A free press is a necessity, and not a luxury, for democracy.
This is the firm belief of Governor Rameshwar Thakur, who not only penned these lines on a board to indicate inauguration of a seminar organised on the occasion of National Press Day in Bangalore on Friday, but also emphasised its importance in his address.
While addressing the senior editors and journalists during the seminar - on “Is media sensationalising the news?” - Mr Thakur said he believed in the freedom of press and the journalism that enhances the horizon.
The Governor recalled former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s view: “Even if the Government dislikes the liberty taken by the press and considers them dangerous, it is wrong to interfere with the freedom of press. By imposing restriction you do not change anything; you merely suppress the public manifestation of certain things, thereby causing the idea and thought underlying them to spread further.”
Referring to the issue of sensationalism by the media, Mr Thakur observed that the media has fully and imaginatively adjusted itself to changing times. Sensationalism, though short-lived, is a great temptation. However, only those who guard themselves against succumbing to sensationalism, not only thrive in the field but also earn acceptability and respect in society.
‘Be self-restraint’
Legislative Council Chairman B K Chandrashekar said media should exercise self restraint.
Adherence to code of practice or ethics would save the media from criticism like of being biased, sensationalism etc.
Mr R P Jagadish, former associate editor of Prajavni, said reporting and news analysis should not be mixed and media should be careful while interpreting the news. While some of the participants agreed that sensationalism has been affecting the media, some argued that sensationalism is more in electronic media than in the print.