Value-based journalism need of hour: Shyam Khosla

Shimla, Aug 13 (UNI) Expressing concern over the erosion of credibility and scant regard for media ethics, Indian Media Centre Chairman and veteran journalist Shyam Khosala today called for a sustained campaign for restoration of value based journalism.

Inaugurating the Himachal Chapter of Indian Media Centre here, he said the ''rot has set in and mediapersons alone could stem it''.

Mr Khosla said modern technology had facilitated speedy dispersal of news, but men behind the machinery had to be properly trained to win over the confidence of the common man.

He said it was painful to see that the institution of the editor had been downgraded and market forces were directing the policies.

Growing commercial interests had made media, both print and electronic, a product, he said.

Only informing people was not the only job of the mediapersons, but they had an important responsibility to strike a balance between the larger national interest and the hard news, by using their own discretion, he said.

Observing that the curriculum of media courses in various universities and colleges had to be revamped by bringing in drastic changes, he said this was necessary in view of the mushrooming media institutions in the country and to maintain quality.

Mr Khosla said the Indian Media Centre would provide all possible help to the Himachal Chapter in finding out ways and means to to stem the deteriorating trends in the media through collective efforts.

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