Special Correspondent
Says there should be no imagination of facts
CHENNAI: Governor Surjit Singh Barnala on Saturday cautioned against the tendency among a section of the media to give importance to “sensational news.”
Inaugurating a seminar on the ‘Role of Media in the Development of Society,’ organised by the Tamil Nadu regional branch of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) here, Mr. Barnala said, “If much importance is given to such news, it often corrupts the minds of the people and may lead to lowering the standards of society.”
Citizens could make use of the media to express their assent or dissent, the Governor said.
The media also should help society in such a manner that the latter could take part in the Government’s decision-making process and give stakeholders a voice.
By reporting and denouncing cases of human rights violations, a free and open media could increase awareness among people about their rights and act as a reliable source of information on the basis of which civil society organisations and public authorities could work to bring down incidences of arbitrary abuse of authority, he opined.
“You should carry only facts, nothing but facts and must be unbiased. There should be no imagination of facts or exaggeration of facts. If the media carry exaggerated news with inaccurate details, that would create confusion among people, which may even lead to a law and order situation. This would create a bad impression and tarnish the image of the media,” he said.
Stressing the need for ensuring real editorial independence of the media that served public interest, Mr. Barnala said investigative journalism should bring to light issues that affected the growth, development, peace and harmony of society.
He urged both print and electronic media to take it as their bounden duty to ensure preservation of nation’s unity, solidarity and integrity in its pristine form.
Mr. Barnala released the IIPA members’ directory, which was received by regional chairman of the organisation E. Dasaradhan.