Shobha Karandlaje Worried Over Dark Clouds of Corruption in Journalism
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)
Bangalore, Nov 2: Rural development and panchayat raj minister Shobha Karandlaje shared her deep concern at the fact that the all-encompassing corruption has spread its tentacles even to the media sector.
Speaking after inaugurating the silver jubilee year celebrations of the 'Mangala' Kannada weekly being published by Mangalam Publications at the Yavanika auditorium in the city on Friday October 31, she said that journalism, which used to be highly objective in the past, is becoming more and more loyal towards money.
"Some newsmen have stooped to the level of blackmailing the corrupt persons found in politics, business, administration, industry etc., and being a part of their kingdoms of corruption. We now find that several publications are engaged in coming out with the details of the shady deals and corrupt practices of only those who do not shell out money as demanded by them. Those who oblige them by heeding to their demand for money, are shielded by these publications," she rued.
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The media, considered to be the fourth estate of a democratic set up, should stop the practice of hiding truth by allowing itself to be corrupted. Journalism also will be able to wriggle out of the practice of glorifying news for commercial purposes, twisting of facts and publishing vulgar details etc., which speak of the declining ethics and poor taste, she hoped.
Chairman of the state Human Rights Commission S R Nayak, who inaugurated the programme, advised the media to properly assimilate its responsibilities and function as per the noble ideals for which they were created. The media persons should never succumb to lures and be committed to objective principles, he advised.
"Instead of corrupting and perverting minds of readers, the media should try to enlighten and expand them. Providing correct information to the young people and properly educating them is the responsibility of the media," he opined.
State Film chamber president Jayamala said, that some of the important news items do not get the required prominence now-a-days because of the intense competition within the media. Unimportant items get glorified and glamourised at times, she noted.
She felt, that social concern is a pre-requisite for any one to become a good media person. "For journalists, interest of the society at large should always get priority over selfish interests. The media should work to bring the neglected communities into the main stream," she urged.
Human Rights Commission member R H Reddy, editor of Mangala weekly Venkata Nayak and ex-editor Babu Krishnamurthy, chief editor of Mangalam Publications Babu Verghese etc., were present.