By TCN News,
New Delhi: Experience shows that the best guarantee for safeguarding the public interest is to have strong and independent-minded editors, but today they are an endangered species, said Vice President of India M. Hamid Ansari said in his address at the presentation of Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards 2010-11 here on 16th Jan.
“Slow erosion of the institution of the editor in Indian media organisations is a reality,” said the Vice President adding that when media space and media products are treated solely in terms of revenue maximisation strategies, editors end up giving way to marketing departments.
Vice President, Mohd. Hamid Ansari addressing at the presentation of Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards 2010-11, in New Delhi on January 16, 2012
He said that we have as yet not had an informed debate in the country on the issue of multiple-ownership and cross-ownership nor a cogent national media policy that covers all platforms. “This is at variance with the practice of other developed democracies. The impact of the emergence of a handful of media conglomerates spanning the entire media spectrum in moulding public opinion, generating political debate and safeguarding consumer and public interest is a moot question,” Ansari said and added that the matter assumes urgency in the wake of moves towards consolidation in the media sector. While the entry of large corporates into the media sector is to be expected, especially to address the growing capital requirements, ensuring transparency and instituting effective and independent oversight in consultation with the industry could address such concerns, he added.
The VP highlighted vibrant journalism and professional ethics.
“In a changed and changing world, it would be useful to remember that vibrant journalism in a democracy is watchdog journalism. It monitors the exercise of power and influence in society and stands for the rights and freedoms of citizens. It informs and empowers citizens rather than entertains and titillates them.”
“Vibrant journalism is based on professional ethics and should be the rule in a democracy, rather than the exception it has come to be. Our media, and democracy, are fortunate that we have shining examples of journalists who not only embody the ethical dimension, but sadly, also laid down their life for the same,” he said.
The Vice President, Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari presented the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards 2010-11, in New Delhi on January 16, 2012
The media is the fourth estate in a democracy. It plays a major role in informing the public and thereby shape perceptions and through it the national agenda. Adherence to accepted norms of journalistic ethics and maintenance of high standards of professional conduct is deemed to be a natural corollary, he averred.
The Vice President highlighted the role and contribution of Ramnath Goenka, the founder of The Indian Express.
“Today, as we identify and recognise the excellence and contribution of distinguished journalists, we should pause and remind ourselves that the profession, and indeed Indian democracy, has been immensely enriched by this great publisher who built The Indian Express as an institutional example of good journalism, with intense passion and vision,” said Hamid Ansari.
“’Mr. Newspaper’, as B.G. Verghese characterised him, come to embody the fight for the fundamental right of freedom of speech and of the press. As a Gandhian and a freedom fighter, a politician and an industrialist, a citizen and an activist, he remains an exceptional personality of his time. He was India’s Pulitzer. The Awards instituted in his name to celebrate excellence in journalism, are a fitting tribute to his courage and commitment,” said the VP.