Mangaluru: Authentic, fact-based and non-sensational journalism is essential for building a healthy and peaceful society, Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said while inaugurating the Dakshina Kannada District Press Day celebrations at Press Bhavan on Wednesday.
The programme was jointly organised by the Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists’ Association, Mangaluru Press Club and Press Bhavan Trust to mark Press Day. Speakers at the event highlighted the growing responsibility of journalists in combating misinformation, promoting communal harmony and upholding democratic values.
Commissioner calls for objective reporting
Addressing the gathering, Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said the administration and the media share a common objective of contributing positively to society.
He observed that journalism has undergone a positive transformation in recent years, with many media organisations now prioritising fact-checking over sensationalism.
“In the past, I have seen a single incident being sensationalised in multiple ways. Today, many media organisations are publishing fact-checked reports. This is a welcome change,” he said.
The Police Commissioner urged journalists to remain impartial and committed to truth while reporting.
“Journalists must report facts accurately and objectively. Transparent reporting can significantly contribute to maintaining peace in society,” he added.
He also noted that communal tensions evolve over a long period and require sustained efforts to address.
“Communal sentiments develop over time and can only be changed gradually. The media has an important role in fostering harmony. Even minor incidents occurring during peaceful times require balanced and transparent reporting,” he said.
Referring to crime and law enforcement, he said criminal activities affect multiple sectors, including business and politics, creating new challenges for society.
“No matter how clever criminals may be, they cannot escape the law. Everyone must work together to preserve peace in society,” he remarked.
Forest conservationist encourages public service
Forest conservationist Dr. V. Karikalan, who attended the event as the chief guest, appreciated journalists for keeping citizens informed and strengthening democracy through responsible reporting.
He observed that although people in the coastal region are well educated, comparatively few choose careers in public service through competitive examinations.
Instead, many young people prefer entrepreneurship, he said, while encouraging coastal youth to make greater use of opportunities available through competitive examinations and join government service.
Media must combat fake news
Delivering the Press Day lecture, News18 Editor-in-Chief Hariprasad Adpangaya said one of the greatest challenges facing journalism today is the rapid spread of fake news and misinformation.
He said rumours spread quickly through digital and social media platforms, increasing the responsibility of journalists to verify information before publication.
“Preventing fake news is one of the biggest responsibilities of journalists. Rumours and misinformation spread rapidly through digital and social media, making it even more important for journalists to verify facts before publication,” he said.
Hariprasad urged journalists to avoid sensational reporting on sensitive issues relating to caste and religion.
“Journalists should not write in favour of one religion or against another. Reporting must remain transparent, ethical and free from corruption. Journalism is the mirror of society, and it is the responsibility of journalists to keep that mirror clean,” he said.
He also recalled the historical significance of Press Day, noting that Rev. Hermann Mögling launched ‘Mangaluru Samachara’, the first Kannada newspaper, on July 1, 1843.
Describing the media as the fourth pillar of democracy, he said journalists must uphold democratic values by presenting truthful and verified information while preventing errors and misinformation from entering public discourse.
Journalists and achievers honoured
The programme was presided over by Pushparaj B.N., President of the Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists’ Association.
During the event, senior newspaper distributor Thimmappa Shetty was felicitated by Mangaluru Press Club President P.B. Harish Rai in recognition of his longstanding contribution to newspaper distribution.
Merit Awards were also presented to the children of journalists for their outstanding academic achievements.
Among those present on the dais were Srinivasa Nayak Indaje, State Executive Committee Member of the Journalists’ Association, Annu Mangaluru, President of the Press Bhavan Trust, and Rajesh K. Poojary, General Secretary of the Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists’ Association.
Vijaya Kotyan introduced the merit award programme, while Arif Padubidre, Vice-President of the association, compered the event.
The speakers collectively emphasised that responsible, ethical and fact-based journalism remains fundamental to safeguarding democracy, promoting communal harmony and ensuring an informed society.