Controversies related to malpractice in media and misuse of social networking sites were central to the the discussions at a conference organised by the Department of Communication at St Joseph’s College of Arts and Science here on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, B G Verghese, a veteran journalist, said, “It is important to look at the dark side of the media to get to the better side of it. Portraying the Press Council as a weak institution, he highlighted the absence of a Statutory Complaints Commission for the electronic media, though tribunals had been set up with a limited reach. Hence, some measure of regulation is needed to ensure accountability, he added. “Ethics and social responsibility should be the watchword of every journalist. That is why integrity and truthfulness become crucial in maintaining the profession of journalism,” Verghese explained.
He said the misinterpretation and one-sided perspective of the media were challenges that needed to be overcome through unbiased reporting. He said any story should always be reported taking into consideration all viewpoints.
The media has a duty to provide a background for better understanding of issues relating to society. This may not be possible at one go, but objectivity can be maintained through careful investigation and follow up.