New Delhi: The All India Newspaper Editors’ Conference (AINEC) on Saturday expressed concern over alleged increasing attacks on journalists, “restrictions” on freedom of expression, and the “mounting economic pressures” confronting media organisations.
In a statement, the AINEC also claimed that the existing advertisement policies of the central and state governments as well as those of the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) tend to favour larger publications, and urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to consider the concerns of small and medium newspapers
AINEC held its annual general meeting on Saturday here, with editors and representatives from across the country deliberating on issues concerning the safety of journalists, freedom of the press, and challenges faced by the small and medium newspapers.
“The members expressed deep concern over increasing attacks on journalists, restrictions on freedom of expression, and the mounting economic pressures confronting media organisations,” the outfit said in the statement.
The conference unanimously adopted a resolution urging the central and state governments to give adequate protection, support, and assistance to journalists and media professionals so that they may discharge their duties “without fear, intimidation, or interference.”
AINEC claimed that because of the lopsided ad policies, many small and medium newspapers are facing serious financial constraints that threaten their sustainability and continued service to local communities.
Accordingly, the conference urged the I&B ministry to formulate policies, ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of government advertisements, the statement said.
