By The Hindu Bureau
Copyright thehindu
Kannada and Culture Minister and Koppal district in-charge Shivraj S. Tangadagi has expressed concern that the race to push Breaking News without verifying facts is eroding the value of journalism.
He was speaking after inaugurating Patrika Bhavan built by the Karatagi Taluk Working Journalists Association in Karatagi, Koppal district, on Sunday.
“Newspapers and journalists shoulder a huge responsibility. Even if a report carries a question mark, readers tend to accept it as fact. That is why accuracy and verification are essential before publishing or broadcasting news,” Mr. Tangadagi said.
Observing that Breaking News has lost its seriousness over the years, the Minister said: “Ten years ago, if a television channel aired Breaking News, people would curiously stop and watch. Today, in a hurry to be the first, TV channels are pushing unverified information, which damages credibility.”
Describing the pen as being sharper than any weapon, the Minister said that it should be wielded responsibly to bring about social change.
“News must always carry a version or response of those concerned. Unfortunately, at times, only one-sided reports are being circulated,” he noted with concern.
Mr. Tangadagi underlined the importance of newspapers in daily life. “For me, the day does not begin without reading a newspaper. On the rare occasions, three or four days in a year, when papers do not come because of festivals, I feel restless,” he said.
The Minister lauded newspaper delivery personnel noting that they now qualify for the annual Rajyotsava Award. “Rain or cold, they deliver newspapers door to door. Their service deserves recognition,” he said.
Warning against the spread of fake news, he advised journalists to cross check information multiple times before publishing.
“Media has the power to change governments. At the same time, social media is increasingly being used to mislead people. While the government is working to curb fake news, the responsibility also lies with the media,” he stressed.
