Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized that the media should present the truth to the public and must not conceal facts. Speaking at the Press Day 2025 celebrations held at the Sulochana Auditorium of the Department of Information and Public Relations, the CM stated that the media must function as the voice of the poor and the oppressed.

The event was jointly organized by the Karnataka Media Academy, the Department of Information and Public Relations, and the Karnataka Working Journalists’ Association. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Media Sanjeevini scheme and launched the distribution of free bus passes for rural journalists.

Media must uphold truth and constitutional values 
CM Siddaramaiah urged the media to uphold constitutional values such as justice and equality, as enshrined by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He condemned the rising climate of hatred and intolerance, warning that such forces are damaging the health of society. “We must not give space to divisive elements,” he said.

He raised concern over the growing spread of fake news, stating that journalism—often referred to as the fourth pillar of democracy—has a crucial role in maintaining a well-informed public. “Media must reject paid news and fabricated narratives,” he asserted, pointing out that India ranks 151st among 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index. “This is not a healthy sign for a democracy,” he noted.

He encouraged journalists to practice self-reflection, adopt rational thinking, reject superstition, and maintain professional integrity. He also announced that the state government would soon bring in legislation to regulate and curb the spread of fake news.

“The media must be the voice of the marginalized and must safeguard the values of the Constitution,” the Chief Minister said. “We need a caste-free, humanistic society. But some are working to destroy that harmony through hate and intolerance. We must not allow this.”

He stressed that the media has a vital responsibility to uphold truth and avoid sensationalism for the sake of profit. “In a democracy, press freedom must be exercised with accountability. Media must help build a better, informed society—not a misled one.”

New welfare schemes for journalists launched 
Siddaramaiah also launched two key journalist welfare initiatives. Under the free bus pass scheme, over 5,500 rural journalists are expected to benefit, with the government allocating ₹16 crore for the initiative.

Under the Media Sanjeevini health scheme, accredited journalists and their dependent family members are entitled to receive up to ₹5 lakh in cashless medical treatment. So far, 2,500 journalists have been enrolled, and the government has allocated an annual budget of ₹3.6 crore for the scheme. A total of ₹6.79 crore has already been deposited with the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust to support its implementation.

In addition, the Karnataka Media Academy distributed Mojo kits to selected beneficiaries under the SCSP/TSP schemes.

Senior journalist and Magsaysay awardee P. Sainath, cultural critic Rahamat Tarikere, Karnataka Media Academy Chairperson Aysha Khanum, and Karnataka Working Journalists' Association President Shivananad Tagadur also spoke on the occasion. They highlighted the evolving role of the media and stressed the need to protect journalistic integrity in the face of increasing commercialization and misinformation.

The event was attended by CM’s Political Secretary Nasir Ahmed, Department Secretary and CM’s Secretary B.B. Cauvery, Information Commissioner Hemant Nimbalkar, CM’s Media Advisor K.V. Prabhakar, Kanteerava Studio Chairman Mohboob Pasha, Karnataka Women Journalists’ Association President Padma Shivamogga, and Media Academy Secretary Sahana M., among others.