District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Kupwara held an interactive session with working journalists of print and electronic media of the district on the topic "How can we use Media responsibly" at Conference Hall of ADR center, Court Complex Kupwara today.
Addressing the media persons, the Secretary, DLSA Kupwara, Sub Judge Muzamil Ahmad Wani hailed the role of media in building a strong, democratic and progressive society. The interactive session was conducted with the media fraternity to seek feedback and suggestions on various issues related to court, crime and in depth reporting (investigative reporting) in a balanced manner.
Addressing the Journalists, Secretary, DLSA observed that the media has a positive and constructive role in society and democracy.Media is fourth pillar of democracy after the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary which is the balancing pillar of democracy."
It is the first time that Judiciary has invited Journalists to discuss media responsibilities as a need has been felt to request media organisations to report facts without giving judgements and disclosing the identities of victims" Sub Judge Muzamil Ahmad Wani who is also Secretary DLSA Kupwara said.
Secretary DLSA impressed upon the Journalists to develop an internal mechanism for the safety and decency of working Journalists to exclude the pseudo- journalists from the fraternity who defame this profession in the garbe of Journalism.
He asked Journalists not to allow unqualified persons to enter this field. The Secretary stressed upon Journalists to double check reports and facts as reports have a great impact and bullet like effect on society.
Highlighting the role of Media persons in using media responsibly, he stressed upon journalists to report facts objectively and impartially without giving your own opinions and slants in news stories, He asked Journalists to spread awareness for the betterment of society, visit courts, do the follow- up of court cases and report convictions as justice is the cornerstone of society."
Reporting facts, balancing the news and taking both versions, and not revealing identities of victims are the essence of Journalism", he said, adding that the media should remain on forefront to give vast coverage to good initiatives and government schemes for the progress of society.
On this occasion media persons spoke about Journalism ethics, role and responsibilities and sought Cooperation from Judiciary to facilitate them in reporting of court cases. Secretary DLSA assured them that a platform to working Journalists of Kupwara district will be provided in the shape of media briefing on important court cases so that Journalists don't face any hesitation in reporting court cases.
Interactive session was attended by working Journalists of different Print and Electronic media organisations besides Legal aid defence Counsels.