Bengaluru, Feb 3: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar today said that an initiative to issue sites on priority to journalists on priority would be announced soon.
Speaking at the award distribution ceremony organised by the Karnataka Media Academy, he said, “Our government is thinking of issuing sites to journalists in rural areas and urban areas on priority basis. We will make an announcement soon. I am saying this as a Bengaluru Development Minister. Our government has already issued bus passes in rural areas. We are also deliberating on giving health insurance cover for journalists.”
“No other state offers the level of press freedom that Karnataka offers. The media is the fourth estate and we can’t live without you. The media takes politicians up when it wants and dumps one when it wants.”
Revival of awards
“The previous government had not awarded several awards for journalists such as TSR award, Mohare Hanumantharaya award and development journalism awards. We will award these soon. We have also decided to increase the cash amount for these awards.,” he announced.
“Journalists have the power to write the truth and say the truth. Whether it is a politician or a journalist, one has to respect the truth. The media has full freedom and it can make or break a leader. Stopping fake news is a big challenge today. My daughter is deliberating on starting a new course for media management in order to improve quality of management. We will also be starting a mass communication course,” he said.
“The media must function without compromising the interests of the state. Karnataka and Bengaluru play an important role in nation building” he added.
