Narendra Modi speaks on media in Surat

Surat, 14 July 2012

Inaugurating a new Gujarati newspaper Gujarat Guardian in Surat today Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said that the role of the fourth estate is to make elected government realized its duty, functioning and goals it is elected for.

Modi said there should be 180 degree difference between the front page and the edit page.

He added that the front page should be covered with the facts, while the editor is free to place views on editorial page.

Modi said while media is vital for democracy, the news traders are big risk for it.

Shri Modi stressed on role of media in the process of development. He said credibility of media mattes lot in the present era of competition.

Modi said, people are ready for positive news, but amid continuous loud and negative atmoshpere, someone has to show strenth to take this challenge. Criticizing is needed for those in power, but unfortunately instead of criticizing, only allegations are found.

He said, it is the power of democracy that newspaper publications are growing.

Shri Modi also said that the newspapers should not be produced but created. Sourcing the news is not difficult job today in this information age. At such time, only trust would give an impressive position to a newspaper.