Pics by: Justin Dsilva
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Feb 20: “Today what the nation wants to know does not matter. It has rather become what the journalists want the nation to know,” said renowned journalist and managing editor of Logical Indian Shweta Kothari.
She was speaking after inaugurating 'Article 19', the annual media event of Manipal Institute of Communication (MIC) on Thursday, February 20.
"Even though prominent media houses have failed to question the mainstream narratives, digital media is doing the job," she pointed out.
“In my personal opinion, nobody has the right to undermine our Constitutional values. Nobody has the right to decide on one’s citizenship on basis of religion. Your work on questioning these political narratives through blogs and social media statuses creates an impact. More than balance, the point of journalism is to hold the ruling government accountable, no matter which party is in power. We seem to miss doing that. Questioning the ruling is equated to questioning patriotism. This narrative has become a part of us. We have failed our own people. Only some media organisations are talking about what is happening in Kashmir,” she added.
Answering the questions of students on various issues, Shweta said, "I have seen journalists being persecuted. This has affected journalists. Sedition today is being misused repeatedly by ruling government. There is private bill in parliament which rationalizes sedition," she said.
She also spoke on the lack of funding for digital media. "This is the reason why it has not focused much over the Southern part of India. Large part of alternate media lacks resources to send their reporters on ground. Every media organisation is falling prey to fake news today," she said.
“Digital media has a wide scope waiting to be explored by the budding professionals of tomorrow. But there is a need of independent fact-checkers to guarantee efficiency and credibility,” she said speaking about the scope and importance of the alternative digital media.
The first day was filled with a variety of competitions that focused on different fields of media. Ad commentary, Split Personality, Shipwreck, Best PR and Duet Duals were some of the highlights.
“Article-19 is a platform for students of MIC to learn about the newer developments in the media and entertainment sector as well as develop and showcase their creative and technical skills. It also provides them with an opportunity to interact with prominent media personalities,” said Dr Padmarani, director, MIC.
The three-day event stands to celebrate the article of the Indian Constitution which grants its citizens the freedom of speech and expression. The fest will conclude on Feb 22.
Tanya Mukhopadhyaya compered the programme. Shruthi V Shetty, faculty coordinator and others were present on the occasion. Many competitions were held as part of the media fest.