Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
 
Mangalore, Sep 16: Asserting that journalists often perform a tightrope walk, professor Varadesh Hiregange, director of Manipal Institute of Communication said that journalists should not be friendly with establishments to the extent that it stops them from writing against any irregularities made by them.
 
He was addressing journalists at a workshop held at the Press Club here on Saturday September 15.

He added that journalists must see that he or she is not bought by anybody and the learning process should be a continuous one.

Speaking on contemporary media, he said that sensationalizing the news keeping in view TRP or readership is a bad practice and media should inculcate self restriction.
 
"When a crime victim is highlighted in media through reports, photographs or video footage, a journalist should keep in mind the dilemma faced by the victim and put himself in victim’s position and then report," he said, and added that a journalist should analyze ‘how do I expect that incident to be covered by the media if I were the victim'.
 
Admitting that a journalist’s profession is a different one, which entails upholding of the Indian Constitution, professor Hiregange said that although there is no separate provision for press freedom, the level of freedom of speech and expression enjoyed in India is still a mirage for people of many countries.

"Freedom of press in India is part of freedom of speech and expression, however, in United State of America there is a separate provision for press freedom in the American constitution," he said, adding that reasonable restriction on media with regard to sovereignty, integrity and security of the nation is justified.

"Media cannot publish a report that destroys public order, or harms relation with foreign countries and gives rise to violence. Media should work within its framework. The state can misuse every provision to stop media from doing its duty, however, media should be watchful but not so liberal at the cost of the society," he said. Public interest is paramount to any media, he stressed.

He also pointed out the blurring lines between advertisements and news and said that news space should not be sold for money.

Press Club vice president, Ronald Anil Fernandes, journalist, Deccan Herald introduced professor Hiregange. Journalist Venu Vinod of Vijayavani welcomed the gathering. Kiran Sirsikar, chief secretary of the press Club, journalist with ETV Kannada delivered the vote of thanks.