Biggest threat to mainstream media is mainstream media channels itself: Anurag Thakur
New Delhi, Sep 20: Information & Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Monday made a strong pitch for bringing back neutrality in news, saying shrill debates may get television channels eyeballs but not credibility.
Addressing a function organised by the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), Thakur said the biggest threat to mainstream media is not from new age digital platforms, but mainstream media channels itself.
"If you decide to invite guests who are polarising, who spread false narratives and who shout at the top of their lungs, the credibility of your channel goes down. Your decisions regarding the guest, the tone and visuals define your credibility in the eyes of the audience," the minister said.
He said the viewer may stop for a minute to watch a television news show, but will never trust the anchor, the channel or the brand as a transparent source of news.
Thakur said mainstream media organisations have a great challenge to provide truthful, accurate, and reliable news faster, while preserving media ethics and values.
The minister wondered whether the news channels were going to watch the younger audiences switch and sweep through the shrill on TV news or bring back the neutrality in news and discussion in debates to stay ahead of the game.
Are you going to show visuals that grab eyeballs and inflame anger or show restraint and project visuals in context to showcase the full picture, he said.
Thakur also sought to know how television channels would redefine and innovate TV news content, presentation and dissemination to reach the new-age audience who is constantly being fed information via social media platforms.
"Instead of compromising our values in this fierce competition, we must work hard to preserve professionalism. I strongly believe that journalists are duty bound to report news without fabrication, despite temptations to compete with those who propagate false news, Thakur said.
The minister said though broadcast media has always been in the mainstream of journalism, the COVID-19 era has shaped its structure in a more strategic way.
He appreciated the role of Doordarshan and All India Radio for delivering on their mandate of public service during the testing times of the pandemic.
At the AIBD, Prasar Bharti CEO Mayank Agrawal received the 'Lifetime Achievement Award for 2022'.
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Kohli's U-19 teammate Amanpreet Singh Gill dies at 36
New Delhi (PTI): Former India U-19 and Punjab medium pacer Amanpreet Singh Gill died at the age of 36 in Chandigarh on Wednesday, leaving the cricket fraternity in mourning.
The cause of death is not yet known.
Gill, who was Virat Kohli's U-19 teammate, featured in six first-class matches for Punjab, picking up 11 wickets.
He was also part of the Punjab franchise (Kings XI Punjab) in the inaugural Indian Premier League season, and later served as a member of Punjab's senior selection committee.
"Punjab Cricket Association deeply mourns the sad demise of Amanpreet Singh Gill, former Punjab cricketer and Member, Senior Selection Committee Punjab,” the Punjab Cricket Association announced on X.
"Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family in this difficult time."
Two-time World Cup-winning India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also paid tribute to Gill.
"Deeply saddened to hear about Amanpreet Singh Gill’s passing. Shared the dressing room in our early days, he was a quiet, hardworking cricketer who loved the game. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace Om Shanti,” Singh posted on X.
Gill played five Youth ODIs and one Youth Test for India in 2007.
In the longer format, he claimed the wicket of former Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera.
However, he did not make the Virat Kohli-led India U-19 side that went on to win the 2008 World Cup.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Amanpreet Singh Shergill, who proudly represented Punjab and was a part of the Punjab Kings family. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire cricketing fraternity,” Punjab Kings posted on their official Instagram account.
