Scribes urged to render responsible reportage

The responsibility to enlighten journalists about legal implications lies on media houses, said senior journalist Vinod Kumar Nayak.

He delivered a talk on ‘Media and Laws’ at the two-day workshop jointly organised by Media Academy, District Information Office and Udupi Working Journalists Association on the topic ‘the role of media in solving problems of coastal Karnataka’ in Udupi on Sunday. Nayak said that often mistakes are committed due to ignorance.

“Reporters should be made aware about usage of language as it should be in the purview of journalism so as to avoid legal hurdles. Journalists should observe caution as news is no longer constructive but is veering towards being destructive.”

Asserting that transparency is essential, Nayak said news should be analysed with precincts of transparency and fairness. He added that in India media houses were not penalised as not many filed defamation cases against them. He said facts should be cross verified and news should not be sensationalised without mulling over the implications. Journalists should prescribe laws for themselves and documents should be repeatedly checked for accuracy, he said.

Journalist Hrishikesh Bahadur Desai said there is no clarity in the information dispensed through social media. He said instead of social media becoming a boon, it had become a bane as although every second, around 11 crore people check Wikipedia, information was not being used constructively.

Another senior journalist Devu Pattar called upon media students to read as much as they can so that it would offer them in-depth knowledge into any aspect in the future. “Please read whatever interests you,” he said and discussed the changes that are taking place in media houses. Photojournalist and teacher Lokesh Mosale stressed on the need for photographers to be sensitive while clicking pictures.

“Photographers must maintain self-restrain and not fake pictures,” he said. Media Academy secretary Shankarappa and District Information Officer Rohini K were also present.

Journalists showcased their talents in the form of a tiger dance and mimicry.