Newspaper distributors’ dedication deserves greater recognition; journalists urged to uphold ethics, pursue knowledge and resist commercialization
KR Pet, Sept. 20: In an era dominated by digital platforms and the relentless race for breaking news, journalism must remain rooted in truth, ethics and public service, speakers asserted at the Press Day celebrations organised at KR Pet in Mandya district.
The event, hosted by the Karnataka Backward Classes Recognised Editors and Reporters Association, was held at the Sri Chowdeshwari Temple Hall on the outskirts of the town. The programme featured Press Day celebrations, felicitation of newspaper distributors and the formal handing over of charge to the association’s newly elected taluk president.
Inaugurating the event, K. Shivakumar, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council and senior journalist, said education and commitment—not privilege—were the true foundations of success.
“Education is not anyone’s monopoly. With dedication, honesty and perseverance, anyone can rise in life,” he said.
Reflecting on his own journey from a backward-class family to the Legislative Council, Shivakumar said his achievements were the result of education, integrity and hard work rather than social status.
Expressing concern over the declining standards in journalism, he observed that the profession was gradually losing its ethical foundations as commercial interests increasingly overshadowed public responsibility. Every newspaper, he said, represents the hard work of editors, reporters, printers and distributors, and that collective effort deserves recognition and respect.
Paying tribute to newspaper distributors, Shivakumar noted that they begin work as early as 5 a.m., delivering newspapers regardless of rain, cold or scorching heat.
“Readers receive their newspapers every morning because of the tireless efforts of distributors. Their service often goes unnoticed, and honouring them is a meaningful social gesture,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Rudranna Harthikote, Karnataka Information Commissioner, drew upon his 35 years of experience in journalism to underline the importance of professionalism and continuous learning.
He expressed concern that journalism today was increasingly being driven by commercial motives, with sensationalism and the marketing of awards and news stories replacing genuine public-interest reporting.
Journalists, he said, must develop the habit of rigorous study, understand issues in depth before reporting, and uphold the ideals of the Constitution and the leaders who fought for India’s freedom.
He also appreciated journalists in KR Pet for maintaining comparatively high professional standards and commitment to responsible reporting.
Former Chairman of the Karnataka Media Academy, M. Siddaraju, recalled a time when newspapers fearlessly questioned those in power.
“There was a time when newspapers openly criticised even Chief Ministers whenever they erred. Courage and credibility defined journalism. Today, ethical confidence appears to be weakening,” he observed.
He urged journalists to cultivate scientific temper, reject superstition and draw inspiration from the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Kuvempu in safeguarding democratic values.
Social worker RTO Mallikarjun stressed that journalists must remain independent of political and financial influence and continue to amplify the voices of the marginalised.
“Fearless and impartial journalism remains the strongest safeguard of democracy,” he said.
During the programme, distinguished guests distributed specially designed bags to newspaper distributors and new identity cards to journalists. The distribution was carried out by Nataraj, Managing Director of the Devaraj Urs Backward Classes Development Corporation; Dalu Ravi, Director of Mandya Milk Union (MANMUL); Kikkeri Suresh, KPCC member; and K.S. Santhosh Kumar, Chairman of the Karnataka State Industrial Supply Cooperative Board.
Outgoing Taluk President H.B. Rajesh formally handed over charge to the newly elected Taluk President Ganjigere Mahesh.
The newly elected office-bearers include Hosaholalu Raghu as Vice-President, Kamanahalli Manjunath as General Secretary and Saikumar as Organising Secretary.
Among those present were former Ministers C.S. Puttaraju and Dr. Narayanagowda; Tahsildar Shreyas; Dr. G.N. Ramakrishnegowda, General Secretary of the BGS Hemagiri Branch Mutt; former State President of the Association Dr. K.R. Neelakanth; District President H.B. Manjunath; entrepreneur Revanna; film actor B. Aravind Rao; senior journalists Ballekere Manjunath and K. Kalegowda; Taluk Health Officer Dr. Ajith; former Municipal Standing Committee Chairman Ravindrababu; entrepreneur Nanjundaswamy; besides hundreds of journalists, editors, newspaper distributors and members of the public.
The programme concluded with a strong call for journalism to remain a profession guided by truth, integrity, public accountability and social responsibility, while recognising the invaluable contribution of newspaper distributors who continue to serve as the final link between the newsroom and readers.
