The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Media urged to criticise creatively, spread awareness of outdated laws

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 07, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Media urged to criticise creatively, spread awareness of outdated laws

Staff Reporter

Third edition of Gateway conference inaugurated

CHENNAI: Media should be creative in its criticism and create awareness of outdated laws, said K.P. Maghendran, inspector general of police, Economic Offences Wing. He was speaking at the inauguration of the third edition of the Gateway conference on Tuesday.

Media should evolve ethical standards, be accountable and avoid sensationalism, he said. The media, instead of relying on sex, vulgarity and violence, could take up the Amendments to Civil Procedure Code that was in cold storage, he said. Veteran filmmaker Sethu Madhavan urged students to be original, observant and undertake research on Indian culture.

J. Radhakrishanan, additional secretary, Finance Department, who spoke as a media consumer, said the public had the right to be informed. Recalling his tenure as the collector of Nagapattinam and Kumbakonam during the tsunami and the school fire tragedy, he said: "I had excellent support from the press because they became our partners. We complemented each other. When you stumble upon something, report fearlessly."

Film director S.M. Vasanth said students should consider making short films on the unexpressed thoughts of people. He cited several short stories that had touched him deeply.

D. Viswanathan, Vice Chancellor, Anna University, urged the students to make the best use of the opportunities provided to them.

The university is also looking for collaboration with the United States on established courses. "We are planning to sign a memorandum in May to facilitate exchange of teachers and students."

The ongoing conference and awards programme, organised by Anna University's Department of Media Sciences, provided a platform for talented young filmmakers. The event has received 80 entries from 200 colleges across the country.

The award winning films will be screened during the conference.

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