Two of the largest survey companies targeted together in less than two weeks. One of course a high-profile survey company with offices in Singapore, ads during prime time of IPL matches, and projecting themselves as the biggest saviors of Indian youth; the other projecting themselves as a very low-profile but still considered to be one of the biggest survey companies with office in little known Mirzapur. According to Star News, the owners are trying to run away, their head office is closed, and they are not paying their panelists any money.
Well, frankly speaking, though I heard about Speak Asia before, but I had never head of this Ram Survey which also became so famous after Star News concerted effort to expose themselves. Well, it helped both. The TRP ratings of Star News suddenly started to sore up after a series of survey-exposing news and of course now each individual knows about Speak Asia and Ram Survey.
For me, it seems like Star News is working with hand in gloves with these little known Internet players to bring out sensational news about these survey companies and thus popularize them among public and in the process boosting up their TRP rating as well, and this has definitely seemed to have worked wonders for both of them.
I picked up the declaration by Ram Survey about Star News' reported news exposure. Though the denial is there but still in a very mild tone. "Dear Associates, Another story by Star News on online fraud. You all know this is just a story, a fake one. You all need to understand that why only Star News is coming with such reports. Stop for a minute and think, they are coming with similar concept. This is just an effort by them to tarnish our image and so they can get the benefit out of it. Kindly do not pay attention to such news, videos and news coverage. We ensure you that whatever is being shown has no element of truth in it. We are very well and strongly placed which is evident by growing number of associates day by day. Long live you and Ramsurvey."
Now, if one look at denial, you will see that they are not vehemently rejecting Star News claim but just encouraging their panelists in a very mild manner. This is what has made me suspicious about Star News real intentions behind this investigative journalism. Because, even in Speak Asia case, they just blurted out their income profile that they are making about Rs. 15 crores, but they never could point out a finger if they are doing it illegally.
The other thing worth noting here is the Star News has also started their own survey portal called Star Panel. Now, that really is something that needs to be taken into consideration as well.
So, guys give this a serious thinking and come out with what you think about it.
© 2011 Ranjan Kumar
