SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma is against corporate houses and politicians owning media houses.
Addressing media persons at the National Press Day function in the city on Thursday, Sangma said he was not in favour of politicians and business houses running newspapers as this would mar objectivity.
“I was asked by many individuals to start a news channel but I refused since this will affect objectivity,” Sangma said.
According to Sangma, if he as a politician owned any electronic channel or media house, it would be more like marketing oneself.
“This is also a conflict of interest. It is unethical for politicians and corporates to own and operate media houses,” he said.
The chief minister said ethically it is not correct for business houses to own media houses.
“In this context, how will media houses be able to insulate themselves from any kind of influence? If media houses are owned by private companies, it is a clear case of conflict of interest,” he said.
The chief minister also asked media persons to free themselves from pulls and pressure.
He also said the media has to be seen more as a whistleblower to tell people what is the truth.
“Therefore, it gives reason to people to believe that the media, which is blessed with the freedom of press, is there to tell the truth. And when the truth is not coming anymore, then the frustration and anger will ultimately put a risk to the evolution of democracy,” he added.
