Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (NR) - pic - Dayanand Kukkaje

Mangalore Jul 2: Speaking on the topic "Freedom of expression and journalism" organized by Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalists’ Association (DKDWJA) and Mangalore Press Club as part of "Press Day" celebrations here on Sunday, July 1, District Sessions Judge H M Bharathesh stated that the media - print, visual, digital or cinema - has to understand its role and discharge its duties accordingly.

Media, in India, has traditionally helped and shaped society and should continue to discharge this onerous role, Judge Bharathesh stated. Media, at the same time, should also recognize the fact that violence is deeply rooted within society and hence should refrain from doing anything which would fan this emotion to the surface. He therefore called upon the media to avoid glorifying violence; as such reports will break the fabric of unity in the society.

According to him journalists should help in building a healthy society by following fair journalist principles and values. They should stick to the code of conduct formulated by Press Council of India.

As regards competition in media industry in India, he felt that there was somewhat a blurring of the lines between fair and sensational journalism. Bharathesh added that the media in general and its editors in particular should be able to justify what they do and consider if such journalism helped the community. He also felt that Media should not intrude into the personal lives of people. Advising up-and-coming and practising journalists to guard against inaccuracy in reporting, Bharathesh stated that it was the duty of the Media also to acknowledge its mistakes.

The gathering was welcomed by B. Ravindra Shetty, president of the association. Tharanath Kapikad, secretary of the Press Club proposed a vote of thanks. Secretary of the Working Journalists Association, Ramakrishna too was present on the occasion.