Revanth Reddy stresses on need to draw line between true journalists and social media journalists

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy criticised self-proclaimed social media journalists for lacking qualifications and professionalism. Speaking at *Nava Telangana’s* anniversary event, he stressed the need to differentiate between trained journalists and unqualified digital influencers to preserve journalistic credibility

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s remark that he felt like slapping “self-proclaimed journalists” for their senseless questions and defiant attitude has triggered a debate in journalist circles.

In the past, juniors used to treat senior journalists with respect and made way for them at meetings. But these days, the “self-proclaimed journalists”, who use abusive language, arrive at press conference venues well in advance and occupy front row seats with a defiant attitude, he observed.

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“At times, I feel like slapping them hard. But considering the circumstances and my position, I maintain restraint,” Revanth Reddy said at the 10th anniversary celebrations of Nava Telangana daily here on Friday.

The Chief Minister further stressed the need to draw a line between true journalists and journalists from social and digital media. He appealed to media personnel to differentiate themselves from “social media journalists”.

“They should be made to sit separately. People should be made to understand that true journalists and social media journalists are not the same,” the Chief Minister said, adding that people without any qualification or basic understanding of journalism were claiming to be journalists.

“Media, social media and digital media journalists, who cannot even write Telugu alphabets correctly, claim to be journalists. They do not study journalism courses at all,” Revanth Reddy maintained and expressed concern that if left unchecked, this trend could be dangerous.

The Chief Minister also made another remark that Communists help in dethroning a political party from power but the same cannot be said about electing a party to power.

“Congress had benefited from the Left parties’ support. Their cooperation is essential to strengthen people-friendly initiatives,” Revanth Reddy said.