Venkaiah Naidu tries to justify NDTV India blackout

With opposition and media slamming the government action against NDTV India, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said the NDA government is committed to freedom of press

Mâu00c2u0080u00c2u0088Venkaiah Naidu. Pic/PTI

Hyderabad: With opposition and media slamming the government action against NDTV India, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said the NDA government is committed to freedom of press, but media should use it keeping in mind the interests of the nation and the people.

The Union Information and Broadcasting Minister also said the well-being of the country and society should be kept in mind before broadcasting or publishing any news, and stressed that news and views should not be mixed.

“A big discussion is going on in the country that there should be freedom of press. It should compulsorily be there and the government is committed to this. But, there is a need to think. We are citizens first and then the journalists. That’s my view,” he said, adding, “The news should not promote clashes between groups, religions or create unrest in society. The news should not cause harm to the nation’s interests. There should be self-restraint (in following rules).”

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!