Media advocacy for good governance in a State always yields good results and the Government should not show a hostile attitude towards the media instead of taking the suggestions for positive changes,” said the participants while discussing on ‘Governance and Media’ organised by the People’s Media Initiative (PMI) Odisha on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day held here on Friday.
PMI Odisha president Sudarshan Chhotray said there should not be any gap between the society and the media. “We should highlight the alternative media which would address the problems of common people by reaching out to the grassroots level,” said Chhotray, adding, “People’s initiative is highly needed for growth of the society with the help of the media.”
NA Shah Ansari of Radio Namaskar said the people’s media or community media has the ability to win the heart of rural folk and to give voice to the voiceless. As it comes under development communication, the community media helps in development of the people of the area, he added.
“After introduction of the paid news syndrome and sensationalism in larger media, the common people have started believing the community media,” said Ansari, adding, “They are planning to set up a community TV in the State which would be the first of its kind in India.”
Among others, Dhirendra Panda of the Common Concern, journalist Niradhar Panda, Alok Pati, Sandeep Patnaik and Gadadhar Pradhan were present.