'Journalism is tested each day'

“Journalism is an everyday challenge. Compared to the ‘60s, the challenges are more now. Journalism is a profession that is tested each day,” said veteran journalist S V Jayasheela Rao.

He was delivering a talk on “Journalism and challenges” during the Press Day celebrations and seminar organised by Chikmagalur District Union of Working Journalists here on Monday.

“The price war among the newspapers and the control of advertisers are the real challenges of journalism,” he said.

“The profession is in such a juncture that the newspapers which are supposed to be with a noble vision are constantly under the pressure of advertisers. Many a time, advertisers decide what journalists should say. If this is the case, why there should be editors and working journalists?” he asked.

“A country can be developed where there are equal opportunities for all. There should be a fair competition in a commercial venture. But the price war among the newspapers is not a good sign. All including politicians speak about the increasing prices of groceries, but why nobody speaks about the price war between the newspapers?” he queried.

Rao said journalists should abide by the press ethics. “They should have self-satisfaction about their job. The role of media in moulding a government that looks after the well being of all people through the laws prescribed the Constitution, is something great. Media should not support any political party that goes against Democracy,” the veteran journalist suggested.

Deputy Commissioner R Narayanaswamy said the number of newspapers are increasing like population. Publishing quality reports is a challenge for editors. Society expects transparency in all fields. Journalism is not an exception. Transparency should be kept in mind while getting a news, he said. In his inaugural address, Karnataka Media Academy President Parameshwar said the academy would respond to the demands of the journalists in a positive manner.

Journalists’ National Board member C K Murthy, Information Department Senior Assistant Director D Narasimhamurthy, District Union of Working Journalists H S Puttaswamy, Media Academy member N Raju, General Secretary C D Chandregowda, Jaya Karnataka District President Anil Kumar were present.