AMWJU appeals
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, November 14 2011:
Observing that media in Manipur is not against or for anyone, All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) has appealed to all concerned to give freedom to mediapersons in carrying out their duties of disseminating information to the public without any fear.
Issuing a statement in connection with threats and intimidations from various quarters to President of AMWJU and other media houses over publication or non-publication of certain news items, President of AMWJU A Mobi Singh has explained that just like any other professions, Press Council of India (PCI) has laid down norms for the journalists in India and AMWJU also has its own Code of ethics with local adjustment in view of the peculiar situation in which the journalists have to work in Manipur.
In addition to these Code of Ethics, there is also government restrictions (from legal point), which has led to argument over freedom of media in Manipur.
On top of all these, editors have their discretionary power of not carrying any news items which may cause problem in the society.
So, press releases and news reports coming to media houses go through the process of screening and editing before being published in the interest of the public and there is no question of favour in this regard.