What happened: N. Ram’s call to press clubs on media credibility and journalist safety

N. Ram, veteran journalist and Director of The Hindu Group, told the National Conclave of the Federation of Press Clubs in Hyderabad that journalism faces interconnected challenges: declining public trust and growing threats to media freedom and independence. N. Ram argued that the credibility crisis cannot be blamed only on forces outside journalism, and he urged press clubs to actively rebuild credibility through professional ethics while also supporting journalists when threats occur.

Credibility crisis: propaganda, misinformation, and weak verification

N. Ram connected declining trust to multiple causes rather than a single issue. N. Ram highlighted political propaganda and misinformation and disinformation on social media. N. Ram also said some sections of media contribute to credibility problems through sensationalism, inadequate verification, communal rhetoric, and close proximity to political and corporate interests. N. Ram stressed that public trust cannot be demanded from the public; public trust has to be earned through credible reporting.

Legal safeguards are necessary, but trust also depends on ethics

N. Ram said constitutional and legal safeguards for press freedom are necessary. N. Ram also argued that constitutional and legal safeguards alone cannot create public trust. N. Ram’s position is that credibility requires independent and ethical journalism in addition to legal protection.

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