BSS-32 Role of free news media in development of democratic society stressed

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ZCZC

BSS-32

INDIA-PRES COUNCIL-MEETING

Role of free news media in development of democratic society stressed

NEW DELHI, Nov 15, 2019 (BSS) – Senior journalists and members of press councils of the South Asian countries today stressed on the role of a free, pluralistic and independent news media in the development of a democratic society.

Addressing a roundtable conference on “Reporting-Interpretation: A Journey” here today, they highlighted objective news reporting without giving opinion for the cause of a pluralistic society.

Chairman of Press Council of India (PCI) Justice Chandramauli Kumar Prasad chaired the session as delegation leaders from the South Asian Countries including Bangladesh and the host India addressed the session sharing their thoughts and ideas on free news media.

The Press Council of India (PCI) organized the programme marking the National Press Day, 2019 to be observed tomorrow with an aim of creating public awareness on the role of a free, pluralistic and independent news media.

Delegates from the press councils of Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka also attended the conference at the invitation of Press Council of India (PCI).

A four-member delegation of Bangladesh Press Council led by its member and Editor of the Daily Observer Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury joined the conference.

Addressing the event, Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury gave an overview on how the news media in Bangladesh have been enjoying full freedom while publishing news and participating in talk-shows in TV channels.

“Media in Bangladesh is not only free, but also very vibrant,” he said adding that with economic development and political stability, the media was now required to play more vital role to consolidate democratic polity.

Chowdhury also mooted a proposal to form a South Asian forum of press councils to promote media cooperation and understanding among the South Asian nations.

Senior journalists of the host country also spoke on the occasion.

The others members of Bangladesh delegation include Acting Editor of the Daily Sangbad Khandkar Muniruzzaman and BJUJ Joint Secretary Abdul Mazid and member of BPC Md. Shah Alam.

BSS/AIM/KU/2002 HRS