Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit today cautioned against "sensational reporting," saying it was not only unethical but could also 'boomerang.'
Further, truth was like "the shining sun" which cannot be hidden away from the people, he said in his address at the South India Media Summit 2018 here.
"It is possible that in the competition for increasing circulation or viewership some journalists indulge in sensational reporting with a view towards capturing a larger share. But that, apart from being unethical, is also bound to boomerang after some time," the governor said.
Recalling that he was a journalist for about 40 years before being appointed Assam Governor a few years ago, Purohit said he knew the challenges faced by the press and the visual media were "huge."
Circulation of newspapers had also picked up thanks to the improvement in literacy levels and the expansion of television coverage, he added.
But there were 'hurdles' that had to be overcome, he said.
"Firstly, it must be remembered that news cannot be manufactured. News should be factually correct based on factual position," he added.
Purohit, who recently landed in a row and later apologised for patting on the cheek of a woman journalist in an apparent bid to avoid replying to a query at the end of a press meet, said truth was like the "shining sun."
"The truth is like the shining sun and cannot be hidden away from people. While it is possible that the sun is covered by a passing cloud for a short period, it comes out blazing forth with greater brilliance when the clouds move away," he said.
"Such is the power of truth. No wonder that Sathyameva Jayate is the gospel of Indian democracy," he added.
Purohit said the press and visual media form an important pillar of the Indian democracy.
He called for publicity material in media regarding availability of employment opportunities, and said the 'right' content being telecast in the form of drama and educational programmes will benefit viewers and provide the society with the right kind of 'principled values.'
Propagation of political awareness will enable the people to play their roles as members of a democracy better, he added.
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