Pics by Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RS/CN)
Mangalore, Mar 31: “Media journalists need to change their attitude and write about women, the elderly, and drug addicts, which will create a good society in future”, said Dr Ronald Anil Fernandes, principal correspondent, Deccan Herald, at a seminar organized by the Karnataka Union of Working Journalists and National Institute of Social Defence, New Delhi, at the Press Club in the city on Tuesday March 30.
Presenting a power point presentation as one of the resource persons at the seminar on ‘Sensitizing Media Towards Women, Elderly, and Drug Addicts’, he said that the attitude of reporters is what needs to be changed and they should look at newer ideas which will lead them to write about elderly people, women, and drug addicts.
“The women and elderly people have the right to be in the spotlight for their problems and achievements, but the media chooses sensational news and focuses on competition instead of the issues related to this section of society”, he said, adding that we can dream of a good society if such classes are highlighted.
“The focus on women, the elderly, and drug addicts also includes highlighting of laws. Reporters need to look beyond the stories and need to convince their editors by making the story attractive and news worthy with a special angle”, said Fernandes.
S V Jayasheela Rao, veteran journalist, inaugurated the seminar. He said that media with the responsibility of society highlights all issues and concerns of every citizen.
“The reporters should also think that they are the fourth pillar of democracy and need to respect every one’s rights”, said Rao.
Mallikarjunaiah, senior journalist, Suvarna Television Channel Group, said that youths need to be alerted by the media on drug addiction with a view to a better future.
“The media has the responsibility to change society when required”, he added.
Harsha, president, District Working Journalists’ Union, welcomed all. P B Harishprasad Rai, joint secretary, Press Club, compered the programme. Journalists and journalism students from various colleges participated in the programme and discussion.