70% of journalists unfit to be in the newsroom'

[email protected] (CD Network)
July 14, 2012

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Mangalore, July 14: A. Narayana, Udayavani columnist and assistant professor of Azim Premji University Bangalore, on Saturday expressed deep anguish over increasing mediocrity in the media and said that nearly 70 per cent of the journalists presently working in different media organizations do not deserve to be in the field.

He was speaking at the “Madhyama Samvada” a sensitisatioin programme organized by the District Information Department for the district level officers of Dakshina Kannada here at the Zilla Pancahyat auditorium.

Listing out mediocrity, complacency and deadline as the three major factors playing a major role in the present day media, Prof. Narayana said in India journalism was the only field that did not call for any qualification, in-house training and accountability.

“Many of our crime reporters lack basic knowledge of law and hardly differentiate between a First Information Report and a B Report. There are reporters who do not even know the difference between the Indian Penal Code and Indian Criminal Procedure Code. It has become a challenge for the media houses to find skilled and efficient manpower,” he observed.

Stating that a gamut of factors were responsible for the final output of each newspaper or news channel, professor Narayana said the business or political interest was not the only factor that decided the choice of news or the way a certain news is reported or not reported. “A newspaper has to work within the deadline and many a times newspapers miss a news because of the time constraint. Major events like the death of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in bomb explosion get published in the next morning's newspaper even if the news broke late in the night. In such cases, the newspapers generally stop their printing and make room for the breaking news,” he said.

Shivaprasad T.R., chief news anchor of TV9, seconded the opinion of Professor Narayana and said that nearly 90 per cent of journalists compromised on their professional honesty by sharing dinner and drinks with the politicians and the officers.

“It is really sad that only 10 per cent of journalists still have some integrity and work with honesty,” he observed.

He said that the television media in India was still in infancy and it was but natural that the media suffered from a number of ailments. “It is like a baby learning to walk. It will falter every now and then. But eventually it will learn to walk,” he said.

Reacting to allegations of media crossing its limit in the absence of any regulatory mechanism, Mr. Shivaprasad said the National Broadcasting Association had been taking a number of initiatives to govern the functioning of the broadcast media and the viewers can now approach NBA if they have any grievance.

Speaking on the occasion Deputy Commissioner Channappa Gowda expressed regret over the glorifying of crime by the television media. “There has to be some self-regulation on the part of the TV media on scheduling shows related to crime. Why can't shows related to crime be telecast late in the night instead of airing them on primetime?” he asked.

K.N. Vijaya Prakash, Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Panchayat, called for introspection among the journalists and quoting Justice Markandeya Katju, he asked the journalists why the news of Aishwarya giving birth to a baby girl should take precedence over the news related to malnutrition deaths.

Deputy Commissione r of Police D. Dhamaiah, MCC Commissioner Harish Kumar, senior district administration officials and police officers participated in the programme.

Ronald Fernandes, chief of bureau Deccan Herald, Mangalore, also spoke. Rohini M., District Information Officer, compered the programme and proposed a vote of thanks.

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News Network
September 19,2024

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Ramanagara, Sep 19: A case of rape, sexual harassment and criminal intimidation has been registered against BJP MLA Munirathna and six others, police said on Thursday.

It was registered following the complaint of a 40-year-old woman who alleged that the incident took place at a private resort within the Kaggalipura police station’s jurisdiction.

“We received a complaint on Wednesday night and based on it, we have registered case against seven people, including the BJP MLA under various sections for rape by public servant, sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, voyeurism, intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace, Information Technology Act, and others,” a senior police officer said.

The matter is being investigated, he said.

The fresh FIR against the BJP MLA, also a former Minister, comes days after he was arrested by the Bengaluru Police in connection with the two cases filed against him for alleged harassment, threats and casteist abuse, police said.

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News Network
September 20,2024

Udupi: A vigilant Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable, Aparna K T, demonstrated remarkable presence of mind when she rescued a student who slipped while trying to board a moving train at Udupi Railway Station on Friday morning.

The incident occurred as passenger train number 06602 arrived at the station around 7:30 AM. The student, traveling from Mangaluru to Gokarna, had briefly alighted to purchase snacks. However, as the train began moving, she hurried back towards the carriage with the snacks in hand. In her rush, she lost her footing, slipping dangerously between the platform and the moving train.

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Woman constable Aparna K T was given a cash reward of Rs 5000.

 

Constable Aparna, who had been closely monitoring the passengers, immediately sprang into action. “I saw her running towards the train and alerted everyone by blowing my whistle. She slipped, and her legs were caught between the platform and the train. Without hesitation, I pulled her out with the help of others nearby,” she recalled.

Thanks to Aparna’s quick thinking and the swift response of the railway staff, the train was stopped in time. Railway personnel, including the guard and loco pilot, were immediately informed, and they acted promptly to halt the train using both flag signals and a walkie-talkie.

RPF Inspector Madhusoodhanan PV arrived at the scene shortly after to check on the passenger's condition. The shaken but uninjured student was given water and helped back onto the train to safely continue her journey.

In an added measure of care, the RPF post at Bhatkal was notified to follow up on the passenger’s well-being during her journey. The student, fortunately, reached her destination without further incident.

The heroic rescue was captured on CCTV and has since gone viral on social media, earning widespread praise. In recognition of her bravery, Regional Railway Manager (RRM) Karwar awarded Constable Aparna a cash reward of ₹5,000, commending her quick action that averted a potentially tragic accident.

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News Network
September 17,2024

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Mangaluru: In an act of extraordinary selflessness, a young lecturer and mother, Archana Kamath, tragically passed away just days after donating a portion of her liver to a relative. She was 33.

Archana, who had devoted her career to shaping young minds as a lecturer at Canara College and most recently at Manel Srinivasa Nayak MBA College, was a loving mother to a four-year-old boy. Her sudden passing has left her family, students, and colleagues reeling in shock and grief.

The story of her untimely demise began when a relative of her husband, CA Chethan Kumar, required a life-saving liver transplant. 

With no other matching donors in sight, Archana stepped forward, her heart full of compassion. Her blood type matched, and without hesitation, she made the brave decision to donate a part of her liver—an act that would ultimately cost her life.

The surgery, performed 12 days ago in Bengaluru, seemed successful. Archana appeared to recover well and was discharged, bringing hope and relief to her loved ones. 

But just days after returning home, she suddenly fell ill and passed away on September 15 in a Mangaluru hospital. The cause of her sudden decline remains a mystery, compounding the sorrow of those who knew and loved her.

Her final act of love saved a life—the relative who received her liver is said to be recovering well. But Archana’s loss is felt deeply by her husband and their young son, who are now left to navigate a world without her warmth and strength.

As family and friends grapple with this tragic turn of events, Archana’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her as a caring educator, devoted mother, and a woman whose ultimate sacrifice was made out of love.

The full story of her passing is still unfolding, and her untimely death has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of all who knew her.
 

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