Chandigarh, The Digital Media Association today observed the National Press Day here at a function held in Arth Parkash Complex, Chandigarh and passed a resolution seeking involvement of journalist organisations in framing new digital media policy.
Addressing the function, Mr.Baljit Balli Chief Patron of Digital Media Association said that freedom of press was necessary for the society but the journalists must exercise right of freedom with constraints. He said that center government has brought the digital media under ministry of Information and Broadcasting which means government would regulate the content on digital platforms. He said that most of the journalists were doing a responsible journalism but there are certain sections which are exploiting the social media. He added that the flow of information was necessary and checks and balances are also required.
Mr.Balli stated that center government must involve media organisations in framing the digital media policy and rules and regulations.He said that journalists had individual approach to use the limits of freedom given by constitution.He said that digital media has grown vastly in few years. He also informed that social media was not part of government policy for news media. He said that web series were certainly a matter of concern where filthy language is used.
Mr. Satinder Bains Chairman of the Association said that journalists must fight for the freedom of the press. He added that in any democracy a free media plays important role. He feared that center government's action to regulate digital media might be misused to gag the press. He said that the center's policy on digital media should include steps for growth of small and medium digital platforms like web channels and news portals. He said that in the past when print media was regulated many small newspepers were forced to shut down their offices. He said hat journalists running news portals were working with utmost responsibility and should be encouraged.
Davinderjeet Singh Darshi President of the Association said that thre might be some fears about the digital media policy in the mind of journalists but we should look its positive side as sell. He hoped that center government would frame a comprehensive media policy and advertissment policy for small and large media organisations. He said that all government wanted to control media and journalists must understand that they have rights and responsibilities too.
Parminder Singh Jattpuri Finance Secretary of Association said that digitla media was a strong platform and government has the right to regulate it but there should be no attempt to gag the media. Devinder Singh Kohli Gneral Secretary endorsed the views of other members and said that our Association must sent their suggestions to center government for consideration. Mahavir Jain Vice President and Mr.Naresh Kausahl former Editor of Dainik Tribune, presently working as Editor of Arth Parkash newspaper also spoke on the occassion. Mr.Kaushal said that digital media was fastedst mode of communication and government was aware of its impact on society.