Opposition leader V D Satheesan calls for setting up Media Commission

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's Opposition leader V D Satheesan called for the setting up of a media comission to look into the multiple issues plaguing the media industry and to find solutions to the problems faced by those employed in the industry. 

Inaugurating the delegates session of the first ever national conference of the senior journalists confederation India, Satheesan said once the UDF returns  to power in Kerala next year, the government will issue orders to hike the journalists pension substantially and also take steps to increase the medical insurance benefits for media persons.  

He said the media in India was facing huge challenges. Harassment, imprisonment, even loss of life has become routine for mediapersons. This is world wide phenomenon. He said in India, two senior journalists have been issued FIR for their work as commited  journalists. The government wants the media to work as an extension  of its PRD. Also, threats to journalists are rising. He said the media fraternity has to fight it. 

He said when we return to power next year we will increase the pension and medical insurance for senior journalists. You can keep a record of my words and after a year you can ask me if it is not implemented. I have made a study and we are committed to our promises, he said. 

Senior journalist from Telangana, Anandam Pulipalupula,  presided over the function. Suresh Edappal, secretary, Kerala Union of Working Journalists,  addressed the gathering. Reception committee members T Sasi Mohan welcomed the gathering and J Ajith kumar proposed a vote of thanks.