Irresponsible journalism have serious consequences: Prime Minister

     New Delhi, November 16, 2012: Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today asked the media to curb sensationalism saying irresponsible journalism have serious consequences.

     “Sometimes irresponsible journalism can have serious consequences for social harmony and public order,” the Prime Minister said in a message on the National Press Day.

     “A free and fair media has been an essential pillar of our democracy.”

     “Since our struggle for freedom, media has been guiding social change, informing readers of their rights and contributing to the nation-building process by spreading awareness,” he said.

     “As a country, we believe in complete independence of the media from external control.

     “It is true that sometimes irresponsible journalism can have serious consequences for social harmony and public order, which the public authorities have an obligation to maintain,” Singh said.

     However, he clarified that the censorship was not an answer to that.

     “Censorship is no answer. It is for the members of the Fourth Estate themselves to collectively ensure that objectivity is promoted and sensationalism is curbed,” the Prime Minister said.

     “It is for them to introspect how best they can serve our country and society and advance their well being,” he said.