During the National Press Day observance held at the Patna collectorate on Sunday, District Magistrate Thiyagarajan SM delivered a powerful address underscoring the indispensable role of the media as a fundamental pillar of a functioning democracy.
Media as Democracy's Fourth Pillar
The district magistrate directly addressed the gathering of journalists, emphasizing that the administration and media share a complementary relationship. He stressed that a healthy society fundamentally depends on the media's capacity to maintain public trust through the consistent dissemination of accurate and reliable facts.
Combating the Tide of Misinformation
A key focus of the DM's speech was the pressing issue of misinformation. He highlighted the significance of the Press Council of India's theme for the year, "Safeguarding press credibility amid rising misinformation." This theme, he noted, is critically important in the current era where false information can spread rapidly, and the media's role as a verifier of truth is more crucial than ever.
A Shared Responsibility for a Healthy Society
The event served as a platform to reinforce the symbiotic bond between governance and journalism. The DM's remarks affirmed that both institutions must work in tandem to serve the public interest. By upholding the highest standards of reporting and fact-checking, the media not only preserves its own credibility but also strengthens the very fabric of democratic society.
