Kerala governor Arif Mohammad Khan threw the light on his recent dissension with the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led government and appealed to the media networks to impose “self-discipline” while covering the news.
Speaking at the News Broadcaster’s Federation conclave, Khan described the role of the media in empowering people to take informed decisions. He said that it is important for the media to function without bias.
He narrated the story of John Swinton, an American journalist in the late 1800’s, who challenged the notion of an independent press held by journalists of that time.
He said, “It has been said that the greatness of a society does not depend on the enforcement of positive laws. And not just free choice. There is a grey area in between, which is called “Obedience of the unenforceable”.
Khan said that soon after assuming the charge of the governor, he was criticised by both the state government and the opposition and accused him of promoting the agenda of the BJP and RSS. In response, he announced his withdrawal of pleasure.
He was surprised to see that newspapers and channels reported his announcement as a warning to sack the ministers. “Newspapers in their editorials are saying that I have threatened to sack. I have not. I have said I will withdraw my pleasure. Both the words are not synonymous. So, therefore, the only thing that I can say is that I am a great believer in The Obedience of the unenforced view, “he said.
Khan concluded by saying “I hope and pray that when all these 68 channels from all over India come together. It will be, it will become much easier to prepare some guidelines to impose some self-discipline to see to see all these issues”.
