Journalism Plays Critical Role to Protect Democracy: Venkaiah Naidu
The Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu, said that Journalism is a ‘unique vocation’ to serve the truth and hold a mirror to the contemporary happenings in a society.
He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Delhi School of Journalism in Delhi University on Thursday.
The Vice President said he was heartened to know that due importance is being given to Sanskrit – an epitome of our rich classical linguistic traditions, in the course curriculum.
He further said that journalism has always been looked upon as a mission to serve people —primarily, it is a public service.
It should be remembered that the Freedom of Speech and Expression enshrined in our constitution is not absolute, but bound by reasonable restrictions, he added.
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The Vice President said that in view of the critical role journalism plays in protecting democracy and in serving the larger good of the society, the profession must maintain highest ethical, moral and reporting standards.
He further said that journalists must never shirk from the core principles of journalism like independence and objectivity and shun unhealthy practices such as sensationalism.
Of late, the undesirable practices of mixing news with views, partisan reportage and paid news have crept into journalism, he added.
Photo courtesy: Press Information Bureau
