Mysore/Mysuru: “India has given more importance to corporate investments which have caused a setback to the media (press). Only a drastic reduction in such investments can ensure the freedom of press,” opined Dr. Nikhil Moro, Editor, Journal of Media Law and Ethics.

He was delivering a special talk on “Press Freedom in the United States and India: A Legal Analysis” at a programme organised by Mysore Literary Association at Rotary West Auditorium in Saraswathipuram this morning.

One who abides by the American Society of News Editors principles is a true journalist. A journalist’s main agenda is often influenced by forces controlled by the community, corporate and also self-interest, he opined.

Stating that the freedom of the press in America is protected, Dr. Nikhil said, “In India, the freedom of the press is not guaranteed. All corporate companies own press and media houses and in such a situation, even the news is influenced and biased.” 

Mentioning about United Nations’ 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights that states, everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Dr. Nikhil said that corporate media houses have snatched the authority of journalists.

“Indian media houses have been dominated by corporate culture and there is no situation where there is the right or freedom to hold opinions without interference,” he explained.

Mysore Literary Association President Prof.  K.C. Belliappa, Vice-President Prof. B.N. Balajee, Secretary Reginald Wesley and others were present.