PUBLIC REQUEST

1st April 2020

Secretary/Chairman
Housing Society/Resident Welfare Association

Dear Sir / Madam,

Subject: Safety of Newspapers and importance of its delivery in your Society.

We have taken serious note of the present ongoing Global pandemic of Covid-19 and wish to update
you as follows:

1. We, The Times Group, are a prominent media services conglomerate, enjoying unstinted patronage
from millions of discerning readers and viewers worldwide. We have a heritage of over 180 years
and our newspaper publications “The Times of India,” “The Economic Times,” “Navbharat Times”,
“Maharashtra Times” and “Mumbai Mirror” are well known to readers in India, enjoying wide
readership. Your Society too has many of our readers and we thank you deeply for your continuing
patronage.

2. Our publications ensure that correct information reaches all our readers and public at large in a
relevant and balanced manner, which is especially important in times of great disinformation which
has challenged our society’s cohesion.

3. Following the spread of Covid-19 and resulting National Lockdown implemented by the
Government of India and all State Governments, some residents have been deprived of access to
many essential commodities, including availability of verified and credible news. In such
challenging times, a vast amount of disinformation and rumours are gripping our society and
causing unnecessary panic, leading to various challenges.

4. Our Publications and our journalists are trying to curb this social menace and are working day and
night to bring to you and your Society members accurate news and uncluttered verified information
which is essential for all of us today, more than ever.

5. The Government of India has stated that uninterrupted supply of newspapers is vital to ensure
that public gets accurate information and is abreast of the latest developments. Only this can help
readers make informed choices. To highlight the importance of the "operational continuity of print
and electronic media" in view of the outbreak, the Government of India has taken out a circular
urging all states and union territories to facilitate operational convenience of these services to
"ensure timely and authentic information dissemination.”

6. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also said that newspapers have “tremendous credibility” and,
by acting as a link between the government and the people, play a critical role in creating
awareness about the Covid-19 outbreak at both the national and regional levels.

7. Importance of correct information cannot be overemphasised and we must all, as responsible

Indians, ensure that people are kept aware or all developments in regard to the pandemic.
8. Disinformation, fake news and rumours are presenting worldwide challenges too. One such
instance is when a rumour that alcohol kills Covid-19 recently left hundreds dead in Iran and
thousands sick following consumption of alcohol containing methanol.

9. Newspapers and their delivery chain are absolutely safe and free from any form of contamination,
including Covid-19/Coronavirus. A lot of fake news and misleading material is being spread to make
people anxious about newspapers and this has happened because of ulterior motive and also to
cause mayhem by anti-social elements.

10. The World Health Organisation has clearly stated “The likelihood of an infected person
contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from
a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is
also low.” America’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also advised consumers that
coronavirus has “a very low risk” of spreading on packages, newspapers, and other mail due to the
“poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces”. Dr. Anoop Mishra, Chairman of Fortis C-Doc
has also urged people to not believe in rumours and has stated that “the possibility of spread of
infection from newspapers is virtually nil.”

11. Fake news has caused people to believe otherwise and we have noted that your Society too has
expressed reservations on safety of newspapers. We assure you that the newspaper arriving at
your doorstep is safe and handled by our delivery people following all safety protocols.

12. Our newspapers are printed with highly automated processes and without human contact. From
robotic handling of newsprint and other raw materials to printing, folding, packing and dispatch
everything is carried out seamlessly till the printed newspaper is loaded into distribution trucks. At
distribution centres, the newspaper delivery boys are trained to follow all Hygiene Protocols
(including but not limited to, saitisers, masks, gloves..) to ensure that last-mile delivery is also
safeguarded. To know more, you may also visit the weblink https://bit.ly/npsafevid.

13. In the time of great national distress - following a global pandemic - where knowledge becomes
more important with regular Government notifications / advisories, information on location of
medical facilities and testing centres, do’s and don’ts on health, curfews and numerous other critical
and highly important communications, you and your Society members must have access to correct
and verified news through newspapers.

14. We assure you that fears of newspapers being an avenue of infection are unfounded and it is safe
to deliver and read newspapers in your Society and homes of your members. The newspaper
remains a source of news, information and hope.

We accordingly call upon you to allow the newspapers to be delivered to your Society on a daily basis.
If you wish the same to be delivered at the Society doorstep or to each individual subscriber household,
we we will make every possible effort to manage the modalities to your comfort. We thank you and all
of our readers for their continued support and encouragement so that we can brave the prevailing
situation and get the correct news to you everyday, without fail.

Yours sincerely,
For Bennett, Coleman and Co. Ltd.
Chief Executive Officer