Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar says principled approach key to success, lauds fearless journalism
Bengaluru, July 2
Citing that fearless journalism was an extremely challenging task in today's world, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said a principled and professional approach was the only way to achieve that.
Speaking on Wednesday, after inaugurating the Press Day celebration programme organised by the Karnataka Media Academy and the Karnataka Working Journalists' Association at Gandhi Bhavan, the CM said, "If journalists work in accordance with the principles, ethics, and conscience of the profession, it will benefit society. He said the journalism profession needs to free itself from fake news."
"I had gone to the hospital in the morning for a routine health check-up. But some TV channels broadcast that I had been admitted to the hospital. This is completely false news," he said.
"During the Mekedatu padayatra, the media had highlighted an instance of an exhausted me being jostled around by fellow walkers as 'walking after having consumed alcohol. That was a deliberate attempt to give people a false message," he expressed displeasure.
"If I make a mistake, expose it. But don't publish or broadcast false news. Until a news item is published, it belongs to the journalist. After it is published, it becomes the property of society. Therefore, every news item must contain truth and honesty," he advised.
He noted that many eminent personalities, including Mahatma Gandhi, had worked as journalists and enhanced the dignity of the profession, and called for that tradition to be carried forward.
Vartha Bharati editor Abusalah Puthige delivered the keynote address at the event. Several dignitaries, including Kannada Development Authority chairman Purushottama Bilimale, Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, Karnataka Women Journalists' Association president R. Purnima, Karnataka Media Academy Chairperson Ayisha Khanum, Karnataka Working Journalists' Association State President Shivananda Tagadur, and Commissioner of the Department of Information and Public Relations M N Anuchet, were also present.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I completely agree with his point about news becoming 'society's property' after publication. It's a heavy responsibility. But CM saab, your government also uses media to spread its own narrative. Hypocrisy aside, the message on fake news is needed. Journalists must uphold truth, especially when covering sensitive issues like farmers or water disputes.
A principled approach? That's rich coming from a politician who's had corruption allegations. But his comments on fake news are valid—our media has become a circus. The 24x7 news cycle is full of paid news and sensationalism. Good advice for journalists: "If I make a mistake, expose it." Now if only politicians followed the same rule.
The bit about Gandhi being a journalist was interesting! We forget that many freedom fighters used journalism as a tool for truth. Today, it's all about TRP and sensationalism. Shivakumar's right—fearless journalism is rare. But let's be real: he also uses media to his advantage when it suits him. Still, a good message for Press Day. ✍️
As someone from the West, I find it fascinating how Indian politicians openly criticize media while also cultivating it. The "fake news" issue is universal. But his point about news belonging to society is profound—it's a shared responsibility. I just hope both sides (politicians and journalists) take this seriously and stop the blame game.
True words about fake news. I saw those false reports about him
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.