Journalism must question power, produce informed citizens: Bhatti Vikramarka

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka emphasized the importance of journalism in a functioning democracy, stating that it serves to hold power accountable and ensure citizens are informed. "Journalism performs one of democracy's most necessary functions: it makes power explain itself," he said, urging the newly formed Federation of Press Clubs to become a strong institution that upholds professional standards and safeguards journalism as a democratic public function.

Bhatti Vikramarka noted that democracy requires a balance between power and criticism, and dismissed the notion that governments and journalists should always agree. He cited examples of various publications, such as Mahatma Gandhi's Young India, Navjivan and Harijan, B.R. Ambedkar's Mooknayak and Bahishkrit Bharat, Lokmanya Tilak's Kesari and Mahratta, Dadabhai Naoroji's Rast Goftar and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's Al-Hilal, and Amrita Bazar Patrika and The Hindu, which have all played crucial roles in shaping public opinion.

He urged the media to go beyond simply reporting events and instead examine what those events mean for society, highlighting the need for journalists to challenge authority and give a voice to those with little power. The Deputy CM also questioned the authority of the editor and suggested that the media should reflect on whether it still possesses the ability to make governments uncomfortable.

Acknowledging the commercial nature of running news organizations, Bhatti Vikramarka cautioned against allowing journalism to become "just another profession." Instead, he insisted that a newspaper must have a market, but journalism must have a purpose. The Deputy CM expressed concern about the impact of social media and artificial intelligence on the credibility of journalism, stating that technology has democratised the right to speak, but discipline must be maintained.

He emphasized that journalism is not merely about producing news, but about producing citizens by informing people, awakening them, and challenging authority. "Their reason for existence was larger than their balance sheet," Bhatti Vikramarka said. He concluded by urging citizens to speak freely, question freely, and to give governments the courage to listen.