Entire Media under threat in KCR rule

Entire Media under threat in KCR rule

Media is facing severe threat under KCR rule. Two Channels were banned. Journalists were badly treated and assaulted under his regime. These were known facts to everyone. But unknown fact is that total Media is under control and threat.

Yesterday, women journalists were roughly handled under the guidance of male police. Even they did not show any mercy to the pregnant women. These women journalists did not disturb any law and order, they did not loudly shouted, and they only assembled wearing black badges and protesting silently. How their protest caused provocation, none is answering. In fact, provocation was from police who forcefully lifted them in to vans.

Similar was the case in Warangal.  Journalists were protesting. It is normal democratic country. But Chief Minister KCR provoked the journalists by his behavior of irritation and intolerance. Even he refused to receive the representation from journalists. The way he acted signaled police people to act aggressively.

As written yesterday, his speech resembled fascist tendencies. If any ordinary citizen talked in that tone, several police cases would have been filed. But the person who has to provide justice talking in that tone and style is unthinkable and unpalatable.

This was only known story. Behind the scenes, there were threatenings to the Media not to write anything against Government and KCR family. If we look to the Media closely, anyone can understand the real picture. Eenadu, the largest circulated Telugu daily stopped criticizing TRS, KCR and his family members since long time.

Sources are informing that Ramoji Rao surrendered to KCR and agreed not to publish any news material against him. With great difficulty and that too not in prominence, the statements of political leaders criticizing KCR appear sometimes. Ramoji Rao was once icon of press freedom. Such a personality surrendered to KCR just to protect his properties in Hyderabad. Yesterday’s KCR’s speech was fine tuned in a smoother manner and published. No reporting of journalists protests at various places. Such was the fear created by KCR rule.

Similar was the case with other papers. Deccan Chronicle covered yesterday’s incident. Saakshi covered only KCR speech but not scribes protest. All papers except Andhra Jyothy never vehemently criticized KCR despite his provocative and indecent utterances and actions out of fear. Such was the grip on Media under KCR rule.

Electronic Media’s behavior is still the worst. Along with fear, they developed selfish attitude that banning of two channels helped their ratings and revenue. So they decided not to cover this anti-media activity. Even if sometimes necessitated to cover, the issue will not be prominent. This behavior not only suited their business interest but also convenient to satisfy KCR. Alas, who saves Media? Political parties are expressing lip sympathies. 

They did not create any scene in the State which embraces the Government.

Ultimate result is that two channels were banned and other channels were tamed and controlled by intimidation or otherwise. Totally Media is under Government regulation. Fourth Estate turned to be extended wing of Government!

It is now the duty of all citizens of the country to raise their voice and condemn these dictatorial and fascistic tendencies of KCR and his family. The democratic campaign against these tendencies should be continued till KCR comes to senses and apologize to the Media.

Freedom of expression is fundamental right
Protection of Media is essential for democratic society
Let all of us resolve to stand by it and express our solidarity

-Ram