEWSPAPER

FACTORS NO OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

Offer 56 37

Quality of Information 48 32

Supplementary 46 31

Total 150 100

INFERENCE

It is evident from the above table shows that 37% of the respondent’s switched over to TOI in concern with offer, 32% of the respondent’s switched over to TOI in concern with the quality of information and 31% of the respondent’s switched over to TOI in

31

concern with the supplementary issues being provided

It is concluded from the above analysis, that maximum (37%) of the respondents preferred the newspaper on the basis of offer.

CHART NO: 3.5

SWITCH OVER TO TOI NEWSPAPER

SWITCH OVER TO TOI NEWSPAPER

37

32

31

100

Offer

Quality of Information

Supplementary

Total

32

TABLE NO: 3.6

QUALITY OF INFORMATION OF TOI NEWSPAPER

FACTORS NO OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

Excellent 25 17

Good 65 43

Fair 49 32

Poor 11 7

Total 150 100

INFERENCE

It is divulged from the above table that 17% of the respondents quality of TOI newspaper is excellent, 43% of the respondents opinion is good, 32% of them fair, 7% of the respondents quality information of the news paper is poor.

It is concluded from the above analysis, that maximum of the respondents opinion of quality information is good.

33

CHART NO: 3.6

QUALITY OF INFORMATION OF TOI NEWSPAPER

2517

65

43 4932

11 7

150

100

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Excellent Good Fair Poor Total

QUALITY OF INFORMATION OF TOI NEWSPAPER

NO OF RESPONDENTS

PERCENTAGE

34

TABLE NO: 3.7

AN EXPERT ASK TO PURCHASE

FACTORS NO OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

Very Important 22 15

Fairly Important 52 34

Neutral 54 36

Not so Important 9 6

Not at all 13 9

Total 150 100

INFERENCE

From the above table shows that 15% of the respondents expert consideration to buy the news paper is very important,34% of them Fairly Important, 36% of them Neutral, 6% of the respondents not so Important and 9% of the respondents expert’s option of to buy the news paper is Not at all.

35

CHART NO: 3.7

AN EXPERT ASK TO PURCHASE

AN EXPERT ASK TO PURCHASE

229 13

150

5452

-20

0

20

40

60

80100

120

140

160

180

0 2 4 6 8

NO OF RESPONDENTS

36

TABLE NO: 3.8

NO. OF RESPONDENTS OF READING

FACTORS NO OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

All of the Time 32 22

Very often 47 31

Often 68 45

Sometimes 3 2

Hardly ever 0 0

Total 150 100

INFERENCE

It is understood from the above table that 22% of the respondents are reading the news paper in all the time, 31% of them very often, 45% of them often and 2% of the respondents are read the news paper in sometimes..

From the above analysis, it is concluded that the maximum of the respondents are reading TOI news paper Often.

37

CHART NO: 3.8

NO. OF RESPONDENTS OF READING

NO OF RESPONDENTS OF READING

3247

68

3 0

150

22 3145

2 0

100

020406080

100120140160

All of t

he T

ime

Very o

ften

Often

Somet

imes

Hardly

ever

Total

NO OF RESPONDENTS

PERCENTAGE

38

TABLE NO: 3.9

RELIABLE INFORMATION

FACTORS NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

Very much 60 40

Neutral 68 46

Not much 14 9

Not at all 8 5

Total 150 100

INFERENCE

It is learned from the above table that 40% of the respondents are getting reliable information to using the TOI news paper, 46% of them neutral, 9% of them not much,5% of the respondents are have reliable information to use the TOI news paper.

It is found from the above analysis, that maximum (46%) of the respondents are getting information to use this news paper at neutral average.

39

CHART NO: 3.9

RELIABLE INFORMATION

60

40

68

46

14 9 8 5

150

100

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Verymuch

Neutral Notmuch

Not atall

Total

NO. OFRESPONDENTS

PERCENTAGE

40

TABLE NO: 3.10

SUPPLEMENTARY COPY OF TOI

FACTORS NO OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

Times Classifieds 6 4

Educational Times 29 20

Property Plus 21 14

Times ascent 72 52

Times Life 22 10

Total 150 100

INFERENCE

From the above shows that 4% of the respondents like Times Classifieds, 20% of the respondents likes Educational times. 14% likes Property plus, 52% likes Times ascent and the last 10% of the respondents likes Times life supplementary.

41

CHART NO: 3.10

SUPPLEMENTARY COPY OF TOI

6 4

2920 21

14

72

52

2210

150

100

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

TimesClassifieds

PropertyPlus

Times Life

NO OF RESPONDENTS

PERCENTAGE

42

TABLE NO: 3.11

RELEVANT INFORMATION

FACTORS NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

Yes 108 72

No 42 28

Total 150 100

INFERENCE

The above table shows that 72% of the respondents prefer to read the TOI news paper since they are provided with relevant information but 28% of the respondents are not getting it.

43

CHART NO: 3.11

RELEVANT INFORMATION

Yes NoTotal

NO. OFRESPONDENTS

72

28

100108

42

150

0

50

100

150

RELEVANT INFORMATION

NO. OFRESPONDENTS

PERCENTAGE

44

TABLE NO: 3.12

RELEVANT OPTION FOR PREFERRING TAMIL NEWSPAPER

FACTORS NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

Time Constraint to read newspapers(English or Tamil)

28 19

More time consumption to read “TOI”

52 35

Non availability of “TOI” in your area

55 36

Prefer to read Tamil newspaper

5 3

To read other newspaper 9 7

Total 150 100

INFERENCE

From the above table shows that relevant option of rating the TOI by the user. 18% of the respondents have opted to Time constraint to read newspapers (English or Tamil), 35% of them have opted to More time consumption to read "The TOI", 36% of them opted to Non availability of "The TOI" in your area, 3% of them prefer to read Tamil news paper, 7% of them To read other newspaper.

45

CHART NO: 3.12

RELEVANT OPTION

RELEVANT OPTION

28

19

52

35

55

36

5

3

9

7

150

100

NO. OF

RESPONDENTS

PERCENTAGE

Total

To read othernewspaper

Prefer to read Tamilnewspaper

Non availability of“TOI” in your area

More timeconsumption to read“TOI”

Time Constraint toreadnewspapers(Englishor Tamil)

46

TABLE NO: 3.13

RESPONSE ON ANY COMPLAINTS FROM CUSTOMER CARE

FACTORS NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

Strongly Agree 7 5

Agree 90 60

Uncertain 53 35

Total 150 100

INFERENCE

It is identified from the above table that 5% of the respondents strongly agree that they are facing problems, 60% of them agree that they are facing the problems, 35% of the respondents are uncertain.

47

CHART NO: 3.13

RESPONSE ON ANY COMPLAINTS FROM CUSTOMER CARE

RESPONSE ON ANY COMPLAINTS

7

90

53

150

5

60

35

100

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

StronglyAgree

Agree Uncertain Total

NO. OFRESPONDENTS

PERCENTAGE

48

TABLE NO: 3.14

LACKING IN COVERING LOCAL AREA NEWS

FACTORS NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

Strongly Agree 39 26

Agree 43 28

Uncertain 14 9

Disagree 54 37

Total 150 100

INFERENCE

It is identified from the above table that 26% of the respondents strongly agree that TOI is lacking in local area news coverage, 28% of them agree, 9% of them are uncertain, 37% of the respondents disagree the statement.

49

CHART NO: 3.14

LACKING IN COVERING LOCAL AREA NEWS

LACKING IN COVERING LOCAL AREA NEWS

39 43

14

54

150

26 289

37

100

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

StronglyAgree

Agree Uncertain Disagree Total

NO. OFRESPONDENTS

PERCENTAGE

50

TABLE NO: 3.15

VALUE TO ADD IN OUR LIFE

FACTORS NO.OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

Strongly Agree 56 38

Agree 77 51

Uncertain 14 9

Disagree 3 2

Total 150 100

INFERENCE

It is identified from the above table that 38% of the respondents are strongly agreed that the TOI paper adds value for our life, 51% of them agree, 9% of them Uncertain, 2% of the respondents disagree to this statement.

51

CHART NO: 3.15

VALUE TO ADD IN OUR LIFE

5638

77

51

14 9 3 2

150

100

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

StronglyAgree

Uncertain Total

VALUE TO ADD IN OUR LIFE

NO.OF RESPONDENTS

PERCENTAGE

52

TABLE NO: 3.16

GIVING MORE KNOWLEDGE

FACTORS NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

Strongly Agree 15 10

Agree 60 40

Uncertain 44 29

Disagree 31 21

Total 150 100

INFERENCE

It is identified from the above table that 10% of the respondents strongly agree that TOI news paper is giving more knowledge than other newspapers, 40% of them agree, 29% of them uncertain, 21% of the respondents disagree to this statement.

53

CHART NO: 3.16

GIVING MORE KNOWLEDGE

GIVING MORE KNOWLEDGE

15

6044

31

150

10

4029

21

100

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

StronglyAgree

Agree Uncertain Disagree Total

NO. OFRESPONDENTS

PERCENTAGE

54

TABLE NO: 3.17

COST EFFECTIVENESS

FACTORS NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

Strongly Agree 43 29

Agree 65 43

Uncertain 36 24

Disagree 6 4

Total 150 100

INFERENCE

It is identified from the above table that 29% of the respondents strongly agree that TOI news paper is giving more effective information, 43% of them agree, 24% of them uncertain, 4% of the respondents disagree to this statement.

55

CHART NO: 3.17

COST EFFECTIVENESS

COST EFFECTIVENESS

43

65

36

6

150

2943

24

4

100

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

StronglyAgree

Agree Uncertain Disagree Total

NO. OFRESPONDENTS

PERCENTAGE

56

RELATIONSHIP OF PERSONAL FACTORS OVER THE FACTORS INFLUENCING PREFERENCE OF PARTICULAR BRAND

In order to study the relationship of personal factors such as age, gender, educational level, occupation and monthly income over the factors influencing the preference of particular brand such as price, quality and availability, further analysis has been made under the following heads.

CHI –SQUARE TEST

The chi-square test is an important test amongst several test of significance developed by statisticians. Chi-square is a statistical measure used in the context of sampling analysis for comparing a variance to theoretical variance.

The chi-square is a measure of actual divergence of the observed and expected frequencies and as such when there is no difference between actual and observed frequencies, the value of chi-square is 0. Chi-square test frequencies is significant or not.

The following formula can be used for calculating chi-square value.

Degree of freedom = (R -1) (C -1)

Where,

O = Refers to the observed frequencies and

E = Refers to the expected frequencies

R= Refers to the number of rows

C= Refers to the number of columns

57

DEGREE OF FREEDOM

The term degree of freedom refers to the number of “independent constraints” in a set of data. The degrees of freedom are calculated by the formula.

V = (c-1)(r-1)

V = Stands for degree of freedom

c = Stands for number of Columns

r = Stands for number of rows

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE

The probabilities indicate the extent of reliance that can be placed on conclusion drawn. The same technique is used incase of chi- square test and the table value chi- square are available at various probabilities level. These levels are called level of significance. Usually the value of chi- square is at 5% level of significance.

Null hypothesis (Ho)

“Null hypothesis is one that would be true if the alternative hypothesis were false”. It is a very useful tool in testing the significance of difference. It assert that the there is no real difference in the sample and the population in the particular matter under consideration. It is usually denoted by the symbol H o.

The level of significance is always the same percentage (usually 5%) which should be chosen with great care, thought and reason. He will be rejected when the sampling result is less than 0.05 probability of occurring it H o is true and vice versa in case of 5% level of significance.

58

CROSS TABULATION BETWEEN AGE AND RELEVENT INFORMATION FOR ALL AGE GROUPS

AGE RELEVENT INFORMATION FOR ALL AGE GROUPS TOTAL

Yes No

Below 20 26 6 32

21 to 30 16 5 21

31 to 40 25 9 34

Above 40 5 8 13

Total 72 28 100

Source: Survey data

(H0): There is no significant relationship between age and relevant information for all age groups.

59

(H1): There is significant relationship between age and relevant information for all age groups.

CHISQUARE TEST

Calculated Value = 17.837

Degree of freedom = 3

Table value = 7.815

Significant level = Significant at 5% level

INFERENCE

It is observed from the above table that the calculated value of chi-square is greater than the table value. Hence the null hypothesis is rejected and it is concluded that there is signif icant relationship between age and relevant information for all age groups.

60

CROSS TABULATION BETWEEN OCCUPATION AND PROBLEMS FACED TO USE THE TOI NEWSPAPER

OCCUPATION PROBLEM FACED TO USE TOI NEWSPAPER TOTAL

Strongly Agree Agree Uncertain

Student 2 33 11 46

Employee 2 18 31 51

Business man 1 24 7 32

Others 2 15 4 21

Total 7 90 53 150

Source: Survey data

(H0): There is no significant relationship between occupation and problems faced to use the TOI newspaper.

(H1): There is significant relationship between occupation and problems faced to use the TOI newspaper.

61

CHISQUARE TEST

Calculated Value = 23.462

Degree of freedom = 6

Table value = 12.592

Significant level = Significant at 5% level

INFERENCE

It is observed from the above table that the calculated value of chi-square is greater than the table value. Hence the null hypothesis is rejected and it is concluded that there is significant relationship between relationship occupation and problem faced to use the TOI news paper.

62

CHAPTER – IV

CONCLUSION FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS,

4.1 FINDINGS

Maximum of the respondents belong to 31-40 years old to read the TOI newspaper.

Maximum of the respondents belong to male category.

Maximum (35%) of the respondents who prefer to read the TOI news paper is at the Post graduate level.

Maximum (34%) of the respondents are employees.

37% of the respondents subscribed for TOI news paper on the basis of offer.

Maximum (43%) of the respondent’s opinion of quality information is good.

36% of them opted Fairly Important if an expert asks to switch over to TOI.

Maximum (45%) of the respondents are reading TOI news paper Often.

Maximum (46%) of the respondents are getting reliable information by reading this newspaper.

52% of the respondents like Times Ascent.

20% of the respondents opted to relevant information.

63

36% percent of respondents have the complaint on non availability of paper in their area.

60% agree that problems are being faced to read TOI newspaper.

Maximum (37%) of the respondents disagree for lacking of local area news coverage.

Maximum (51%) of the respondents agree that TOI adds value to their life.

Maximum (40%) of the respondents agree that TOI is providing them more knowledge.

Maximum (43%) of the respondents agree that TOI is providing them effective information.

4.2 SUGGESTIONS

The following are the suggestion offered to increase the satisfaction level

of The TOI news paper based on the reader’s opinion and analysis of the data.

Most of the consumers expressed dissatisfaction over the number of advertisement

both commercial and cinema should be taken by the publishers to reduce the advertisement

coverage and add more sports news, IT news, job opportunities etc.

As regards availability of newspapers the highest number of

respondents are satisfied, but a few respondents in rural areas dissatisfied because of non-

availability of English newspapers like The Times of India and the Economic Times. Hence

64

newspapers should reach rural areas also.

A few respondents are dissatisfied about reliability of news. So

reporters must verify the news before they are published.

4.3 CONCLUSION Newspapers play an important role in our day-to-day life. They have

contributed not only for the growth of democracy in a country but also for

development of the economy. Indian newspapers enjoy large circulations. It is an

influential organ shouldering great responsibilities and should furnish uncolored

news without suppressing the facts and also care should be taken to satisfy the

needs of consumers .

65

BIBLIOGRAPHY

a) Books

Encyclopedia, The world book, volume 14

Encyclopedia, Britannica, Napoleon Ozonolysis, volume 16

Gupta, S.P., “ Statistical methods”, s.chand & sons, New Delhi

Kothari, C.R, “Research methodology, methods and Techniques”

b) Websites

WWW. Presscounsil.nic.in

WWW.timesgroup.com

WWW. Worldpressinstitute.org

WWW. Google.com.

66

ANNEXURE

SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE FOR EFFECTIVENESS OF “THE TIMES OF INDIA” NEWSPAPER IN COIMBATORE

Name: Mail-Id:

1) Age:2) Gender:3) Education:4) Customer’s occupation?

(A)Student (B) Employee (C) Businessman (D) other (please specify)....

5) What made you to switch over from other newspaper to “The Times of India”?

1) Offer 2) Quality of Information 3) Supplementary 4) Monthly Subscription

6) What do you think about the quality of information of “The Times of India” as compared to other English Newspapers?

A) Excellent B) Good C) Fair D) Poor E) cannot say

7) If you are subscribing any other newspaper then an expert says to purchase “The Times of India”. If so cost of “The Times of India” will be?

A) Very important B) Fairly important C) Neutral D) Not so important E) Not at all important

8) What will be the frequency of reading “The Times of India” if somebody provides you at free of cost?

A) All of the time B) Very often C) Often D) Sometime E) Hardly ever

9) How much reliable information given by “The Times of India” is?

67

A) Very much B) Much C) Neutral D) Not much E) Not at all

10) Which supplementary copy of “The Times of India” you like the most?

A) Times Classifieds B) Educational Times C) Property Plus D) Times Ascent E) Times Life

11) Do you think “The Times of India” has relevant information for all age groups?

A) Yes B) No

12) Ticks on more than two relevant boxes for preferring tamil newspapers.

o Time constrains to read any (English and Tamil) newspaper.

o More time consumption to read English newspaper (“TOI”)

o Not easily available in your area (service/delivery problem) mention area

13) Response from customer care on any complaints

A) Strongly Agree B) Agree C) Uncertain D) Disagree

Rate “The Times of India” on these scales

Q.No Question Strongly Agree

Agree Uncertain Disagree Strongly Disagree

14 Problem with understanding the language of “The Times of India”

15 Lacking in covering local news or any other information than other newspapers?

16 Do you think “The Times of India” adds value to your life?

17 Is “The Times of India” giving more knowledge than T.V

68

or internet?18 Is “The Times of

India” cost effective to you?

19) Anything you dislike in “The Times of India”.

20) Suggestions or Comments?

69

70