Cong. MP urges responsible reporting, describes arrest of scribes painful

Bhongir Member of Parliament Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy expressed concern over recent developments following an “off-the-record” media report aired by a prominent television channel and the subsequent arrests, describing them as painful.

Addressing the media Mr. Reddy said the anguish of a State Minister and the mental stress faced by a highly educated woman officer had been visible to people, and added that the arrests of journalists had also caused hardship to their family members.

He observed that while earlier news reports were based on solid evidence, there is now a growing trend of publishing stories based on assumptions, which is harming political leaders, officials and journalists alike.

Emphasising the importance of the media in a democratic society, Mr. Reddy said reporting on political leaders is not wrong and that issues such as corruption, misuse of power or administrative lapses must be brought to light. However, reports adversely affecting individuals and their families should be avoided.

He urged credible television channels and newspapers trusted by people not to publish imaginary reports in the name of “off the record” as people are already vexed with social media imaginary claims.

Mr. Reddy said both he and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had risen to their present positions with the support of the media reiterating, and reiterated his respect for journalists and media professionals.