Free press essence of strong democracy: CM

Tribune News Service

Shimla, November 17

Free press is the essence of a strong and vibrant democracy and freedom of the press should be maintained at any cost, said Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while addressing a state-level function held on the occasion of National Press Day last night.

While congratulating the journalists on National Press Day, the Chief Minister said there was no shortcut to hard work and dedication be it journalism or any other profession.

He said media people should always maintain high standards of professionalism and set an example for others. He said the media should criticise but guard against ‘fake news’ and desist from disinformation and misinformation. There are ethics of every profession and it should be upheld, he added.

The CM said that reliability was the backbone of journalism as once the reliability is eroded, everything is lost and added that it becomes the duty of the professionals that before reporting they should verify facts. He said that the state government was committed to upholding freedom of press and expression in all forms.

He said that social media had emerged strong and effective but at times it has also proved a major threat for spreading disinformation. He said that misinformation spread in social media was being carried out in mainstream media, be it print or electronic.

The Chief Minister said that the advancement in technology had changed the media scenario of the world. He said the media should help the masses to get information about a lot of things and also form opinion and make a judgment regarding various issues. It is the media, which keeps people updated and informed about what is happening around them and the world and everyone draws something from media, he added.

Jai Ram Thakur said that media affects people’s perspective and is also considered as ‘watchdog’ of political democracy. He said that in today’s world, media is the most powerful entity.

An interactive session on ‘Reporting-Interpretation: A Journey’ was organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations here on Saturday on the occasion of National Press Day. Principal Secretary, Information and Public Relations, Sanjay Kundu and Director, Harbans Singh Brascon, welcomed the Chief Guest, speakers and journalists present on the occasion.