Bengaluru: On Media Day on Saturday, journalists from across state will protest against the jail term given to two editors of tabloids. They will tie black bands and hold protest and later a delegation will meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to resolve the crisis.
A meeting of journalists from the Press Club of Bengaluru, Bengaluru Reporters' Guild and Working Journalists' Union held at Kandaya Bhavan expressed deep concern over the recent developments.
“Never in the history has the state legislature punished journalists in this manner. In future, citing this, constitutional bodies may venture out to arrest journalists for small reasons. The jail term for the journalists is a matter of grave concern. A few months ago, a House committee was formed to reign in the media, and now the punishment. The legislature handing out harsh punishment indicates what kind of code of conduct the House committee might propose. It was unfortunate that no senior leaders were present when the decision was pronounced in the House. Though we respect the legislature, this decision is unfortunate,” those who were present said.
Bengaluru Press Club president Sadashiva Shenoy, Bengaluru Reporters' Guild vice-president R.T. Vittal Murthy and KUWJ president N. Raju were present.
