Retired Karnataka High Court Judge A.J. Sadashiva on Sunday advised media organisations against focussing excessively on “political dramas” enacted by the politicians.
Speaking after inaugurating the Press Day celebrations organised by the Karnataka Media Academy along with the Department of Information at the Press Club of Bangalore here, Mr. Sadashiva said that such political developments should be “blanked out”.
He also cautioned media organisations not to forget their primary duty of guiding society and called upon mediapersons to introspect on their contribution to society through their work.
Journalism, he said, is not just about being part of an organisation that earns profits through circulation or television rating points (TRPs).
He regretted the practice of sensationalising news and increased focus on violence. “Respect others’ opinion as much as you do your own,” said Mr. Sadashiva.
Columnist and former editor of Kannada Prabha K. Satyanarayana, who presided over the function, said that human relations are being lost in the present era of computers, television and telephones.
He said that interaction with the public is decreasing and the true spirit of public contact with journalists has been lost.
Director of Department of Information N.R. Vishukumar said that Press Day should be celebrated across the country.