Udupi: UT Khader stresses need for unbiased journalism

U T Khader, the state Assembly speaker on Sunday stressed the significance of journalists receiving appropriate training to ensure unbiased news reporting.

He was speaking during a scholarship distribution ceremony for meritorious students of the journalist organized by the Karnataka Working Journalists Association in collaboration with the Udupi Working Journalists Association, the Silver Jubilee Committee, and Kasturba Hospital Manipal.

Khader expressed concern over some journalists interjecting their personal opinions into their reports, which compromises the integrity of the news. “News should be unbiased and factual,” emphasized Khader, urging journalists to maintain the highest standards of professionalism.

Khader further highlighted the symbiotic relationship between politicians and journalists, acknowledging the support he received from the media during his endeavors for societal welfare. He urged the felicitated children to not only be assets to their parents but also to the nation, recognizing the role journalism plays in passing on cultural values to future generations.

Lakshmi Hebbalkar, the minister of women and child development and in-charge minister of Udupi district, commended journalists for their dedication to addressing societal problems and working for the betterment of society. She emphasized the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with family commitments, urging the honored students to fulfill their parents’ dreams through their hard work.

Shivanand Thagadoor, the state president of the Karnataka Working Journalist Association, acknowledged the challenges faced in organizing the event and praised the successful hosting by the Udupi District Working Journalist Association. Thagadoor expressed gratitude to Dr. Subhash Ballal and Manipal hospitals for providing medical fee concessions to journalists during the COVID-19 pandemic. He praised the unwavering dedication of journalists in providing vital information to society and stressed the importance of their presence in the news ecosystem.

Dr. H S Ballal, pro chancellor of MAHE Manipal, highlighted the significance of providing a good education to the youth, as they are the future leaders of the nation.

During the ceremony, U T Khader, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Dr. H S Ballal, Dr. Avinash Shetty (medical director of Kasturba Hospital Manipal), and Shivanand Thagadoor honored the meritorious students of journalism who excelled in their second PUC and SSLC examinations.

The event was presided over by Shivanand Thagadoor, while Rajesh Shetty Alevoor, president of the Udupi District Working Journalist Association, delivered the introductory speech. Mohammed Sharif, convener of the Silver Jubilee Committee, warmly welcomed the attendees.