NEW DELHI, June 6:
The All India Newspaper Editors’ Conference has urged the Centre and states to provide adequate protection to journalists and to reform Government advertising policies to ensure the survival of small and medium newspapers, warning that economic pressures and attacks on the press threaten grassroot journalism and democratic accountability.
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At its Annual General Meeting and Annual Conference held on Saturday at Tej Building, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, under National President Ramesh Gupta, editors and representatives from across the country deliberated on journalist safety, press freedom, and the growing challenges facing small and medium publications.
The Conference unanimously adopted a resolution urging Central and State Governments to provide “adequate protection, support, and assistance to journalists and media professionals so that they may discharge their duties without fear, intimidation, or interference.”
Members stressed that “a free and fearless press is essential for safeguarding democratic values and protecting the citizens’ right to information.”
Special attention was given to the difficulties faced by small and medium newspapers, which members said play a crucial role in disseminating local news, highlighting grassroot issues, and representing community concerns in towns, districts, and rural areas.
While large newspapers focus primarily on national and international affairs, the Conference observed that small and medium publications remain the backbone of local journalism. However, the existing advertisement policies of the Central and State Governments, as well as those of the Central Bureau of Communication, tend to favour larger publications. As a result, many small and medium newspapers are facing serious financial constraints that threaten their sustainability and continued service to local communities.
Accordingly, the Conference urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to give due consideration to the concerns of small and medium newspapers and to formulate policies ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of Government advertisements. “Such measures are essential for strengthening grassroots journalism, preserving media diversity, and ensuring that local communities continue to receive reliable information,” the Conference observed.
To pursue these issues, the Conference constituted a five-member committee under the chairmanship of Padam Mehta, Vice President of AINEC and Editor-in-Chief of Dainik Jalte Deep, Jodhpur. The committee includes Bishambhar Newar from Kolkata, Suman Gupta from Lucknow, Chelverajam from Karnataka, and Pramod Agrawal from Agra, and has been entrusted with addressing issues relating to the protection, development, and welfare of small and medium newspapers and undertaking necessary representations before Central and State Governments.
The proceedings were conducted by Secretary General Bishambhar Newar. Among those who shared views were Bishambhar Newar, Padam Mehta, Dr. Suman Gupta, Suryamani Raghuvanshi, Chelverajam, Pramod Agrawal, Anil Gupta, Harshad Bhai Khamar, and Randheep Singh. Speakers discussed press freedom, journalist safety, challenges facing the media industry, and measures required to strengthen small and medium newspapers.
The meeting was also attended by Raza Rizvi, N Muniyappa, and Venkateshaiah M.U., among other members. Participants emphasized the need for collective efforts to address the challenges facing the newspaper industry and to strengthen AINEC’s role in promoting independent and responsible journalism.
The Conference resolved with a renewed commitment to safeguarding press freedom, promoting ethical journalism, and protecting the democratic values that underpin a free and independent media. (UNI)
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