Manmohan Singh: Media an assest for us, should correct aberrations

New Delhi, Mar 12: Some aberrations have crept into journalism in India and the media should itself find ways to remove them, Prime Minister

said on Wednesday.

"Vibrant and fiercely independent media in our country is an asset for all of us. It has served us well in disseminating information, educating the public and keeping a critical eye on the work of the government," he said at a function to mark 125 years of the Malayala Manorama group.

Manmohan Singh said that while the media had evolved and grown in size, some "aberrations" have crept in.

"But the good thing is that these aberrations are also being discussed and debated. It is for media itself to find ways and means of removing the deficiencies which it suffers from," he added.

He said the Malayala Manorama group was a shining example of good journalism which had informed, educated and entertained millions.

'Media has served us well in disseminating information, educating the public'

Defence Minister A.K. Antony said the media has aided the demand for transparency by vehemently demanding answers on behalf of citizens.

"There is a need and urgency that this revolution (demand for transparency) percolates all institutions in the country," Antony said.

Malayala Manorama chief editor Mammen Mathew said the group was established in the pre-independence era when it espoused social justice and nationalist causes.

IANS