Moving to Delhi: Books, newspapers, radio, television

Books

You can get a very good selection of English-language books in Delhi. They are generally cheaper than in the UK or USA, especially the Indian editions. One criticism, though, is that Indian bookstores are perhaps a bit serious, and the selection is not as wide as you might find at home, but you should rest assured that you can get good books easily in Delhi.

Bookstores in Delhi

Bookstores in Delhi. From "Rediff on the Net".

Television and Radio

Indian TV uses PAL B/G format. There are several varieties of PAL, which are not 100% compatible. For example, with PAL I, used in the UK and Ireland, you can play PAL B/G videos on a PAL I TV/VCR system, but may (will?) have trouble watching broadcast/cablecast TV. You probably will need a basic multisystem VCR.

If your system is NTSC (USA, Canada, much of the Americas) or SECAM (France?, ex-Communist states), you will definitely need a multisystem VCR. Bring one with you or buy one here. Most are Japanese models.

Most affluent neighborhoods are wired for cable, which is mostly taken from satellite broadcasts. While coverage varies, many people have most Indian channels (Doordarshan), CNN International, BBC World Service, MTV Asia, Channel V (music videos), ESPN, ABN (Asia Business Network), and all the STAR-TV channels (STAR World, Plus, Movies, News). If you're from Europe (or even if you're not), STAR is a lot like the SKY channels.

In addition to Satellite television, you might think about getting a shortwave radio, to pick up your national news or your favorite other stations, such as BBC, VOA, Deutsche Welle, Radio France International, etc etc.

International Broadcasters

Self description: "Here is a list of International Broadcasters on the Internet that I have been able to locate so far. Most of these sites have information regarding the programs they present and the frequencies on which they transmit."

All India Radio

Schedules, frequencies, even some RealAudio sound clips, from India's only radio network. Get a cassette deck for your car!

Worldwide TV Standards - A Web Guide

Everything you want to know about TV formats, including a listing of countries and formats.

STAR TV

"Descriptions of the different STAR TV channels and the types of programming you'll find on them." You could also download schedules but that link seems to be down (11/98).

Newspapers and Magazines

There are a dozens of Indian daily papers and a huge number of thick, serious, Indian magazines on a wide range of topics. As in all countries, most publications are primarily concerned with domestic events, but there is coverage of international news as well. You can subscribe to major international newsmagzines here, or buy them by the issue at news stands or bookstores in upscale markets and '5-star' hotels.

There are many good Indian computer magazines, which are discussed at more length in the Communicationssection.

Press Information Bureau

"an interface between the Government of India and the media, provides authentic Government related information." Good source for copies of official press releases.

The Magazine Page

Listing of many Indian magazines and newspapers, from Kerala Online.

Newspapers

This list speaks for itself -- these are just the English-language daily papers!

The Asian Age
Business India	ICCR monthly newsletter
Business Today	India Today
Business Line	India World
Deccan Herald	Indian Express News
Dainik Jagran	Jagran
Hello India	Naiduniya
The Hindu	Outlook
Hindustan Times	The Times of India

Copyright © 1998 Peter R Bullen. Created: 15-Feb-98. Updates: 30-April-98, 20-May-98, 5-Aug-98, 29-Nov-98, 6-Feb-99.