Value-based journalism is need of the hour, says A.P. Media Academy chairman

Andhra Pradesh C. Raghavachari Media Academy chairman Alapati Suresh Kumar addressing a press conference, in Vijayawada, on Monday. | Photo Credit: G.N. RAO

Senior journalist and Andhra Pradesh C. Raghavachari Media Academy chairman Alapati Suresh Kumar stressed on the need for value-based journalism in the country and the State. The academy will serve as a catalyst in this regard, he said.

Addressing a press conference, here on Monday, Mr. Suresh Kumar expressed the view that the problems would not crop up if everyone in journalism adhered to ethical values. Unfortunately, some individuals are encouraging unethical journalism, referring to a debate on a vernacular TV channel on Capital Amaravati, which spurred public outrage. 

The chairman criticised senior journalist Krishnam Raju for mocking Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s statement describing Amaravati as “the capital of the gods,” instead referring to it as the “capital of sex workers”, which is unacceptable.

Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, moderator of the debate, later clarified that Mr. Krishnam Raju had only referred to the presence of sex workers in the Amaravati region, not labelling the entire city as such. Denigrating the women of the capital in this manner is inappropriate, and the anchor, Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, tried to downplay the remarks. More so, the anchor cited a Times of India article which mentioned the prevalence of sex workers in certain States but not Amaravati, asserting that Krishnam Raju’s comments were misleading and lacked factual basis.

Mr. Suresh Kumar expressed the view that the news channels or newspapers run by regional parties have vested interests. Such medias would not have any accountability for the public unlike other newspapers or channels, he said, referring to Sakshi owned by YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). It was not correct to argue that a need for own papers for regional parties emerged as the existing papers have their political affiliations, he added.

Published - June 09, 2025 08:11 pm IST