Observing that sensationalism has crept into the media, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah today underscored the need for the fourth estate to exercise self-regulation and maintain high standards of professionalism and ethics.
“News is sacred. News and interpretation should not be mixed. The news appearing in newspapers and TV channels have a profound impact on the society. These days, we often see sensational, inaccurate and biased news being carried. Media should exercise self-regulation,” he said.
Mr. Rosaiah’s speech was read out at the 30th anniversary celebrations of ‘Prajasakti’, a Telugu daily, run by the CPI(M),in Hyderabad.
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State Information Minister J. Geeta Reddy also highlighted the need for the media to exercise self-regulation.
“Sensationalism and fall in ethics and professional standards are plaguing the media today. Rejoinders and clarifications to sensational headlines are not carried prominently. Maintaining ethics is very important in journalism. (While) Government regulation is not desirable, I urge the media to observe self-regulation,” she said.
CPI(M) State secretary B V Raghavulu said ‘Prajasakti’ did not hesitate to say that it stood for the common people.
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The daily scrupulously avoided giving prominence to sensational stories, personal lives of celebrities and political vendetta, he said.