Jalandhar: Journalists at the annual meeting of the Punjab Press Club on Saturday voiced serious concern over the increasing pressure being exerted on the media by both government and non-government quarters. They said the growing interference was shrinking the space for free expression and making it difficult for media organisations and journalists to perform their role independently and fairly.
Speakers said that media institutions and media professionals must jointly face these challenges to ensure that the legacy of independent journalism passes on to future generations. They added that a strong and credible media is essential for the protection of democracy in the country.
The participants also expressed worry over the decline visible within the media’s own functioning, noting that it is important for the media to maintain its credibility, uphold its image and stay clear of any form of social exploitation to retain public trust.
These views were shared by various journalists who addressed the delegates at the annual gathering of the Punjab Press Club. The speakers included senior journalists Kuldeep Singh Bedi, Surinderpal, Prithipal Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Sunil Rudra, Bittu Oberai, Rakesh Shantidoot, Geeta Verma, Jatinder Sharma, Mahavir Seth, Jasvir Singh Sandhu, Davinder Kumar, Paramjit Rangpuri, Jasbir Sodhi, Pushpinder Kaur and Sunny Sahota.
Earlier, Punjab Press Club president Satnam Singh Manak presented a detailed report on the club’s activities. He informed the delegates about the renovation work carried out on the Press Club building during the past three-year term of the governing council. He also highlighted various seminars and academic and artistic events organised on key national and Punjab-related issues, particularly the challenges faced by the media.
Delegates appreciated the significant work done by the governing council while also pointing out the shortcomings that remained. The report was approved by the house. The proceedings were conducted by stage secretary Mehr Malik, while senior vice president Rajesh Thapa delivered the vote of thanks.
The presidium of the event included president Satnam Singh Manak, senior vice president Rajesh Thapa, vice president Mandeep Sharma, Tejinder Kaur Thind, Pankaj Rai, joint secretary Rakesh Suri and secretary Mehr Malik.
It was noted that the governing council elected in 2022 completed its three-year term today. A three-member committee comprising Dr Lakhwinder Singh Johal, Dr Kamlesh Duggal and Kuldeep Singh Bedi has been constituted to conduct the forthcoming elections of the Punjab Press Club.
