Media's self-regulatory mechanism should be fair, strict: Venkaiah Naidu

Bhubaneswar: Noting that the media in recent times has become "aggressive" to get high television rating points (TRPs), Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday said self-regulatory mechanism adopted by the media should be fair and strict.

Addressing a CSR conclave Bhubaneswar, Naidu said media should carry development news to the people for overall growth of the society.

"Unfortunately, media, particularly the electronics media, has becoming aggressive. Self-regulatory mechanism adopted by the press should be fair and strict," he said.

Stating that media's role should be "constructive and positive" instead of making it a practice of serving sensational stories aiming high viewership, Naidu said news channels must dedicate some space for developmental stories.

"Sensationalism and yellow journalism can erode the confidence of news consumers. The responsibility of the media sector is not just providing news, but providing factually correct news. It should be of utmost importance that the news provided is not biased and partitioned," he said.

He said if the media maintains quality, TRP should not be a problem for it.

"Social media is playing an extremely important role and is competing with traditional media in reaching out to masses. Though there is self regulation in press, the social media do not have it," Mr Naidu pointed out.

"Media acts as an agenda setter for society apart from playing the role of a watchdog, which has been transforming people's lives by setting up progressive agenda, shaping up public opinion, maintaining social cohesion and removing social evils and superstitions," Naidu said, adding, that the media should highlight the best practices of the people which would encourage them to keep the good work going.

"It will not only motivate the good-doers, but the youth will be inspired for self-employable initiatives," the Union Minister said.

He also called upon the media "not to dilute" the country's rich culture and heritage.

"Social consciousness is very important for media... Obscenity, vulgarity and violence are causing havoc in our society... It must be avoided... It is not in our culture and media organisations must not dilute our culture and heritage," he said.

Speaking on the corporate sectors, Naidu said "We need socio-economic development of the society and the corporates must take steps for skill development programmes."