Media has a great role and responsibility in society: Palemar

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Nov 16: The District Administration in collaboration with the Information Department organized a seminar on “Role of Media in Social Harmony” as part of National Press Day celebrations in the Press Room of the Information Department on Nov 16, Monday. 

J Krishna Palemar, the district in-charge minister, inaugurated the seminar, and said in his inaugural speech: “The media must respect the society and have genuine concern for it. Media owners must also exhibit genuine concern for the welfare of society. On many occasions, media representatives try to sensationalize issues and blow them out of proportion in order to be the first to telecast or publish the news in their media channel. The Information Department must work hand in hand with media representatives in order to provide accurate and timely information to the public.” 

 

 

District Commissioner V Ponnuraj presided over the function and said: “As per the ethics of journalism, reporting must be neutral. The media can present negative as well as positive aspects of major issues. During tense situations, the media must focus on the positive aspects for the sake of social harmony.” 

Tharanath Kapikad, the administrative officer of Amritha College in Padil, was the resource person. He said that the media is nothing but a commercial enterprise these days. He alleged that media people are no longer committed to the welfare of society. He also mentioned that the electronic media has not provided any space for news or programmes related to social harmony; instead, it focuses only on news related to communal harmony or controversial debates and telecasts it for an entire day. 

K Rohini, the district information officer of the Information Department, made the welcome speech. Mayor Shankar Bhat and MLA Yogish Bhat were present on the occasion.