New Delhi, Jan 2 (IANS) Expressing concern over the practice of paid news in the Indian media, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday said there should be no ‘external control’ over media as it can battle the ‘evils’ like paid news on its own. He also stressed the need for media to promote objectivity and reduce ‘sensationalism’.
‘There should be no external control on the media, but media representatives by general consensus should find a way that would promote objectivity and reduce sensationalism,’ Manmohan Singh said here while issuing a postage stamp in the honour of late Puran Chandra Gupta, founder of Hindi daily Dainik Jagran.
Talking about the role of media in removing paid news, he said: ‘I am confident that to remove the evils like paid news, the Indian media will make attempt and be successful.’
He stressed the need for media to focus on issue of national importance. ‘The media should increase the coverage of those issues which are important for the country.’
‘The role and functioning of media has always been discussed ever since we got our freedom. I am very happy that our media is independent and it has an important role in the country,’ he said.
Lauding the contribution of Gupta, Manmohan Singh said: ‘He promoted fearless and independent journalism throughout his life and this kind of journalism is very important for any democracy.’
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh were also present at the function.
