Karnataka - Belgaum   

Journalism course in Belgaum likely

By Our Staff Correspondent

BELGAUM, FEB. 20. The inaugural function of the 21st annual meeting of the alumni of the Department of Journalism, Karnatak University, in the district ended on an optimistic note with the Minister for Agriculture Marketing, Prakash B. Hukkeri, handing out an assurance to ensure that a course in journalism is started in a college in Belgaum district from the academic year 2005-06.

Speaking after inaugurating the meeting here on Sunday, he said he will try to get the journalism course sanctioned either to a government or private college. His assurance came in response to a suggestion by the association president, Baswaraj Kambi, in this regard in the welcome address.

Mr. Hukkeri looked forward to greater cooperation from the media in expediting development works and creating awareness on the rights and duties of the people. While acknowledging the role of the media as a watchdog in society, he struck a cautious note stating that the media should be responsible while reporting incidents and in their interpretation so that no innocent person is condemned by its reports. He stressed the importance of fair and unbiased reporting so that the media passes on true stories to the readers. Suresh Angadi, MP, who endorsed the request to start a journalism course in Belgaum, said irrespective of political differences, all of them will work together to ensure that the course is started soon.

Social responsibility

He said the media has a social responsibility towards readers as it plays a significant role in the development and progress of the nation. However, while using their pen for criticism, presspersons should not forget professional ethics, he cautioned.

Ramesh Kudachi, MLA, called for introspection among journalists. He said people believe reports published in newspapers and, therefore, journalists should restrain from publishing stories on the basis of hearsay and gossip. M. Gangadharappa, Head of the Department of Journalism, Karnatak University, Dharwad, presided over the inaugural function.

Omkar Kakde, senior reporter, Prajavani, spoke on the changing priorities of the media. He observed that even petty political happenings gained credence over burning issues concerning the masses. Communal violence gets priority in the media against human rights violation and problems concerning the rural areas, he said.

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Journalism course in Belgaum likely

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