Speech
February 12, 2011
Trivandrum
PM Inaugurates centenary celebrations of Kerala Kaumudi Publications
Journalists have a very special role to play in the building of our society. They inform and educate public opinion. In some sense, they are the conscience keepers of society - pointing out what is wrong not only with the administration and government but also society at large. If they are true to their professions, journalists can become agents of change - and change for the better.
The qualities that a good journalist should possess are well known. The two which I would like to emphasize here are accuracy and fairness. Accuracy is relatively easy to understand and uphold. However, fairness implies not merely the absence of bias in reporting on events but also a very conscious attempt to present diverse and different views on a situation or an issue. It implies bearing in mind that truth often lies somewhere between extreme positions adopted by interested parties. And today, in an increasingly complex world, journalists must also take pains to be continuously on their toes, to update and educate themselves relentlessly. I am sure all those in Kerala Kaumudi family will bear these essential qualities of good journalism in mind as they build on their glorious tradition to face the challenges of the future.
I am very happy that the Kerala Kaumudi group will start a TV channel also after a few months. This should enable this Group to serve the public better. I hope the channel, like the Kerala Kaumudi newspaper will play an important role in shaping public opinion.
Let me end by wishing the Kerala Kaumudi newspaper and its TV channel all the best in years to come. It is my fond hope that they will serve the public cause even more zealously than before.
Printed from the website http://www.pmindia.nic.in