Srinagar, Aug 9: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, on Thursday said that neither politicians nor media can thrive without each other and role of media is increasing day by day.
Addressing a function organized in connection with the launch of “Kashmir Tribune” by The Tribune Trust here, Omar while referring to the love-hate relation between politicians and media said, “Both are supplementary and complimentary to each other. Neither politicians nor media can thrive without each other.”
 “On occasions like today, at the launch of Kashmir Tribune, both these important elements of the society are seen rubbing shoulders with each other for a joint cause. Role of media is increasing day by day and the impact of reporting looms large on the society.” Congratulating The Tribune Trust for it’s yet endeavour to reach out people in the Valley, Omar hoped The Kashmir Tribune would make all efforts to maintain its standards of neutrality and free reporting.
“Unfair and biased criticism and reporting without ascertaining facts is not in the interest of the society.
Positive and constructive criticism are far more beneficial to carry forward development strategies and for implementing policies more effectively,” he said.
Omar referred to the two issues – the perception being cultivated in present day journalism that views are more important than news and the practice of publication of ‘paid news’ by some newspapers. He observed that these were not welcome developments and said, “We observe that more space is being given to views than to the actual news flowing from all across in the garb of the perception that views are more important than news. There is need to take a holistic view to strike the balance between the two”, he added.
Speaking on the occasion Governor N N Vohra said that there has been significant improvement in the content and quality of local newspapers over the past years.
In this context, the Governor observed that views and opinions on influencing the present and shaping the future is perhaps equally, if not more important than recalling the past.
Vohra stressed the importance of positive reporting by media. He said the media should devote higher priority to highlight the interests of the people at large.
The Governor said the role of media has increased manifold over the years and, side by side, the impact of media reports has also acquired enhanced significance. He stressed the responsibility of press in maintaining visible impartiality through unbiased reporting.
Observing that media impacts governance, society and the course of events, the Governor said that objective and balanced media coverage of varied important issues relating to socio-economic development, governance and democracy would make an important contribution to protecting and enlarging the public interest.
In this context, he noted that excessive zeal to praise or blame cannot be the basis of good reportage.
Congratulating the Tribune Management on the launch of “Kashmir Tribune”, the Governor impressed upon the management to stick to the highest standards of professional journalism. “The reporting must be fair and unbiased”, he said.
Expressing the hope that The Tribune would also launch its Ladakh edition in the coming time, the Governor said that Ladakh is a vast region showcasing interesting geographical, cultural, heritage, developmental and other features and provides extensive material for reporting. He added that this region is witnessing significant development of infrastructure, economic growth and the promotion of tourism which requires to be highlighted. “Till such time The Tribune launches its Ladakh Edition, it would need to give due coverage to this region in its pages”, he said.
Justice (Retd) S S Sodhi, President, The Tribune Trust, in his speech gave historical background and the growth of The Tribune during the past 131 years. He said that The Tribune has maintained objectivity in its reporting of events, as was envisioned by S Dayal Singh Majithia, its visionary founder. He said that the launch of “Kashmir Tribune” is our tribute to the people of Kashmir and their glorious traditions and pluralistic ethos. He said that besides focusing on other aspects of news and views, “Kashmir Tribune” will also give due coverage to the composite cultural heritage and crafts of Kashmir.
Raj Chengappa, Editor-in-Chief, The Tribune, in his welcome address, said that the launch of “Kashmir Tribune” marks an important occasion in the history of the coverage of this paper. He said that in the month of March this year The Tribune Trust had launched Jammu Tribune and on that day we had promised to launch “Kashmir Tribune” which we have done today. He said that “Kashmir Tribune”, besides focusing on Kashmir Valley, will also adequately report about the Kargil and Leh districts.
Sanjay Hazari, General Manager, The Tribune Trust, presented a vote of thanks.
Usha Vohra, First Lady, Ministers, Abdul Rahim Rather, Mian Altaf Ahmad, Ghulam Hassan Mir, R S Chib, Peerzada Muhammad Sayeed, Qamar Ali Akhoon, Sakina Itoo, Mubarak Gul, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, Minister of State for Home and Tourism, Devender Singh Rana, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister and senior officers were present at the function.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 9 Aug 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 9 Aug 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:00:00 IST