‘Interpretations being presented as facts by a section of media’

Senior journalist Hunaswadi Rajan has said that society should be careful about a section of the media that is passing off interpretation as facts.

Speaking at a Press Day programme organised by the Dharwad District Union of Working Journalists (DDUWJ) in Hubballi on July 27, Mr. Rajan said that, as interpretation is donning the robe of facts, it has become difficult for readers to distinguish between facts and interpretation.

Elaborating on the changing face of media, he said, “In the new models of media that are emerging, manufacturing consent seems to be a priority. This change has happened after journalism became an industry.”

The senior journalist told mediapersons not to be under the impression that what they have seen and are presenting is the only truth, as there can be different versions of the truth, and different perspectives of looking at it.

While society is not yet openly questioning the way media has changed over the years, those in the media should necessarily engage in introspection, he said.

Chairman of Hubballi Dharwad Urban Development Authority Shakir Sanadi stressed on the need for associations of journalists to seriously look into the issue of YouTubers posing as journalists. He promised to look into the demand for earmarking a few residential sites for mediapersons in residential layouts developed by the authority.

Lifetime achievement award

Senior journalist Sanathkumar Belagali was honoured with the lifetime achievement award by DDUWJ.

Two journalists, Sunitha Kulkarni and Nirmala Kudari, were honoured with the annual ‘Avva Award’. This apart, 14 other journalists and photographers were honoured with annual awards.

Media Academy member J. Abbas Mulla, KUWJ Vice-President Pundalik Baloji, and KUWJ executive committee member Ganapathi Gangolli, two senior members of the newspaper hawkers’ association were also felicitated. 

DDUWJ President Lochanesh Hugar presided over the function.

DDUWJ office-bearers Sushelndracharya Kundaragi, Basavaraj Vijapur, Tanuja R. Naik, Vijay Hugar, Basavaraj Hugar, Viresh Handigi, Sangamesh Menasinakai were present.