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`Mobilise public opinion against FDI in media'

Staff Reporter

Introduction of a new media culture feared

MAKING A POINT: The former chairman of the Kerala Press Academy K. Mohanan inaugurating a media seminar in Kannur on Thursday.

KANNUR: Journalists have been called upon to mobilise public opinion against the entry of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the media, which is feared to introduce a new media culture.

Inaugurating the media seminar held here on Thursday in connection with the 43rd State Conference of the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ), the former chairman of Kerala Press Academy K. Mohanan said that the media in the country, which had generally supported policies of liberalisation and globalisation, has become uncomfortable after the Government decided to change the 50-year old Nehruvian policy that proscribed FDI in print media. "Which policy of Jawaharlal Nehru has not been reversed? Why is that the reversal of the policy concerning FDI in the media alone troubles media organisations?'' Mr. Mohanan asked.

He said that Indian `media industrialists' treated the media sector in the country as a profit-making industry. The change brought about in the media in the country was reflected in its coverage of the invasion of Iraq, he said adding that the media was generally supportive of the aggression. This attitude deprived the media organisations of its credibility when it opposed the FDI in the media, he said. "How can people come in support of the media facing threat from foreign investment, when there is hardly any opposition on the part of the media to the opening up of the education sector to the foreign monopolies," he asked.

Managing editor of Asianet Television K.P. Mohanan said that media persons should resist the attempt to project the media as an industry. Journalists should treat the media as an independent space. How to maintain the independence of that `sacred' space should be the main concern of journalists, he said. Stressing the importance of opposing the FDI in the media sector, Mr. Mohanan cautioned journalists against being used as tools or weapons in the `proxy battles' being fought between political parties and groups. Editor of Madhyamam O. Abdurrahiman said that foreign investment in media will harm the country's democracy and endanger national security.

Communist Party of India leader C.N. Chandran presided over the function. KUWJ president-elect C. Gouridasan Nair presented the topic of the seminar. Outgoing president of the KUWJ Boby Abraham and M. Abdurrahman also spoke.

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