Date:06/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/06/stories/2007050617680300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

`Modern media is more urban-centric'

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: Is the media talking enough of the marginalised? This issue brought both aspiring journalists and stalwarts together for an entertaining and informative session on Saturday here.

The theme of the discussion was "Media and the Marginalised — Whose side are you on Mr. Editor?" organised by The Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) on the occasion of its 13th Annual Journalists Conference.

Vinod Mehta, Editor-in Chief, Outlook, delivered the keynote address. He said modern media is more urban-centric and oriented towards the lifestyles and happenings of the middle class society. "Media is a public service as well as a business. As an editor, one must try and maintain the balance." He went on to say that 21st century media must also be financially viable if it is to do its duty "because one has to have a voice to spread one's message."

M.J. Akbar, Editor-in-Chief, Asian Age, was the chief guest. He said one tended to be confused over what marginalised means.

"Minorities and marginalized are not a function of numbers but a matter of empowerment. Empowerment in a democracy is not economic growth or improvement; it is a voice. A voice the marginalised must understand is what gives them rights."