The media needs to ensure the credibility of the news, said P. Rajeev

Industry Minister P. Rajeeve on Friday urged the media to examine whether media ethics and the credibility of the news published in these current news periods have declined.

There have been times when bad news has been released to meet the pressures of television ratings. Care should be taken to focus on sticking to the facts rather than reporting on emotional lines, he said at a meeting of delegates on the state conference of the Kerala Union of Working Journalists here.

Mr. Rajeeve said that there has been a change in the working of the media in the country. This change was reflected in the shift from reporting facts to fiction. After a while, it became difficult to see the news and analysis, he said.

Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan, who delivered the speech of the day, said the media needed to face the growing challenges posed by artificial intelligence and other technological changes in society. Rapid change in various sectors was also seen in the media sector, he said.

MV Vineetha, president of KUWJ, presided. Hibi Eden, MP, KV Thomas, former Union Minister, and AN Radhakrishnan, Bharatiya Janata Party leader, were present.

Local Government Minister MB Rajesh who initiated the public meeting said there is nothing wrong with criticizing the government through the media. But it should be based on facts, he said.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will open the State conference on Saturday at 10 a.m. Devan Ramachandran, Judge, Kerala High Court, will open the announcement session at 3 p.m.