Mysuru,: Senior journalist Kudli Gururaj underscored importance of legal awareness for aspiring and practicing journalists, stating that a sound understanding of the law is essential to becoming a responsible member of the media.

He was speaking at the Mysuru Literature Festival in a panel discussion titled ‘Suddimaneya Ottadagalu Mattu Kaanoonu Pragne” (Pressures in the Newsroom and Legal Awareness), which also featured journalist T.R. Satish Kumar and advocate Anjali Ramanna. The session was moderated by journalist Preeti Nagaraj.

Gururaj stressed that journalists must stay updated on evolving legal frameworks. While the Central Government has enacted laws to curb unethical media practices, he noted that effective enforcement remains key.

He further reminded the audience that the right to freedom of expression is not exclusive to journalists but is a Constitutional right available to every citizen and must be exercised responsibly.

Fellow panellist T.R. Satish Kumar highlighted the growing need for journalists to consult legal professionals when in doubt — a practice that is now being institutionalised in many media houses through in-house legal departments.

“We must weigh our duty as journalists against the larger responsibility of building a healthy society,” he said. He also cautioned against overconfidence of some reporters, urging humility and openness to learning.

Advocate Anjali Ramanna brought attention to the intersection of legal and humanitarian concerns in media coverage. She cited examples where media outlets, while adhering to legal requirements — such as blurring the faces of children involved in legal cases — still reveal identifying details about their families, schools and classrooms.

“Such actions, though legally compliant, often fall short on compassion,” she observed and stressed the need for broader awareness and formal legal training within newsrooms.