On the eve of World Press Freedom Day, a roundtable discussion was organised in which a number of eminent speakers touched upon relevant topics concerning the media and its implications on the society.
Organised by the United States Consulate General, Hyderabad in association with Indian Journalists’ Union (IJU), the theme of the event was ‘Explosive Growth of Media and Ethical Issues for Journalists’.
Michael Mullins, American Consul General in Hyderabad, said, “Having a strong fourth pillar is not simply a matter of newspapers being printed and TV stations being broadcast.
A strong democracy requires, and is nurtured by, a media environment that is open and free. We need a media environment in which vibrant debate flourishes on all topics. We depend on media that supports investigative journalism, and rewards integrity and honesty.”
He reminded that a city like Hyderabad was fortunate to have a flourishing press, but expressed concern that in many parts of the world, press is being censored and attacked.
Vinod Pavarala, professor at Department of Communication, University of Hyderabad, felt community radios, governed by laws, should be encouraged while maintaining that minimum State interference was important.
On the ethical front, M. Somasekhar, Chief of Bureau of The HinduBusinessline , Hyderabad pointed out that the challenges for journalists include naming of victims of sexual crimes, identifying caste and religion of a person and even accepting corporate hospitality and trips.
Devulapalli Amar, Secretary General, Indian Journalists’ Union, said that constitution of a media commission and an act for protection of journalists was a long-pending demand which should be looked into.
K. Amarnath, member of Press Council of India, felt that gate-keeping system was dying in India since the desk, which performed this role, was irrelevant in today’s times.
K. Srinivas, Editor, Andhra Jyothi said that the idealism was still not lost among the media persons, but the innocence was.
