Hyderabad: Journalists should refrain from becoming political policymakers. If they have any political ideology, they should not impose it on others during their journalistic career. They should express objectivity. If they can’t do this, they are free to join any political party.
Journalists and media house owners are responsible for the prevailing crisis in media. The irony is that instead of coming out of this crisis, the journalists are refraining from admitting their faults.
Noted journalist and consulting editor of India Today Group, Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai expressed these thoughts on the occasion of 53rd Foundation Day of Press Club and Telangana Formation Week at Hyderabad. He was addressing a meeting held at Press Club, Hyderabad.
He also said that the media owners are being threatened and purchased since journalists are being construed as saleable commodities whereas the majority of the journalists fulfill their professional responsibilities. Most of them belong to print media. They are not in the run for TRP. He termed Indian society as exemplary. The characteristic feature of Indian citizens is that whenever they take any decision, they do it without any pressure.
Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai further told that in the present situation, India is becoming a country of fractured ideologies and the journalists are also getting divided on the basis of religion which is a very dangerous trend.
Media in India is facing crisis. At present, there are 400 TV channels. In most of these channels, politicians have invested money. These channels, therefore, propagate their personal ideologies. It is evident that it has become difficult for the journalists to fulfill their professional responsibilities.
He felt the need to include honesty and integrity in the educational programs of journalists. He told that print media is better but electronic media is passing through the worst condition. In such a situation, he cannot advise budding journalists to join electronic media where in 45 minutes, everything can be sold out. He further told that there is a bright future for digital media. Journalists can associate themselves with it and progress.
Mr. Ramchandra Murthy, senior journalist and MD of HMTV, Mr. D. Amar, Chairman, Press Council of India, Mr. Allam Narayana, Chairman, Telangana Press Academy and others attended the function. Mr. Rajdeep told that people are indulging in WhatsApp group. They should also review what is happening around them.
He expressed his concern over the increasing influence of marketing department of media. It is the most unfortunate situation that most of the media houses have turned their institutions into commercial establishments which is casting its influence on the journalists too.
–Siasat News