K'taka Govt to support budding journos: CM

Bangalore, Aug 12 (UNI) Expressing concern over the 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 society.

Delivering the 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 Indian language newspapers had contributed significantly to the development of Indian culture and languages.

He expressed concern the media, which played an important role in building society and guiding those in power on 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 this trend would undermine national development.

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

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

Renowned Columnist and The New Indian Express Group Editorial Advisor T J S George, in his keynote address, opined in present day journalism, 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 hoped the present trend was only for temporary before 'new sun' rose on the horizon.

Mr Alok Mehta, Editor Outlook Sapthahik and President Editors Guild of India, exhorted the media to highlight the success stories of the panchayat System and its functioning.

''Media should hold government responsible for neglect in implementing various welfare schemes envisaged for the elected representatives at the grassroots level,'' he said.

UNI