Journalist A. Sajeevan addressing a discussion on ‘Media Emergency in Kerala’ in Kozhikode on Wednesday. , Photo credits: K. Ragesh
Journalist A. Sajeevan has said that the repeated incidents of ‘media hunting’ in the state can adversely affect the morale of incoming journalists and even many already in the field are scared of raising issues against the government. Can “If reporting itself is a crime, how can we practice journalism?” he asked at a discussion on ‘Media Emergency in Kerala’ organized by the newly formed Forum for Media Freedom in Kozhikode on Wednesday.
“All governments, state or centre, irrespective of politics, have hunted down journalists to keep them in one place. But such incidents are happening in Kerala, where the government is talking at length about media freedom, it is a sad incident,” said Mr. Sajeevan.
He is accused of conspiracy against Asianet Reporter Akhila Nandakumar would be busted in court, but it was enough to scare off novices in the field.
He also questioned the cases registered against the crew Mathrubhumi News Regarding reporting of Elathur train arson incident.
deputy editor of saffron Patrika CM Ramachandran in his presidential address said that the situation was similar to the Emergency of 1975 when media houses had to get the pages cleared by the Information Officer before publication.
Noted speaker and author AP Ahmed and journalist AK Anuraj also spoke.