Press Trust of India |
New Delhi
November 16, 2012
Last Updated at 13:02 IST
PM favours self regulation by media
Says censorship no answer to irresponsible journalism
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said censorship was no answer to irresponsible journalism and favoured self regulation by media.
"As a country, we believe in complete independence of the media from external control," Singh said in a message on National Press Day today.
"It is true that sometimes irresponsible journalism can have serious consequences for social harmony and public order, which the public authorities have an obligation to maintain, but censorship is no answer," Singh said.
Noting that free and fair media has been an essential pillar of democracy, he said since the days of India's struggle for freedom, media has been guiding social change, informing readers of their rights and contributing to the nation-building process by spreading awareness.
"It is for the members of the Fourth Estate themselves to collectively ensure that objectivity is promoted and sensationalism is curbed. It is for them to introspect how best they can serve our country and society and advance their well being," Singh said.
