"Freedom of the press is fundamental to any democracy" ::: Well, stalwarts debated key issues on short comings of media (as in 1970)

("There has been an intent, cold and undeclared war between the press and the politician, not only in this country.....There is an underying reason for this - the different expectations of politicians from journalists and journalists' expectations of politicians". - Nath Pai, Member of Parliament belonging to Praja Socialist Party) 

 New Delhi 

On Delhi Police conducting raids at different premises linked to NewsClick, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "Freedom of the press is fundamental to any democracy...What happened yesterday was not only unfortunate, it was a disgrace to our democracy and to our traditions of freedom...There is something really wrong with this kind of approach...It is the action of a very insecure and frankly autocratic govt...It's truly unacceptable."

Varied reactions have come to the police actions against the media organisation. An estimated Rs 115 crorehas been allegedly pumped in by anti-India forces keen to implement a 'global agenda'. Let us not go into the present case per se. Let the law take its own course, as they put it.

However, we can examine and reflect upon some statements made on the functioning and limitations of media decades back. These can direct us towards stock taking, soul searching and also taking corrective steps.

* S N Ghosh, Editor of 'Pioneer', Lucknow, had said in 1970.

-- "The biggest corrupting influence in this country is not the government but the uneconomic small newspapers whoare run for party purposes, for private purposes. Their creed dependence on Government advertisement has beenthe main stultifying influence on them. ....unless a newspaper has a prospect of being viable later or hasgot enough funds it should not be allowed to start publication".

-- "All papers have now by and large reached the conclusion that there is no way out except to recruit localtalent -- a fellow who has got a house in that area, who has got his father or somebody to support; he getsan apprenticeship pay of about Rs 150 or Rs 175 .......all journalists should develop norms themselves. At the moment we are like politicians".

***

Frank Moraes, Editor, 'The Indian Express' 

- "I think until 1967 when the Congress was more or less in an absolute majority, the Indian Press was the unofficial Opposition, and I think by criticising the government even in Nehru's time, at the height of his power, on China and other topics, I think the Indian Press did play a great, positive role".

$$ 

"The proprietor is not bothered entirely about profits. If he wants to make money, he goes in for cement, steel and jute. If he does not earn a profit from this newspaper he gets something else in return. He gains influence, he gains entry into high places, he acquires the ability to influence policies through a particular slant in his paper.

So you have to break this knot".  -- Vishnu Dutt, senior special correspondent with Times of  India.