[icernet] 'Media should expose evils of society'

[Arul Selvan]

  Indian press should be given complete freedom and there should not be 
any restrictions imposed on its functioning, Bangalore University 
vice-chancellor M S Thimmappa said. Delivering the convocation address 
at the second convocation of the Sri Sri Centre for Media Studies, he 
said there should not be any fear about unfettered freedom as it also 
instills a sense of responsibility. "However, the media should redefine 
its national purpose as was prevalent before the country obtained 
independence. During the pre-independence era, freedom fighters and the 
press worked together for the national cause of independence. A 
pre-ordinated purpose for media is required which will instil 
credibility," he said. Speaking on the various aspects of the media and 
its relation with society, Thimmappa said in the absence of the media, 
it was impossible to reach out to the people. But, the media should 
ensure that its credibility is not lost while pursuing its cause. "The 
role of the media is not limited to providing information to readers but 
it educates people, is responsible for transforming the society and for 
exposing the evils of society. People have tremendous faith in the 
Indian media and you should be aware of the responsibilities of 
journalism," Thimmappa told the graduating students.

Source:
Times of India
May 13, 2003