Keralam Chief Minister flays ‘unethical’ journalism, warns mainstream media against lowering standards

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of "unethical journalism" in Kerala, cautioning mainstream media against compromising professional standards in their pursuit of ratings and attention in the rapidly evolving digital media landscape. Speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of the Thrissur Press Club, Mr. Satheesan warned established media organizations against adopting the practices of unethical journalism.

He emphasized that while the transition from print to visual and digital media had transformed journalism, the implications of these changes needed to be carefully examined. The Chief Minister was particularly critical of the lack of accountability for misinformation in the digital space, noting that false reports could circulate for extended periods without adequate corrections.

He also criticized the abusive nature of some social media discourse, highlighting that women were often the most frequent targets. Mr. Satheesan stressed that criticism was an essential part of journalism and democracy, but political and administrative leaders should not be shielded from scrutiny. He urged mainstream media to maintain their institutional legacy and not emulate the style and standards of social media.

The Chief Minister urged young journalists to pursue professional excellence rather than merely chase ratings, emphasizing the importance of producing honest reports and analyzing news to find stories of real value. He also highlighted the legacy of the Thrissur Press Club, recalling its long-standing tradition of producing distinguished journalists and fostering a culture of collaboration between journalists and political leaders.