Former Information and Communication Minister M. M Hassan inaugurated the ‘Swadeshabhimani Media Study Center’ under the auspices of the Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust in August 1, 2015. Kerala Kaumudi Editor M.S. Ravi presided over the meeting in which Santhosh Kumar (Director, Cultural Department), Mark Abraham (Malayala Manorama), E. Basheer (Media), P.S. Ramshad (Samakalika Malayalam), A Suhair and Dr. Kayamkulam Yoonus spoke to the participants.
Mr.Siddharth Varadharajan, former editor of The Hindu led the discussion with a perceptive talk on “Critical Issues in Indian Journalism – Which Road do We Take?” The four pillars of journalism- business model, editorial independence, professional standards and public support – have been greatly weakened in India. Even if the media is financially viable and upholds professional standards and editorial independence, without the trust of the public, it cannot fulfil its role. The reality is that the Indian public’s trust in journalism has decreased substantially over time. This weakening of the bond between the media and the public has created a very dangerous situation in a democratic society. He pointed out the effects of paid news and news favoring government which undermined editorial independence.
Swadeshabhimani Media Study Centre could serve as a platform by journalists to exchange opinion to discuss the standards of reporting and the new professional standards required by digital journalism.
