INDIA: 'Focus on constructive journalism'

'Rakno Konkani' editor says because of the influence and long-term impact of a news article, journalists should be careful on how they write

The Times of India
Sunday, June 28, 2009

Mangalore --- A seminar on social responsibilities of writers, organised by Rakno Konkani weekly and Konkani Writers Forum, Karnataka, focused on the role of writers and journalists in the changed social scenario in the region.

In his introductory remarks, Rakno editor Francis Rodrigues, observed that journalism and writing is not a stagnant process and has a closer relationship with the society. Any written article has the power of influencing the thought process of the masses and its impact remains for a long time. Hence, the writers should be careful about how they write than the subject and contents, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, journalist Hemacharya observed that the society was passing through a decisive phase and human relations were affected badly than ever before. Hence, the writers and journalists should be introspective and careful on how they handle the situation, he said. Under today's critical situation, writers and journalists should not escape from their responsibility towards the society and should try the their best to do what they can for the betterment of the society.

Expressing his regret over seminars being held on topics such as social responsibility, journalist Chidambara Bykampady said there would have been no need to discuss these issues if the writers and journalists knew their social responsibility and functioned accordingly. Recollecting his initial days as a journalist, he said in 1980s journalism was based on certain ideals and there was concern for constructing a new social order and working towards the betterment of the masses whereas today's journalism and literature was moving on dangerous path.

Tendency of speculations and sensationalizing issues is does no good for the society. Journalist and writers should focus more on constructive writings that helps achieve unity in the society, he said.

Date Posted: 6/28/2009