Hyderabad: Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Saturday stressed the importance of a free and independent press that questions those in power, saying that such journalism is essential for the survival of democracy. He said governments must have the courage to accept criticism and respect the role of the media in holding public institutions accountable.

Bhatti Vikramarka made the remarks after formally launching the Federation of Press Clubs in Hyderabad. The Federation has been established with representatives of eight Press Clubs from across the country. Speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief Minister said journalism was not merely about reporting incidents but also about questioning discrimination and examining the deeper implications of developments taking place in society.

“The media has a responsibility to question discrimination. Journalism should not merely report incidents but also question their deeper implications,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the history of Indian journalism demonstrated the important role played by newspapers and journalists in shaping society and strengthening democratic values. He said the freedom to question those in power should be protected and governments should be prepared to listen to criticism.

Credibility is the greatest asset of journalists

Bhatti Vikramarka said social media had significantly expanded the space for freedom of expression, but warned that freedom should not be confused with irresponsibility. With technologies such as artificial intelligence and voice cloning enabling rumours, misinformation and false information to spread rapidly, he said credibility had become the most valuable asset for journalists.

He urged journalists to maintain professional standards and ensure that freedom of expression was exercised responsibly. According to him, the growing volume of information available today makes trust and credibility more important than ever.

“The most valuable asset of a journalist today is credibility,” he said, stressing the need for media organisations to maintain public trust.

Focus on safety and welfare of journalists

Bhatti Vikramarka said the newly formed Federation of Press Clubs should not remain just another organisation but should evolve into a strong institution capable of protecting journalists and promoting professional standards.

“Protecting journalism also requires protecting journalists,” he said.

He urged the Federation to focus particularly on the safety, dignity, working conditions and welfare of journalists working in districts and small towns. Local journalists, he said, play an important role in bringing public issues to the attention of the government.

He also said the Telangana government was examining the proposal for allotment of land to the Press Club of Hyderabad and assured that the matter would be considered positively.

N Ram calls for stronger collective action

Director of The Hindu Group and former Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu, N Ram welcomed the establishment of the Federation and said it could develop into an important institution for protecting Indian journalism.

He suggested that the Federation should systematically document attacks on journalists and provide legal support to those facing threats or action in connection with their professional work. He said constitutional and legal protections alone were not sufficient to safeguard a free press.

N Ram also expressed concern over the weakening of conventional mainstream media and the rapid spread of misinformation through social media platforms.

“People’s trust cannot be taken for granted nor can it be demanded,” he said, underlining the importance of credibility and responsible journalism.

He alleged that journalists in some parts of the country were facing criminal cases and other forms of pressure, including police raids, seizure of electronic devices and internet shutdowns that affected their ability to work.

Call for unity among media organisations

N Ram stressed the importance of collective action among press organisations to protect journalists and defend press freedom. He called for greater cooperation between Press Clubs, the Editors Guild, Working Journalists Unions and other media bodies.

Recalling an important episode in India’s political history, he said former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was compelled to withdraw the controversial Defamation Bill in September 1988 following a united campaign by journalists and news organisations across the country.

He said the experience demonstrated that collective action by the media community could play an important role in protecting democratic freedoms and journalistic independence.

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 other media representatives also addressed the gathering.

The launch of the Federation of Press Clubs is expected to provide a common platform for media organisations across the country to work towards protecting press freedom, strengthening journalistic standards and promoting the safety and welfare of journalists.