Authentic, non-sensational news builds a healthy society: Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangaluru, July 2, 2026: Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said that authentic, non-sensational journalism plays a vital role in building a healthy society.
He was speaking after inaugurating the Dakshina Kannada District Press Day celebrations organised jointly by the Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists’ Association, Mangaluru Press Club, and Press Bhavan Trust at Press Bhavan on Wednesday.
Reddy said the administration and the media are working towards the same objective, which is a positive development for society. "In the past, I have seen a single incident being sensationalised in multiple ways. Today, however, many media organisations are publishing fact-checked reports. This is a welcome change," he said.
He urged journalists to report facts accurately and objectively. "Journalists must remain impartial and committed to truth. Transparent reporting can significantly contribute to maintaining peace in society," he added.
The Police Commissioner noted that social change cannot happen overnight, particularly when it comes to communal tensions. "Communal sentiments develop over time and can only be changed gradually. The media has an important role to play in fostering harmony. Even minor incidents occurring during peaceful times require balanced and transparent reporting," he said.
He also pointed out that crimes affect various sectors, including business and politics, often leading to new challenges. "No matter how clever criminals may be, they cannot escape the law. Everyone must work together to preserve peace in society," he said.
Forest conservationist Dr. V. Karikalan, who attended as the chief guest, praised journalists for keeping society informed and strengthening democracy through responsible reporting.
He said the people of the coastal region are well educated, but relatively few opt for public service through competitive examinations. "Instead, many choose entrepreneurship. Coastal youth should make better use of opportunities available through competitive exams and join public service," he said.
Delivering a special lecture on Press Day, News18 Editor-in-Chief Hariprasad Adpangaya said the media today faces increasing criticism over the spread of misinformation.
"Preventing fake news is one of the biggest responsibilities of journalists. Rumours and misinformation spread rapidly through digital and social media, making it even more important for journalists to verify facts before publication," he said.
He urged media professionals to avoid sensationalising issues related to caste and religion. "Journalists should not write in favour of one religion or against another. Reporting must remain transparent, ethical and free from corruption. Journalism is the mirror of society, and it is the responsibility of journalists to keep that mirror clean," he remarked.
Hariprasad also recalled that Rev. Hermann Mögling, a Christian missionary, launched ’Mangaluru Samachara’, the first Kannada newspaper, on July 1, 1843, making the day historically significant. He said the media, as the fourth pillar of democracy, must present facts truthfully and strengthen democratic values while ensuring that errors and misinformation do not creep into reporting.
The function was presided over by Pushparaj B.N., President of the Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists’ Association. Senior newspaper distributor Thimmappa Shetty was felicitated by Mangaluru Press Club President P.B. Harish Rai in recognition of his contribution.
The guests also presented Merit Awards to the children of journalists for their academic achievements.
Among those present on the dais were Srinivasa Nayak Indaje, State Executive Committee Member of the Journalists’ Association, Annu Mangaluru, President of the Press Bhavan Trust, and Rajesh K. Poojary, General Secretary of the Journalists’ Association. Vijaya Kotyan introduced the merit award programme, while Arif Padubidre, Vice-President of the association, compered the event.