Journalism for men of character not weak minded, says Dua

Journalism for men of character not weak minded, says Dua
Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 26
Mr H. K. Dua, Editor-in-Chief of The Tribune publications, said today “idealism” and “courage” were essential in the profession of journalism as reporters had to perform the “sensitive task” to scrutinise the conduct of others.

Addressing students of journalism and mass communication at the Himachal Pradesh University, here, he said that the conduct of mediapersons should be above board so that they had the moral courage to expose the “wrongs” and reveal truth to the people, ultimate masters to whom they were accountable. Above all journalists must have enthusiasm and energy to serve the larger public interest. They were the “voice of the people” and if they did not fight against corruption and other ills plaguing the society then who would ? he asked.

Those attracted by “fat” pay packets and apparent “glamour” of the profession should rather not opt for it. The profession was not meant for the chicken-hearted. One must have an intrinsic spirit to fight injustice and stand up for the cause of people, which often posed difficulties and called for sacrifice. Only those, who had these essential elements of character would find the profession rewarding.

The main responsibility of the media was to educate people and create awareness so that they could see the issues in right perspective. However, to educate others one had to learn first and it required an insatiable urge “to know”. Only well-informed journalists could act as “catalytic agents” for bringing desirable changes in society. They should be very sensitive towards concerns of the people and a “fair” mind to analyse events dispassionately and decisions affecting them. The media would thrive as long as it enjoyed the support of the people which could be ensured only by maintaining a high degree of credibility.

The need of the hour was to shift focus from the “shining India” to the vast “unreported India” which was crying for attention. The fact that attempts to “glorify” social evils like “sati” should continue even 150 years after Raja Ram Mohun Rai launched a movement against it, made it obvious that media had not been able to create the required degree of awareness in the society. A lot more was needed to be done.

Dr L.R. Verma, Vice-Chancellor, complimented The Tribune for maintaining high standards of journalism in a highly competitive environment. This was perhaps the reason that it had a dedicated readership.

He announced the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication would be strengthened by providing more teaching staff, computers, projectors and a new building.

Dr Vir Bala, chairperson of the department, said that placement rate was almost 100 per cent and the passouts were getting jobs in reputed organisations both in print and electronic media.