Keshav Rao against curbing media voice

Rajya Sabha member and TRS secretary-general Dr K. Keshav Rao today said he was not in favour of curbing media’s voice and the politicians should not expect only praises from it. At the same time, the media should refrain from sensationalism and blowing up minor incidents out of proportion, he felt.

The TRS secretary-general recalled that he as then APCC president had stoutly opposed targeting of Eenadu and Andhra Jyothi newspapers when Y.S. Rajashekara Reddy was Chief Minister. “Newspapers are here to constructively criticize the policies of ruling party and the politicians should accept it sportively, he observed.

Speaking at the Hyderabad Press Club after releasing a brochure on the Club’s golden jubilee celebrations slated for November 29, Keshav Rao, who himself was a journalist before joining politics, said newspapers have great credibility among the people and they should be careful while reporting. “Journalists should be wary of personal damage they cause to individuals with their writings and it’s always better to take the version of the affected party”, he said. He also said institutions like Press Club should help evolve Press laws and strengthen them. Recalling his association with the Press Club, he reminded his contribution to the club as its Secretary earlier.

Press Council of India (PCI) member and MLC N. Ramachandra Rao cautioned against the new trend of sensationalism and how it could lower the credibility of the media institution itself. He said, ”We need to find a solution to this ever-increasing media trial in various cases”. He promised to contribute Rs 10 lakh from his constituency development fund for the development of the Press Club.

Press Club president R. Ravikanth Reddy, secretary Rajamouli Chary, vice-president C. Vanaja, Treasurer P.V. Srinivas Rao and member Krishna were present. (NSS)