Will strive to raise the bar in journalism, says Andhra Pradesh media academy Chairman Suresh Kumar

MLA Mandali Buddha Prasad felicitating Chairman of the C. Raghavachari Media Academy, Andhra Pradesh, Alapati Suresh Kumar, in Vijayawada on Thursday as Resident Editor of The Hindu Appaji Reddem and others look on. | Photo Credit: K.V.S. GIRI

Senior journalist Alapati Suresh Kumar assumed charge as Chairman of the C. Raghavachari Media Academy, Andhra Pradesh, on Thursday.

On the occasion, Mr. Suresh Kumar said he would strive to enhance the standards in journalism. “Improving standards is necessary due to the growing reach and complexity of the media today. It will be one of my primary responsibilities as Chairman of the media academy,” he said.

“The media has moved beyond print to the electronic and digital platforms. While this change has brought many positives, it has also brought its share of negatives. We must curb harmful trends in the social media. There is a need to stop activities that are against the law. At the same time, good programmes must be encouraged. Regulating the social media is not an easy task. But it is necessary to stop character assassination and abusive content. Even mainstream media has entered the social media platform. We cannot treat both the same way,” he observed.

The regulations that apply to the print media would not apply to the electronic media. We had long been urging the Central government to implement certain regulations. The government must announce policies regarding the regulation of the social media, he said.

“Given the growing influence of the social media, there is a need for regulatory oversight when necessary. Though this may not fall strictly under the academy’s purview, it is still an area that demands attention, as obtaining accurate information is crucial,” he said, adding that the academy would implement these policies.

Mr. Suresh Kumar said there were thousands of rural journalists. There was a need to train them in the nuances of journalism. “Enhancing the standards of journalism is the responsibility of the media academy. When journalists improve, journalism gains value. As Chairman of the media academy, I will do my part,” he said.

He also expressed his heartfelt thanks to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for appointing him as Chairman of the media academy.

Earlier, Chairman of the Telangana State Press Academy K. Srinivasa Reddy advised Mr. Suresh Kumar to strive for the welfare of journalists.

Avanigadda MLA Mandali Buddha Prasad felicitated Mr. Suresh Kumar. Journalists from various regions congratulated him on assuming the charge.

Leaders of the APUWJ, APWJF, IJU national secretary D. Soma Sundar, Resident Editor of The Hindu Appaji Reddem, Additional PS to Minister for Information Anita, Additional Director of the Information L. Swarna Latha, Joint Director P. Kiran Kumar, and retired Additional Director Dasari Srinivas were among others who felicitated Mr. Suresh Kumar. Media Academy Secretary Maniram was present.

Published - June 05, 2025 08:20 pm IST