K'taka govt. to support budding journalists: Kumaraswamy

Bangalore, Aug 12 (UNI) Expressing concern over majority of the Indian media coming under the grip of 'capitalists' Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today urged the members of the fourth estate to continue to be the 'Voice to those Voiceless' in the society.

Delivering his inaugural address at a seminar on 'Role and Power of Regional Media', jointly organised by Karnataka Media Academy and the Editors Guild of India here, he opined that Indian Language News papers had contributed significantly for the development of nation's culture and development of languages.

He expressed concern that during the recent years the media, which had played an important role in building the society and guiding those in power in the right path, was giving way to commercialiation and sensational journalism due to 'unhealthy' competition. "The media is slowly drifting towards giving more importance to sensation and entertainment at the cost of values" he said and cautioned that this trend would undermine the national development.

Referring to 'cut throat' competition of flashing 'Breaking News', Mr Kuamraswamy appealed the media to maintain extreme restraint and ensure that such reports did not 'break the society'.

The Chief Minister announced that his government would support budding journalists who desires to enter the profession by giving allowance while the entered the field in the lines of young advocates to help them succeed in their career.

Renowned columnist and Editorial Advisor of The New Indian Express Group, Mr T J S George, in his key note address opined that in the present day journalism the values were taking back seat as 'Value system had gone from high to the low'. Comparing the present day journalism as 'time pass', Mr George however hoped that the present trend was only for temporary before 'new sun' raises on the horizon.

Mr Alok Mehta, Editor Outlook Sapthahik and President Editors Guild of India exhorted the media to highlight the success stories of Panchayath System and its functioning. "Media should hold government responsible for neglecting in implementing various welfare schemes envisaged for the elected representatives at the grassroot level', he said.

Mr Mehta also called for building a network of media working at the regional level.

UNI