KUWJ: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urges journalists to uphold truth and objectivity

Team Udayavani, Feb 3, 2024, 7:00 PM IST

Davanagere: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the 38th State Conference of Journalists orgsnised by the Karnataka Working Journalists’ Union in Davanagere, calling upon media professionals to reject “superstition, and divisive ideologies”, and “prioritize truth and objectivity” in their reporting.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for journalists to remain objective and refrain from aligning with political interests. He underscored the importance of distinguishing between genuine welfare schemes and partisan agendas, urging journalists to verify facts before publication.

He also asked the scribes not to give credence to superstitions.

Siddaramaiah recalled that when a crow sat on his car sometime in 2016, the news anchors debated in their studios how this bad omen of an inauspicious bird sitting on his car would impact his political career.

”Some said I would not complete my term (due to crow) while some other channels predicted that I would go soon after tabling the budget. However, I completed an uninterrupted five-year term. I was the only chief minister after Devaraj Urs who completed the full term,” the chief minister noted.

Siddaramaiah encouraged the media to focus on identifying vested interests obstructing societal development rather than sensationalizing personal conflicts. He stressed that social journalism plays a crucial role in fostering a better society.

Expressing concern about the influence of wealth on journalism, the Chief Minister cautioned against compromising journalistic integrity for financial gains. He highlighted the risks associated with writing against the interests of both the rich and the poor, emphasizing the importance of dignified freedom of expression.

Reflecting on the historical role of journalism in the pre-independence era, Siddaramaiah urged journalists to uphold democratic values and contribute to the country’s progress. He acknowledged the heightened expectations of the public and urged journalists to embrace professionalism while leveraging advancements in technology.

The Chief Minister called on the media to champion the cause of the underprivileged, advocate for social justice, and contribute to creating an equal society. He expressed hope that journalists would work objectively to fulfill the vision of a just and equitable society.

The CM said that the demand for free bus passes for journalists in rural areas will be seriously considered in the upcoming budget and an appropriate decision will be taken. Siddaramaiah said his government is always with the journalists to assist them.

”There’s a demand for free passes for reporters working in rural areas to travel on government buses. We will consider this demand in the upcoming budget and take appropriate action that favours it,” he said.

The conference was presided over by KUWJ President Shivananda Thagaduru and attended by prominent figures including former Minister Shamanur Sivashankarappa, Horticulture Minister SS Mallikarjun, and Transport Minister Ramalingareddy.

(With PTI inputs)