Speech by Hon'ble President of India, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil, at the Joint Session of the 62nd World Newspaper Congress and 16th World Editors' Forum at Hyderabad

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am happy to be at the Joint Session of the World Newspaper Congress and the World Editors' Forum, which has been organized by the World Association of Newspapers and the Indian Newspaper Society. I am equally happy that this prestigious annual global event is being held in South Asia for the first time and that too in India, in the historic city of Hyderabad. This city is an example of the cultural synthesis that has been a feature of India's long history. In the modern context, Hyderabad represents a cosmopolitan city, that has emerged as an attractive investment centre for various sectors, and is representative of a resurgent India.

All those gathered here at this Congress are well known names in the field of journalism. Over the next four days, I am told that you will be discussing a wide-range of issues relating to media. I wish you well in your deliberations.

Journalism and its development through history has always been closely linked with the changing nature of technology, which has deeply influenced the methodologies for the gathering and dissemination of news. Be it the first newspapers which appeared in Europe in the 17th Century, following the invention of the movable type printing press; the beginning of radio broadcasting followed by television; the arrival of the Internet and satellite television towards the end of the 20th Century or "news on the move" through portable platforms such as the mobile phone, especially blackberry and the I-phone. All these have left their imprint. Changes in media in the future will continue to be determined by new technologies, and hence a constant challenge for media would be how to interface with technology.

Media is, indeed, operating in a dynamic environment that characterizes the contemporary world. Globalization has created a situation where events can no longer be viewed as isolated occurrences. Issues like terrorism, climate change, rapid communication systems and financial integration are some of the indicators of the global village concept. Terrorists have woven a complex network across the world, posing a threat to innocent lives and to peace and stability of societies. Nabbing of consignments of weapons and drugs in one part of the globe can reveal a conspiracy of a much larger dimension. For the media, it implies that even though it is covering certain local events, it must necessarily look at other linkages. Needless to say, journalists have a stake in building a better and safer world.

Similarly, climate change has ramifications for individuals and for nations, as they seek the goal of sustainable development for the Planet. Media can play a crucial role in promoting behavioral patterns, consumption preferences and production models which are environment friendly. This message should be given coverage in a sustained fashion. Media, apart from creating awareness, can play a pro-active role as well. The paper and printing industries, for example, should look at using eco-friendly and energy efficient technologies so as to reduce its carbon footprint which can pave the way for a sustainable future for the print media.

As this is also a meeting of the World Editors' Forum, I take this opportunity to emphasise the important role of editors as opinion makers, who help the public to understand developments through in-depth analysis. This role, apart from intellectual capabilities, demands objectivity, fairness and a deep sense of responsibility. A discussion on ethics in media and how quality journalism can be promoted in a manner that it serves public interest is an important self-assessment exercise, particularly as journalists influence the thinking, the standards and ethics of a society. Journalism should remain anchored in some basic principles and criteria. Journalism's first obligation is to truth, its first loyalty is to the citizens, its essence is the discipline of verification of a news story before it being published or broadcast and its practitioners must exercise their personal conscience.

While informing the public about current events and giving them insights into the issues of the day, media as a strong participant in society, provides a forum for discussions on the wide range of national and global issues. How can this role be made more effective and constructive? I would touch on a few aspects.

In a closely linked and a constantly messaging world, many TV channels and newspapers have set up their own blogs and online interactive discussion forums. Comments on an issue flow in instantly from different regions and various people - some experts, some dealing with the issue, some who feel strongly about it and some others who want to express their views. These observations and opinions are an opportunity for policy makers to assess the concerns of the public as well as to get inputs and feedback. Can media channelize this flow of ideas into public debate? Is it doing so in an effective manner? This Conference provides a good opportunity for a discussion on this subject.

Media should cover the fullest possible range of issues and concerns of the people. This role gets magnified when we speak of growth and development issues. Nations as they progress, face many challenges whether of resources or appropriate technologies or of implementation. Healthy and constructive discussions on these issues in the media are very useful in raising the performance levels of administration and of those involved in activities relating to societal welfare. The media has a very crucial role in promoting the cause of good governance, a role that makes it a higher calling, demanding great responsibility. Is the media doing enough and is it doing justice to this important role?

The advent of the internet and electronic media has been a significant development. However, these new technologies still do not have broad and universal coverage. Some regions still are serviced by the print media alone. For this reason, and the fact that people continue to rely on newspapers to understand what is happening and why it is happening, print media maintains its popularity. I also feel small and medium newspapers, the existence of which are at stake in some regions due to many reasons, including the interplay of market forces have a role to play in building inclusive societies. They have greater reach at the grassroots and thus have the potential to disseminate messages of socio-economic development, social change and participatory development.

The function of the media as a social catalyst is so powerful, that it imposes an obligation on the media to profile issues of equity and empowerment of all. There is a tendency in some sections to focus excessively on news which is negative. There is, of course, a lesson to be learnt from events that are negative, but equally important is to convey positive messages and to inspire people. Media, therefore, must search for and find a balance between the portrayal of the negative and positive happenings in society.

India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world today. This economic growth has also had an impact on the growth of the media in India. With growing incomes and growing literacy levels, readership both of national and regional newspapers and periodicals in various languages has been increasing. In recent years, India has seen a dramatic and ever increasing growth in television channels which have brought news round the clock into more and more homes. The role of media in India will continue to be important as we strive for growth that is inclusive and strengthen the values of democracy, harmony and tolerance in our political and social life.

With these words, I convey my good wishes to all delegates and hope that all of you will get some time to see Hyderabad and experience the hospitality of India and especially the warmth of the people of Hyderabad and the State of Andhra Pradesh.

Thank You,  
Jai Hind.