CM: Journalists should emphasise social reforms

Bidar: Chief minister Siddaramaiah has said journalists should introspect as to whether they are working to implement the values of the Constitution.He was speaking after inaugurating the 40th State Conference of Journalists organised by Karnataka Working Journalists' Association and Bidar District Working Journalists' Association here on Saturday.Speculative journalism is extremely dangerous. Those sensationalisingg a trivial matter should also think about its consequences, he said, and sought to know how can society benefit if media glorifies a fight between couple over domestic issues. Both Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi were voices of the voiceless as journalists. Basavadi sharanas built society by eliminating its shortcomings, he added.It is sad superstitious beliefs are endorsed by those educated. Scientific education system with rationality is necessary. Awareness on this among people should be created by journalists, he said, adding journalism means not just providing information, but also pushing social reforms.There are some good journalists too. But many media houses are under corporate control. Although journalists write the truth, sometimes editors give in to the pressure of their owners and make changes, he rued."Till date, I have not asked anyone to write in favour of our govt, he said. Majority of people still trust newspapers," he said.Bidar district minister Eshwar Khandre, ministers Rahim Khan, Sharan Prakash Patil, CM's media adviser KV Prabhakar, Working Journalists' Association state President Shivananda Tagaduru were present.Channaveera Shivacharya of Harakuda Hiremath Sansthan, president of Basavakalyana Anubhava Mantapa Trust Basavalinga Pattadev graced the occasion.