The world celebrates May 3rd as the World Press Freedom Day to remember the fundamental principles of press freedom, to inform citizens of press freedom violations, to support journalists - the people who portray the realities to the public and after all to remind them to uphold the principles of impartiality, their vital role in educating the public and fostering peace and mutual respect among people.

"A free press is one of the most essential components of a democratic society, which is in turn a prerequisite for sustainable social and economic development," affirmed Kofi Annan, Secretary General of United Nations, in a press release on the Press Freedom Day.

In this context, H S Balram, Resident Editor of "The Times of India" - speaks to bangalorebest.

What significance does the World Press Freedom Day hold for India?
Being a democratic country the day holds a lot of significance. A journalist should observe the day as 'religious'. But unfortunately it comes and goes every year without leaving any mark. I hope the three countries USA, UK and India, where the press enjoys enormous freedom, will celebrate the day together.

What impact has the Tehelka episode had in the field of journalism?

I feel Tehelka jolted journalists into action. Despite the curbs that were imposed during emergency by Indira Gandhi, the press remained active. Person's like Arun Shourie led the journalists in the forefront. Yes, Tehelka really created a "Tehelka" among journalists.

Right to Information bill is a major public issue now, do you think media will get more freedom to disseminate information?

Definitely, this will give more freedom to the press. In fact it should have come much before the Tehelka Issue.

Do you think commercialization will effect the quality of the newspaper?

I feel even advertisements are news. I found lots of people purchasing a newspaper to see job ads, sales ads etc. apart from the news. Moreover to survive, a newspaper has to bank upon advertisements.

The Elecronic media created a boom sometime back, did it question the survival of print media?

Every time a new media comes into being, people discuss the survival of print media, but to everyone's surprise, in spite of the advent of elecronic media, there is enough place in the world for all media to coexist. There is no fear of survival or competition. The only thing that has to be kept in mind is that every media changes accordingly, those who refuse to change will fade.

Do you have anything to say to the public?

Keep reading papers, we will give the best and fastest news, we will make your morning better.

Smitha Paulson

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