'Media should refrain from sensationalization of news'

Shimla, Sep 18: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today called upon the media to ring social change through evolution and refrain from sensationalization of news.

"Social change can take place in two ways, either by revolution or by evolution but following the path of evolution is far better for bringing social changes and contributing to development", he said while addressing the inaugural session of international conference organised by department of Journalism and Mass Communication in state University, here today.

Chief Minister advised the media not to create hype by distorting the basic facts to spread misinformation and refrain from indulging sensationalism and be fair and objective in reporting the events.

Urging the media to play an important role in shaping the society, he said that the "Media should fight for the rights of the poorest of the poor and help in ensuring social justice to them", he added.

He said that media was not much advanced in pre and post independence era but it was motivated by strong spirit of nationalism and left great impact on the minds of the people and motivated them to become part of freedom movement.

He said that Social equality was of great importance and media can contribute to great extent in reducing the social disparities and added that identifying social problems and finding a solution was also a part of responsibility of media.

"The media could be informer as well as misinformer but positive reporting could play a very decisive role in changing the opinion of the society, said Virbhadra Singh. He also inaugurated the new Girls Hostel ‘Vidyotma’ in the University constructed at a cost of Rs.4. 35 crore with accommodation facilities for 132 students.

Chairman, State Public Service Commission, K S Tomar, advised young Journalists to travel and break stories of atrocities on scheduled castes, weaker sections and VIP culture as such stories contribute in bringing the social change.

PTI