Today is National Press day. Speaking on the occasion in New Delhi today, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu expressed concern over misuse of media.
He said, nowadays, business groups and political parties are also starting their own newspapers and channels. Through these, they are promoting their vested interests and compromising the values of journalism.
Mr. Naidu further said that sensationalizing the news, prejudiced coverage and paid news are a big challenge in front of the media today.
Speaking about the dangers of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), the Vice president called on journalists to come forward to educate people about NCDs. He further said, NCDs are killing our generation, adding that poor lifestyle and food habits are behind NCDs.
On the occasion, the Vice President also conferred National Awards for Excellence in Journalism 2019 on journalists for their outstanding contribution in the field of journalism.
Eminent journalist and Chairman of Rajasthan Patrika Gulab Kothari was awarded Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award for his outstanding contribution in the field of journalism.
Besides, Sanjay Saini, Correspondent of Danik Bhaskar and Raj Chengappa, Group Editorial Director of India Today have been jointly awarded in the Category of Rural Journalism. Shiva Swaroop Awasthi, Senior Reporter of Dainik Jagran and Sub- Editor of Mathrubhumi Anu Abrahim have been jointly awarded in the category of Developmental Reporting.
In the Photo Journalism category, PG Unnikrishnan and Akhil KS of Mathrubhumi have been jointly awarded. The award in the category of Gender-Based Reporting was jointly given to Ruby Sarkar of Deshbandhu and Anuradha Mascarenhas of Indian Express. Saurabh Duggal of Hindustan Times was awarded in the category of Sports Reporting.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said, the menace of fake news is bigger than the paid news, and it must be tackled in an efficient manner.
Mr Javadekar said, press freedom is the essence for a vibrant democracy, and the government is ensuring full freedom to the press. He said, freedom of media was trampled upon by the Congress during the Emergency in 1975. Mr Javadekar said, there is a need for responsible freedom.
The Minister said, media can criticise but should guard against fake news and desist from disinformation and misinformation.
