'Free press ensures good governance'

Upa Lokayukta Subhash B Adi on Tuesday gave a clarion call for journalists to practice responsible journalism.

Addressing media persons at Sri Shivarathreeshwara Award presentation ceremony organised by JSS Mahavidyapeetha in the city, the Upa Lokayukta delved on ‘breaking news’ in electronic media that often triggers a conflict with judiciary. “Before the trial, media airs assertions on its own adduce. However, it could have both positive and negative effects.” Upa Lokayukta cited the example of Jessica Lal murder case, in which the media set the tone for the judiciary to act on its findings.

Explaining the other characteristics of media, the Upa Lokayukta said constructive governance is possible only with the freedom of the press. Media is the only link between common man and power centres. Most importantly, it creates awareness among the people and corrects the society.

Chairman of Karnataka Media Academy M A Ponnappa mooted the necessity to debate on the proposal made by the chairman of Press Council of India (PCI) Markandeya Katju to have minimum qualification for journalists.

He appealed to the district units of journalists’ associations to debate on the topic and promised to submit a report on the outcomes of such debates to the PCI.

Suttur seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji positively responded to the appeal made by Ponnappa to conduct yoga sessions for journalists, who are vulnerable to diseases like hyper-tension and diabetes owing to work pressure.

Sri Shivarathreeshwara Media Awards were presented to senior journalists Echanur Kumar (Mysore) and H V Satyanarayan (Chamarajanagar).

President of Mysore District Journalists Association (MDJA) C K Mahendra and his Chamarajanagar counterpart Abraham D’Silva were present.