The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Avoid sensationalism, media told

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Monday, Jun 27, 2011
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Avoid sensationalism, media told

Special Correspondent

Leaders seek credibility in view of its role in shaping opinion

Government Whip criticises some channels for backing the cause of a few political parties
Senior BJP leader Bandaru Dattatreya says media should respect all shades of opinion

HYDERABAD: Leaders of various political parties urged the media not to sensationalise news and maintain credibility in view of the vital role played by newspapers and TV channels in shaping people's opinion in a democracy.

Speaking at the launch of Jagruti TV news channel here on Sunday, Y. Sivarami Reddy, MLC and government Whip criticised some channels for trying to promote the cause of a few political parties and individuals, saying it was not correct. He wanted the media to give wider publicity to people who endeavour for changing the society for good rather than the actions of a ‘street rowdy'.

Chairman of the 20-point Economic Programme, N. Tulasi Reddy said media was the lifeline for survival of democracy.

However, as media organisations were increasing, their credibility was decreasing.

They were looking to sensationalise stories to withstand competition. He lauded the objective of Jagruti channel to strive for promoting a society with moral and ethical values.

Removing inequalities

Jupudi Prabhakar, MLC, while pointing out that it would be difficult to remain apolitical for anyone, said the political system was the foremost pillar for survival of democracy in the country. Politics was an important arm in removing inequalities in the society.

He urged Jagruti TV to be ‘partial' towards eliminating poverty, illiteracy, social inequalities and creating an egalitarian society.

Chandrashekhar Rao, MLC, wanted the new TV channel to mirror the problems of 80 per cent of the people, who were neglected by most of the media.

Vital attributes

Senior BJP leader Bandaru Dattatreya said acceptability and credibility were two vital attributes of the media, which should respect all shades of opinion and not pander to the interests of a particular section or individuals. He urged the media not sensationalise news.

Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) leader, Nayani Narasimha Reddy implored the channel to mirror society's problems which was grappling with injustice, price rise and corruption, among others. Muddam Mohan Reddy, Chairman, Jagruti TV channel also spoke.

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