2007 Chennai Press Releases
U.S. Consulate Celebrates World Press Freedom Day With Senior Media Persons Participating In Roundtable On “Changing Trends In Media”
May 2, 2007
CHENNAI: US Consul General in Chennai, Mr. David T. Hopper, said that Indian press, like the US press, is vibrant, active and free—factors vital for any democracy in the world. He was welcoming panelists and participants in the Media Roundtable on “Changing Trends in the Media and Freedom of Press,” May 02, organized by the Public Affairs Section of the US Consulate General on the eve of World Press Freedom Day, May 03. Chennai-based senior media persons from print and electronic media have participated as panelists and invitees in the Media Roundtable.
Mr. Hopper went on to quote from Thomas Jefferson, author of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States, who said: “If it were left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without government, I should not hesitate to prefer the latter.” Consul for Public Affairs Mr. Frederick J. Kaplan, who initiated and moderated the panel discussion, said that it was impossible to imagine a scenario in which tyranny and freedom of press could coexist.
As the discussion progressed, several senior journalists agreed that freedom of press in India needs much clearer definition. The participants noted that market forces sometimes impinge on what can be published. For example, advertisers can withhold revenue if articles are published that might impact negatively on their business. Similarly, political parties control some media outlets and therefore slant reporting and commentary to their own political advantage.
The participants agreed that a free and responsible press is one that fully informs the public and holds the government accountable by exposing wrongdoing. The press must be able to deal with issues that affect the poor and downtrodden classes without fear of repercussions.
Referring to the emerging new media like blogs and web portals, the speakers felt that freedom of press, in this case, should be upheld through self-regulation. They concluded stating that responsible, ethical and value-based journalism can play a crucial role in enhancing freedom of the press.