Our Correspondent / New Delhi
Union minister for Information and Broadcasting M. Venkaiah Naidu today asked media to refrain from sensational reporting and focus on the truth and accuracy.
Addressing the 49th convocation of Indian Institute of Mass Communication in New Delhi, Mr Naidu said, sensationalism has unfortunately become order of the day in the hunt for headlines. He said journalists must ask hard questions but reporting should be based on facts. He said presently in Parliament and assembly reporting, media is headlining the ruckus and sloganeering in the Houses at the cost of real issues related to agriculture and villages.
Mr Naidu said they project people who break law as heroes. Expressing concern over paid news, the Minister said journalist is for mission, not for commission and they should refrain from such activities. He also stressed on the need for starting journalism courses in all Indian languages in IIMC. Mr Naidu said communication skills are very important in a democracy and there is a need to understand how to communicate and influence people.
He said information with confirmation is a great ammunition against war on poverty, untouchability, terrorism and attack on women. The Minister also stated how media scenario is changing rapidly due to social media and instant news is becoming the norm. On the occasion, Prasar Bharati Chairman Dr A Surya Prakash and other senior officials were also present.
