By IANS,
New Delhi : Information and Broadcasting Minister P.R. Dasmunsi Thursday expressed concern over “media excesses” in India and said such practices posed a threat to the country’s democratic set-up.
“I strongly believe in free media but freedom demands responsibility,” Dasmunsi said at the annual convocation of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) here.
“Overall, I appreciate the role of Indian media in nation-building and strengthening the roots of democracy in the country. But unfortunately, the growing competition among media companies, if I may say so unhealthy competition, is threatening all journalistic norms and values,” Dasmunsi said.
He said this was a matter of concern and his ministry has received many complaints from people and other concerned citizen groups.
“There are numerous instances of media excesses and media trials, fake sting operations, criminal tresspassing of privacy, glamourising criminals and mafia dons and promoting hatred amongst communities and inflaming raw emotions. This is a very dangerous trend not only for media but for democracy,” the minister said.
He said he hoped that IIMC would continue to provide journalists and media professionals who are truthful, ethical, fair, credible and sensitive to the feelings of people and society.