Media must help society to be part of decision making

Chennai, Aug 11 (UNI) Expressing concern that some of the media concentrated more on sensational news, Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala today said the media should help society take part in the decision making process of the government and give stakeholders a voice in that process.

Inaugurating a seminar on ''Role of Media in the development of society'' at the University of Madras here, the Governor said the media should help society in the formation of a public sphere in which wide range of debates could take place and a variety of views expressed.

However, it was unfortunate that some of the media concentrated more on sensational news, the governor said. ''Sensational news is no doubt news to the media but it should decide as to how much importance should be given to that news. If much importance is given to such news, it often corrupts the minds of the people and might lead to lowering the standard of society.'' The media, on the other hand, should function in the interest of the public, he said, adding that it could build public opinion on any subject that was discussed in society, paving the way for a free and frank discussion.

By reporting and denouncing cases of human rights violations, a free and open media could increase awareness among citizens about their rights and act as a reliable source of information, he said.

''You should carry only facts, nothing but facts and must be unbiased. There should be no imagination of facts or exaggeration of facts,'' the Governor said.

He said the democracy was one which functions in unison with public opinion. The media should be open and have a degree of editorial independence that serves the public interest. It should be free from any overt or covert control so as to have real editorial independence.

UNI