Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal seeks action against fake news

The Karnataka Union of Working Journalists’ district unit celebrated Media Day in Vijayapura on July 19. Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, MLA, inaugurated the event.

He spoke against the menace of fake news. “The trend of some journalists spreading fake news on social media platforms is increasing. They are a danger to society and need to be regulated. I have written a letter to the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting urging action against journalists who are spreading fake news on online platforms like YouTube,’’ he said.

“The media has made a great contribution to the development of the country. However, there are some unfortunate developments in recent years. The recent spate of unauthorised journalists and unauthorised YouTubers seems to pose a danger to society. Some YouTubers are reporting without journalistic ethics and causing damage,” he said.

He urged KUWJ to identify journalists who serve for the truth and development. “Media carries a grave responsibility in a democracy. If journalists act responsible and report the truth bravely, without yielding to fear or favour, then democracy will thrive. Journalists should work for the nation, and not any particular party or leader. They should write about the poor and deprived, and not the rich and privileged. People of this country still trust the media more than the government. That is why journalists should not betray their trust,” Mr. Yatnal said.

The MLA distributed awards to senior journalists and felicitated meritorious children of journalists. The award ceremony was held at the Kandgal Hanumantharaya Ranga Mandir

MLA Vitthal Katakadond spoke of the contribution of F. Gu. Halakatti of Vijayapura, pioneering journalist who spent a lifetime in preserving vachana literature. He urged journalists to study both sides of a story and publish only verified content. He announced a donation of ₹5 lakh to the union district unit.

Mayor M.S. Karadi, Vijayapura Urban Development Authority Chairperson Gangadhar Sambanni, city corporation Deputy Commissioner Mahaveer Borannavar, Union district president Ashok Yadalli, State General Secretary G.C. Lokesh, State Secretary Pundalik Baloji, State Executive Member Mallikarjun Reddy Gondi, and district general secretary Indushekar Manoor were among those present at the event.