Thrissur: Mainstream media should not run behind what the Chief Minister described as media activities that “sprout like mushrooms after yesterday’s rain”, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said at the Thrissur Press Club.
Speaking at a programme organised by the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ), Satheesan stressed the need for responsibility, credibility and factual accuracy in journalism.
The Chief Minister’s remark was directed at the tendency to give prominence to every emerging claim, report or media activity without adequately examining its credibility and public relevance.
Credibility Must Remain at the Centre of Journalism
Satheesan emphasised that the popularity or speed with which a piece of information spreads does not necessarily make it credible news. In an era when information can reach thousands of people within minutes through digital platforms and social media, journalists have an even greater responsibility to verify facts before giving them prominence.
He stressed the importance of maintaining professional standards and ensuring that journalism continues to serve the public interest.
A Message to Mainstream Media
The Chief Minister’s comments also highlighted the role of mainstream media in setting the agenda for public discussion. Rather than simply following every emerging media narrative, established news organisations should assess the authenticity, relevance and broader implications of information before publishing or amplifying it.
According to Satheesan, the credibility of journalism depends not merely on being the first to report something, but also on ensuring that the information is accurate and responsibly presented.
Responsible Journalism in the Digital Era
The rapid expansion of digital news platforms has significantly changed the media landscape. While the competition to break news has intensified, the need for verification and editorial responsibility has become equally important.
Satheesan’s remarks at the Thrissur Press Club therefore underline a broader concern: mainstream media should maintain professional standards and should not automatically amplify unverified or sensational narratives simply because they are gaining attention elsewhere.
