We welcome a free press that holds those in power accountable, says Bhatti

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka stressed the importance of a free and credible press for democracy while launching the Federation of Press Clubs in Hyderabad. He urged governments to accept criticism and called for greater protection and welfare of journalists.

Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka stressed the importance of a free press that questions those in power for the survival of democracy and said governments should have the courage to accept criticism.

“The media has a responsibility to question discrimination. Journalism should not merely report incidents but also question their deeper implications,” he said after formally launching the Federation of Press Clubs here on Saturday.

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The Federation has been established with representatives of eight Press Clubs from across the country.
Bhatti Vikramarka said social media had expanded freedom of expression, but freedom should not be mistaken for irresponsibility. With technologies such as artificial intelligence and voice cloning helping rumours and misinformation spread rapidly, the only true asset of a journalist was credibility, he said.

He hoped the Federation of Press Clubs would not remain just another organisation but evolve into a strong institution that protects journalists’ safety and professional standards.

“Protecting journalism also requires protecting journalists,” Bhatti Vikramarka said. He urged the Federation to focus on the safety, dignity and welfare of journalists, particularly those working in districts and small towns.

“Telangana people have a strong tradition of freely expressing their views. This spirit has influenced the State’s movements, literature and culture,” he stated.

On the land allotment proposal for the Press Club of Hyderabad, the Deputy Chief Minister said the State government was examining it and assured that it would be considered positively.

Director of The Hindu Group and former Editor-i-Chief of The Hindu, N Ram welcomed the establishment of the Federation and said it could emerge as an institution to protect Indian journalism. He suggested that it should document attacks on journalists and extend legal support, as a free press could not survive on constitutional and legal protection alone.

Expressing concern over the weakening of conventional mainstream media, Ram said social media had created an ecosystem that allowed misinformation and false news to spread.

“People’s trust cannot be taken for granted nor can it be demanded,” he said.

Ram said it was unjust to target journalists and find fault with their work. He charged that the union and some State governments were initiating criminal prosecution against journalists, while police were conducting raids, seizing electronic devices and shutting down the internet, affecting journalists’ work.

“This is where collectivisation is essential. Press Clubs, Editors Guild, Working Journalists Unions and others should work together in protecting journalists,” N Ram said.

He recalled how former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was compelled to withdraw the controversial Defamation Bill in September 1988 following a united fight by newsmen across the country.

Press Club of India president Sangeeta Pisharody, Caravan Editor Anant Nath, Federation of Press Clubs representative Gautam Lahiri, Press Club of Hyderabad president Vijay Kumar Reddy and others also spoke on the occasion.