Politicians-journalists bond harming journalism'

[email protected] (CD Network)
June 30, 2011

Mangalore, June 30: Even though the phenomenon of paid news and corruption scrolled into the field of media several years ago, the growing bond between politicians and journalists in recent years has resulted in the disappearance of honesty in the journalism, lamented senior journalist Dinesh Amin Mattu.

He was presenting his views on media and corruption at a seminar and interaction programme organized by city based 'Journalists Study Centre' here on Thursday to mark Kannada Press Day.

Mr Mattu pointed out that the journalism, which was once a medium of freedom struggle and social change in India, has turned into a pure 'industry' losing all its commitments, with the advent of economic liberalisation in 1990s. “When journalism got reduced to be a mere industry, 'social responsibility' became the victim,” he added.

He said although the concept of 'paid news', suddenly emerged as a topic of argument a couple of years ago, its existence had already changed the course of many major English newspapers, especially financial newspapers in the country almost two decades ago.

“Owing to the 'paid news' and 'advertisements' the English language newspapers were far ahead in profit compared to Kannada and other regional language newspapers, despite they being ahead in circulation. In this backdrop, the regional language newspapers began to concentrate towards their influential fields and finally landed in politics,” Mr Mattu said adding that a considerable number of regional language newspapers and televisions in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are in the hands of politicians belonging to various parties.

Recalling the enmity between former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Mr Mattu said, once presspersons had considered that politicians were their biggest enemies, but quite opposite to this belief, now both have become close friends.

Awakened Society

Mr Mattu also said that despite the fact that media has played a crucial role in social and political change in the past, it can influence only an awakened society. “When the general people themselves become corrupt, media cannot create any miracle,” he said.

“What can the media do, when people dare to re-elect corrupt politicians again and again despite knowing their scandals?” he questioned, pointing fingers at members of Karnataka Legislative Assembly.

Recalling the quarter-century old socio-political scenario of Karnataka, Mr Mattu said in 1984 Lok Sabha polls Congress party had bagged 24 seats MP seats in Karnataka giving a crushing blow to the then Janata Government led by Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde. However in the Assembly polls held mere two months after the Lok Sabha poll, the Congress had faced a crucial defeat against Hegde's Party. “But, now we cannot expect such a sudden change in the attitude of voters within a gap of two moths,” he said.

Speaking on 'Media and Moral Values', Manipal Institution of Communication Director Varadesh Hiregange, urged the newsmen not to forget the doctrine of journalism, i.e., to be the voice of voiceless.

He also exhorted the reporters to take the victim's position while reporting and never lack sympathy towards poor.

NREG Ombudsman Sheena Shetty spoke on 'local issue and media'. Senior theater personality Basavalingaiah presided over the programme.

The seminar followed by the interaction session. Over a hundred activists, journalists and journalism students took part in the programme.

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News Network
November 3,2024

Mangaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar emphasized the urgent need for local job creation and a dedicated tourism policy to address communal tensions and rejuvenate the Dakshina Kannada region. 

He spoke during "Ashoka Jan-Mana," a clothing distribution event organized by Rai Estates Educational and Charitable Trust, under the leadership of MLA Ashok Rai, at Kombettu’s taluk stadium in Puttur on Saturday.

“There are challenges to communal harmony across the coastal and interior regions of Dakshina Kannada. To counter these issues, we must provide opportunities for our youth," Shivakumar stated. "The government is considering a specialized tourism policy for the coastal areas to attract more visitors and retain local talent."

Shivakumar expressed concern about a rising trend among local youth to migrate to Saudi Arabia, Mumbai, and Bengaluru due to limited job opportunities in the area. "Communal disturbances have also discouraged students from other districts from enrolling in our institutions, and several banks that originated here have closed down," he said.

Highlighting the region's potential, Shivakumar remarked, “Dakshina Kannada is home to many temples and boasts a rich coastline. Yet, despite Mangaluru having a major port, we still lack five-star hotels. Developing tourism here will be essential for creating jobs and fostering harmony.”

He also hinted at development projects proposed by Ashok Rai for Puttur, which are currently under wraps due to by-election restrictions. Assuring commitment, Shivakumar said, “Although we secured only two seats in Dakshina Kannada, we are committed to developing all constituencies in the region.”

The Deputy Chief Minister concluded with a powerful message on leadership, likening Ashok Rai to a modern embodiment of ancient virtues. “For success, one should have Dharmaraya's righteousness, Karna's generosity, Arjuna's focus, Vidura's ethics, Bhima's strength, and Krishna's strategy. Ashok Rai has all these qualities," he said, praising Rai’s dedication to the people of Dakshina Kannada.

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News Network
November 7,2024

Udupi, Nov 7: In a tragic turn of events, a young woman, Prasanna, aged 29, allegedly died by suicide on Wednesday, struggling to cope with the demands of work and motherhood after the birth of her daughter, according to police reports.

Prasanna had married on December 2, 2022, and was the mother of a 10-month-old baby girl. Her husband works in Bengaluru, while she lived with her in-laws, who, according to her family, treated her kindly.

In a complaint, Prasanna's mother revealed that her daughter often called her, expressing deep concerns over her readiness for motherhood. Despite receiving supportive care from her family, Prasanna felt unprepared and overwhelmed by the balance of work and home life that early motherhood required.

Her family shared that she had been undergoing treatment, but between 10 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, she allegedly took her own life at her husband’s residence. The Karkala Rural Police Station has registered a case and is conducting further investigations.

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News Network
November 3,2024

guru.jpg

Bengaluru, Nov 3: In a heart-wrenching discovery, acclaimed Kannada film director Guruprasad, celebrated for his impactful films like Mata and Yeddelu Manjunatha, was found dead in a Bengaluru apartment on Sunday. 

The 52-year-old filmmaker, known for his work with deep social messages, is believed to have died two days prior in a suspected case of suicide, although authorities are still investigating to confirm the exact cause.

The decomposing body was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan in a flat in Madanayakanahalli after neighbors alerted the police due to a strong odor. Bengaluru Rural Superintendent of Police CK Baba confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation is underway. A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) joined the police at the scene to gather evidence.

Guruprasad, a respected figure in Kannada cinema, directed thought-provoking films such as Yeradanesala and Director Special and had also appeared in small roles in more than ten films. The film industry mourns the loss of a director who used cinema as a platform for social awareness.

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