ADDRESS AT THE LAUNCH OF THALSAMAYAM DAILY AT TAJ GATEWAY, KOCHI – AT 1800 HRS ON 29-10-2018.
Shri P. Sreeramakrishnan, Hon'ble Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly,
Smt. Soumini Jain, Mayor, Kochi,
Shri Thomas Jacob, Former Editorial Director, Malayala Manorama,
Shri Kamal, Chairman, Kerala State Chalachitra Academy,
Dr. Javad K. Hassan, Chairman, Nest Group of Companies,
Shri T.P. Cheruppa, Chief Editor, Thalsamayam Daily,
Shri N.P. Rajendran, Editor, Thalsamayam Daily,
Shri Althaf Jehangir, Executive Director, Nest Group,
Friends in Media,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram.
I am very happy to officially launch the Kochi Edition of Thalsamayam Daily, which has been conceived as a comprehensive independent newspaper in Malayalam.
Let me at the outset, appreciate the vision of the people who planned this evening daily as an earnest effort to make a positive and pro-active change in Kerala's media scene.
I hope the presence of some of the veteran Malayalam journalists in its team would enable this paper to uphold the inherent values of positive journalism and to convey them to generation next through the youngsters in the team.
As we all know, Kerala is one of the States with the highest concentration as well as diffusion of media. As per the Indian Readership Survey (IRS) report of 2017, newspapers reach 59.73% of the people in Kerala, while the national average was less than 17 percent. In the beginning of the 20th century, fifteen Malayalam periodicals and their 11,000 copies struggled to satisfy the informational needs of the people in Travancore. At that time, we had just four newspapers for every 1000 people, but today, it is over 100 copies per thousand persons.
The Malayali's love for the printed word was cultivated and strengthened over decades by literacy, political awareness and many other factors. The growth of the print media in Kerala is an exciting story of how literacy inspired reading and ensured the growth of the print industry. Today, with the launch of this edition in Kochi, Thalsamayam is adding its share to that exciting story which elevates Kerala to the developed world in terms of news consumption.
A little while ago, I had mentioned positive journalism as a proclaimed aim of this evening daily. The fact that a new publication enters the media scene with the promise of upholding the inherent values of positive journalism, is an indication of the scarcity of a positive approach in today's popular journalism. When we see the quantum of negative news that is served to us every day, we get the feeling that Good news is no news and that Bad news is in greater demand and the sensational enjoys the greatest demand.
While we discuss Sensationalism, we need to think of a social angle. Social commentators like Canadian born researcher Robin Jeffrey have written about how the high level of literacy helped to bring many women to the front line of social and political action in Kerala. Today, the print media encourages women to come forward and even outdo men, but at the same time would spare no opportunity to sensationalize stories involving women. I feel that this has to be seen as a step backward in our march towards progress.
It may be true that sensationalism is a part of the freedom of expression. We know that the Freedom of the Press is universally regarded as a corner stone of democracy. In India, the Legislature and the Judiciary have been empowered by the Constitution to step in whenever necessary, but the Press, which is regarded as the Fourth Pillar of Democracy does not enjoy such a provision. However, our Constitution guarantees Freedom of the Press by implication, as part of the right of every citizen to express his or her views freely.
Today, the civil society all over the world stands up for the freedom of the Press and therefore, the Press has a responsibility to prove to be worthy of this trust. It is here that we emphasize the need for ethical and socially responsible practices in journalism. Such practices must also extend to the coverage of women and children. I am happy that our media have now started following the guidelines issued to protect the rights of women and children, especially in their unfortunate role as victims. Since print media are older and more experienced, they must set a model for electronic and on-line media in adhering to such standards.
Considering the great popularity and influence of the social media in shaping people's opinions, all media have registered their presence on the social media platforms. But, the unregulated and reckless use of social media has made media education essential among the people too. I hope the print media including Thalsamayam would initiate a campaign for this so that our youth will not fall prey to the lure of mud-slinging through social media.
It is said that the Media is the mirror of society which reflects the contemporary needs and aspirations. India's vastness and unity through the diversity of languages, religion & culture are reflected in the press too. The media are also trend-setters capable of impacting this unity. So, you must recognize your pivotal role and always must be mindful of every act you commit as media-persons.
As the judge who heard the case and gave the verdict pertaining to the implementation of the Majithia Wage Board recommendations, I had an opportunity to study the Media scene at close quarters. I have always felt that the periodic wage revision and other facilities for Journalists should be carried out to ensure that media-persons can live in dignity and perform their work fearlessly and independently. However, security at the work-place is one area that seems to be neglected in the case of journalists, especially those in the visual media. This is an area that every media owner has to view very seriously.
I also extend my warm greetings to the seven business Icons who have been honored today. Let me personally congratulate Dr. M.I. Sahadulla who leads a health-care work force of over six thousand people, Shri T.A. Joseph who extends a helping hand to causes related to housing, Fr. Jose Alex, who has contributed both to the health-care and educational sectors and Shri V.A. Yousuf who has redefined the retail business in Kerala.
I also convey my best wishes to Shri Shanib Sherafudheen who leads a very successful home-style group, Shri Ramesh S. Pai who has made a sparkle in the Gold and Diamonds sector and Smt. Beena Kannan, the only lady in the group, who is well known not just for the world of silk she has built but also as a role model for young women who wish to excel in business management. While conveying my best wishes for their respective business concerns, I request all of them, to strictly follow and implement all the rules and regulations applicable to their concerns, quality norms, labour welfare etc.
To conclude, I request my journalist friends in Thalsamayam to keep in mind that your first obligation is to the truth and your loyalty must always be to the citizens. May you succeed in maintaining independence from those you cover and make your paper significant, interesting and relevant at all times. I also wish you the strength to remain independent of political or religious inclinations in the years to come.
I compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
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