Governor P. Sathasivam has called upon journalists to insulate themselves from the influence of market forces to ensure dispassionate reporting of news.
Inaugurating a seminar on the Role of the Press Council of India in ethical journalism in India organised by the Kerala Journalists Union, an affiliate of Indian Journalists Union, here on Friday, Mr. Sathasivam reminded that the fourth pillar was the cornerstone of democracy that needs to be protected sacredly. There is an unprecedented spurt in violation of ethics of late and that needs to be curbed, he said.
The mandate of the PCI is to set a code of conduct for the media.
Its ambit should be widened with punitive powers so that it would be able to regulate the content on the Internet and other arms, mainly the broadcast and social media.
The council should also educate society of unethical practices.
Mr. Sathasivam also reminisced his close association with the journalists fraternity and explained the facilities he had arranged for reporters at the Madras High Court and then as Chief Justice of India at the Supreme Court.
He also had a word about the caution he got before hearing the petition on the Majithia Wage Board report.
Press Council of India Chairman Chandramauli Kumar Prasad, in his presidential address, said that scribes should be like an eagle with eyes to see both the good and the bad. They should be fiercely independent and should not yield to pressures.
