Sir — Press Council of India Chairman Markandey Katju’s initiative to set up a committee to determine the minimum qualifications for a journalist is commendable.
He rightly observes that persons with little or inadequate training in journalism enter the profession. No doubt, some of the greatest journalists may have been without formal training or a degree in journalism, but they fall in the ‘exception to rule’ category. And this is also true for some of the greatest painters, writers, poets, etc. Proper training and education in a particular discipline, however, is of utmost importance to perform certain tasks efficiently and journalism is certainly no exception.
Barring a few television news channels and national and regional English dailies, what is produced by regional languages newspapers is appalling and disgusting. And a section of journalists working for regional languages newspapers have also brought disrepute to this noble profession. Thus, Mr Katju’s suggestion is very justified, and it must be followed through with vigour by all concerned.