United Forum of News Papers has appreciated the recent statements made by the Minister for Information Chowdary Zulifkar and Director Information Muneer-ul-Islam vis-à-vis the importance of media in Kashmir Valley.The members of United Forum of News Papers in a meeting while appreciating the role of both the Minister and the Director said that duo are keen to re-shape the Department of Information. Both the Minister and the Director Information are of firm belief that media is the fourth pillar of society and it has been gaining importance day by day. “With the advent of technological revolution, the media has touched every strata of life and it is very fortunate that the Minister and Director understand these facts.” During the meeting, anguish was expressed over the discrimination meted by newspaper publishers over advertisements. “The Minister for Information and the Director know it well that newspaper owners and publishers have been facing financial crunch and in these circumstances the owners expect that duo will take some positive measures to ease our sufferings,” the members maintained.The United Forum of News Papers hoped that Department will adopt a just and fair policy and will not support the blue eyed persons. “During the meeting a memorandum was prepared that will be presented to the government. The memorandum highlights the problems faced by newspaper industry particularly the negative effects of the new advertisement policy.” (CNS)