'Somebody who doesn't know alphabet...': Telangana CM Revanth Reddy on political parties launching media outlets

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday expressed serious concern over journalism losing its credibility. The Chief Minister warned that the social media is being exploited in the guise of journalism and the political parties are opening their own media outlets for political gains.

Participating in the anniversary celebrations of Nava Telangana- Telugu Daily in Hyderabad on Friday, Revanth Reddy said that only a handful of media and press organisations are maintaining ethics in journalism and standing by people. These days, some media organisations established by political parties put journalism at risk. Such organisations are exploiting journalism to protect the management's political interests and their income generating sources through illegal means, he said.

Today, a situation arose where the seminars are conducted to define the true meaning of journalism, Revanth Reddy said that earlier, political leaders acquired knowledge and got important information from the scribes in the press conferences. Now the situation is reverse and worrisome. Some political parties are ruining the noble profession of journalism with ulterior motives.

The Chief Minister recalled how the press played a crucial role in uniting people during the freedom struggle. The newspapers run by the Communist parties also played an important role in creating awareness among people on social menaces and during Farmers Armed Struggle in Telangana. The Telangana Chief Minister praised the Nava Telangana newspaper for continuing the legacy.

Revanth Reddy criticised some media organisations, owned by some political parties, for crossing their limits. "In the past, some political parties ran newspapers to explain their ideology to the people. These days, political party owned newspapers are behaving in a strange way to protect their financial interests and cover up mistakes,” he said.

Appealing to people to closely monitor the agenda of some political parties owned newspapers under the guise of journalism, the Chief Minister said that another big worrying factor is social media is being exploited by some people who are unaware of the basics in journalism. These unscrupulous elements are conspiring to destabilize the system also. Like political parties, journalists are also losing their integrity, the Chief Minister said emphasized to draw a 'Lakshman Rekha' in the practice of journalism with trustworthiness.

The Chief Minister warned that the country's security will be in danger if the media's credibility is not restored in the future.

Revanth Reddy highlighted the Communist parties support to Congress to come to power in the previous times and also in the 2023 Assembly elections. The Chief Minister said that friendly relations between Congress and left parties will continue. The two parties will strive together for the development of the State and people's welfare, he added.

Revanth Reddy expressed his frustration with junior journalists who fail to show respect to their senior colleagues. “Sometimes I feel like slapping those who disregard basic courtesies, like respecting seniors, especially when they occupy the front rows during press conferences. Their arrogance can be overwhelming. However, my position and the circumstances prevent me from acting on that impulse," he said.

He also pointed out that many individuals who lack basic literacy skills are now calling themselves journalists. He urged senior journalists to clearly define what it means to be a journalist and to differentiate social media journalists from those in traditional and legacy media. "Nowadays, anyone who cannot read or write even an alphabet claims to be a journalist. When asked, they often respond that they are a social media journalist, almost as if 'journalist' is their surname," the chief minister remarked.