Mumbai: Sensationalisation to some extent in media is acceptable but it is media's responsibility to check that "overdose of spicy news" does not affect the health of society, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Friday.
Observing that there are thousands of registered newspapers and news channels in the country, and that media in India has a vast freedom as compared to other countries, he said the media is effectively impacting political and social scenario of the nation.
The Minister was addressing the Dainik Bhaskar INK Awards event, an initiative by exchange4media Group, to felicitate talent in creative newspaper advertising. With more freedom, responsibilities of media to present news with authenticity has increased even more, Naqvi said according to a statement here.
"We are not in favour of any type of gag on media but media should work on self-reforms so that it can fulfill its duty towards society in a better way," he said, adding that it is media's responsibility to check that "overdose of spicy news" does not affect the health of society.
Noting that newspapers have maintained their credibility even as 24-hour news channels were increasing by the day, Naqvi said most people in the country "start their day with a cup of tea and a newspaper".
The Minister also stressed on the significance of social media, saying it has been impacting people, especially youth, and has has become an effective medium of providing messages, even to villages.
Along with news, advertising also impacts people, Naqvi said, adding that people of our country engaged in creative advertising are among the best in the world.
"Unfortunately, these people have been facing lack of resources as well as respect. There is also a need for self-reform in this regard and these reforms should be in the interest of all stake-holders and can promote talent in this field," he said.
Naqvi said companies should spend at least five to ten per cent of expenditure on their advertising on creating awareness on issues of public concern.
