The news story “Rolling Stone looks for buyer” (THT, September 19, Page 10), is the telltale signs of things to come in the media world, which is increasingly rocked by an uncertain future owing to stiff competition from online business. It would be a sad day if the Rolling Stone folded up or is sold to someone whose values are at variance with the Wenners’. Every time I log into the Guardian it solicits a pittance to support its survival through pop-ups. That is the state of the media in general.

However, even as the world media stands on rocky rounds, the good news is nearer home it has transformed into a vibrant social activity. Every second person I meet on the dusty streets of the country seem to be a journalist or a politician. We also read about several chapters of journalism organizations, including 150 ethnic groups, affiliated to as many political parties. At times it is difficult for me to see the difference between politics and journalism. Another good news is we have a correspondent lurking in every nook and corner of the jungles, mountains, rivers, trees, temples, boulders etc. Some of them seem to be hiding behind NGOs, whereas many others are in teaching or in politics in serious breach of journalistic codes. But irrespective of their core profession, most prefer to tout their journalistic tags. Most of them also seem to be unconcerned about the financial problems of their part or full time employers, pounding tables or threatening to lock up offices to extract their ‘shramjibi patrakar’ rights, following the traditions of trade unions. Nepali media, I was told, was the harbinger of democracy in the country, and hence the fourth-state has been bestowed a special pride.

Manohar Shrestha, Kathmandu

Culture

US president Donald Trump’s executive order banning people from seven Muslim countries from entering America has sent mixed feelings across the world. Though there are various reasons being quoted for this order, such radical steps will put the facets like culture and knowledge on the back burner.

The US being termed the land of milk and honey, it is natural for outsiders to go to America to work and live there. Just imagine the condition of the people hailing from the countries like Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia that have been enlisted by the US executive order. When it comes to knowledge and culture, there should be no restrictions. Knowledge can be present anywhere in the world. In this context, I recollect my golden college-days at a renowned college located in Tiruchendur in Tuticorin district, Tamil Nadu, India.

In fact, the alma mater had established the strong foundation for my career and education. Various schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu are churning out talented students in large numbers every year.The fact is that there are many professionals from other countries working in the US now. What if another executive order restricts these people too?

P. Senthil Saravana Durai, Mumbai