MP govt promotes healthy journalism

By Ataullah Faizan

Bhopal: July 21, 2011

In times when credibility of media, paid news, objectionable advertisements and TV serials poisoning culture have hogged both print and electronic media, the Madhya Pradesh government is trying to promote healthy journalism, which can help build the society on the ethos of principles, integrity, honesty and patriotism. It is of the firm belief that a mechanism is must for fixing status and giving direction to media , reports SMS News & Features.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is of the opinion that Central government and media should take steps in this regard since the state governments are not well equipped with powers to rein in media.

      It may be mentioned journalism is undergoing an amazing metamorphosis amid the transformation of technology and economy. It is an urgent need to have a mechanism to review the status and direction of media. The media houses should regulate themselves or on cooperative basis in the absence of government regulatory laws.

      The country has seen a great change in society, economy and state ruling sector in last few years. Therefore, there is need for multi-ownership instead of single ownership to become the voice of common man. The media should not bend down before market. Journalists should not be influenced by unfair advantage.

 There is not denying the face that true journalists are path-breakers of the country. Journalists should maintain credibility and need of their writings. Journalism as of today is so relevant as it was in the past. The journalists should lead the country in right direction and disseminate the national issues to the masses.

    Led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Madhya Pradesh government is trying to ensure healthy journalism in the state. It has launched several welfare schemes and given a number of facilities to journalists to isolate them from yellow journalism and market pressure. According to Mr Chouhan corruption and terrorism are biggest challenges before the country. Development is also a major issue. Therefore, newspapers and electronic media should help in exposing corruption and highlight news of development.