Struggle for Equitable Writer Compensation
By: Mohd Younus Bhat
My well-wishers frequently challenge the value of my dedication to writing articles for newspapers, questioning its economic merit with remarks like, “Terelikhne se kuchnahihoga, Apnakeemtiwaqtzaaya mat karo”- “Your writing won’t lead to anything, don’t waste your precious time.” Such comments prompt a moment of introspection on my part, leading me to justify my passion for writing.
Yet, beneath my explanations, I harbour doubts about the wisdom of investing my time without financial return, especially as a student with limited time. This internal debate compels me to reflect on the predicament faced by column writers who invest considerable effort in their craft—meticulously editing, conducting plagiarism and AI checks, among other tasks—only to be rewarded with their name in the editorial section. Is the recognition worth the effort? Does the effectiveness of one’s writing matter if the newspapers do not adequately compensate their writers? Will this cycle of unrewarded labour persist indefinitely?
As a student, I am acutely aware that time is a valuable resource. I could be using it to pursue more financially rewarding activities. Yet, I find myself drawn to writing, crafting thoughts into sentences, hoping to touch the hearts of readers in some quiet moment. But when the writing is done, and the excitement of seeing my name in print fades, I am left wondering if it is worth it. Is the joy of contributing to public discourse enough, or am I just pushing a boulder uphill, only to watch it roll back down?
Writing for newspapers, often perceived as a labour of love, is a realm where passion meets the pursuit of sharing ideas and shaping public discourse. However, the stark reality faced by many writers, particularly budding columnists, unveils a different narrative. The meticulous effort invested in crafting articles, rigorously editing, and ensuring authenticity through plagiarism checks frequently remains unappreciated in terms of fair compensation.
As writers pour their hearts and skills into crafting engaging content, it is disheartening to see that the financial benefits largely accrue to the publishing houses, leaving the creators under-compensated. This stark reality brings us to a critical juncture: Is the love for writing enough to sustain these individuals, or is it time to demand fair recognition and treatment?
The introduction of laws ensuring fair compensation and ethical treatment of writers by their publishers is essential to protect the rights and acknowledge the efforts of these creative individuals. Such legal measures would not only ensure writers are compensated but also encourage a richer, more diverse public discourse by enabling a variety of voices to be heard.
Government action is crucial in correcting the imbalance currently experienced by writers. By implementing legislation like copyright laws that protect the intellectual property of creators, we can take a significant step towards providing writers with the rewards they deserve for their contributions. This would not only secure financial stability for writers but also enhance the quality and diversity of public dialogue.
The plight of column writers is indicative of wider challenges within the gig economy, where traditional job benefits and security are often absent. Advocating for change goes beyond ensuring fair pay; it involves reevaluating and elevating the way we value all forms of creative work. Achieving this transformation requires a concerted effort from governments, publishers, and the public to recognize and act on the economic and cultural value that writers contribute to society.
Recent calls for government regulation in the creative industry, targeting major corporations for their monopolistic practices, underscore the urgency of this issue. Writers’ guilds have been vocal about the necessity for regulatory measures to guarantee fair treatment and compensation, highlighting the government’s role in protecting the interests of creative professionals.
While the non-monetary rewards of writing, such as personal satisfaction and the opportunity to influence societal discourse, are invaluable, they cannot replace the need for financial compensation. The challenges highlighted here demand urgent attention for systemic reform to ensure that writers are compensated in a way that truly reflects their value, both in recognition and monetary terms. Such reform is vital for sustaining a dynamic and diverse public discourse, which is the cornerstone of a thriving democratic society.
As the economic benefits of writing continue to favour publishers, the disparity in compensation raises a crucial question: Can passion for writing alone sustain creators, or is a shift towards more equitable practices overdue? The government’s role in enacting policies that ensure fair compensation and treatment of writers is more critical than ever.
By recognizing and financially rewarding the hard work and dedication of writers, we can safeguard their livelihoods and ensure the continued richness and diversity of our cultural and intellectual landscape.
Publishers, being the primary beneficiaries of brilliant writing, bear a moral responsibility to remunerate contributors fairly. This goes beyond mere symbolic acts; it necessitates a joint dedication from both publishers and the government towards providing fair financial compensation, fostering avenues for professional growth, and recognizing writers’ pivotal role in enhancing publications and enriching public dialogue. Only through such concerted efforts can we aspire to a harmonious society grounded in principles of justice, law, and financial equity, ultimately striving towards the pinnacle of societal prosperity.
The writer is a Ph.D. Student,CSIR-NET, DST-INSPIRE fellow & Gold Medalist,School of Physical, Chemical & Applied Sciences (SPCAS)Pondicherry University (A Central University),
Kashmir Images is an English language daily newspaper published from Srinagar (J&K), India. The newspaper is one of the largest circulated English dailies of Kashmir and its hard copies reach every nook and corner of Kashmir Valley besides Jammu and Ladakh region.
