Bengaluru, 15 July

The rise in blackmail and extortion cases involving journalists in Karnataka is alarming, said Ayesha Khanum, a senior journalist and the first woman chairperson of Karnataka Media Academy. “There is a growing sense that the corruption starts at the top of the media. Although it is not within the purview of the Karnataka Media Academy, we will advise the state government on ways to curb this menace,’’ Khanum, also the first woman from a minority community to hold the position, told Salar News on Monday.  

Having being in media for over 26 years, Khanum has worked with Doordarshan, Asian Age, Aaj Tak and Star News. She reported on the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and covered Assembly elections in 11 Indian states and 5 General Elections.

The Kalaburagi native said they would propose laws to the government to monitor cybercrimes committed under the guise of media. “There is no shortcut to being a genuine journalist, and currently, it’s a free-for-all. All these points will be brought to the attention of State government. Look at how the Prime Minister’s Office handles media affairs. They know the background of every single journalist, and this system needs to be replicated here with strict guidelines. Uploading one clip on social media or elsewhere does not make one a journalist.’’

Khanum also expressed concerns about journalism schools shutting down. "This puts the jobs of senior journalists working as faculty members at risk and discourages bright students from pursuing a career in journalism."

She said the academy will introduce finishing courses in journalism skills for students, especially from rural areas, to help them secure jobs in media houses. "The academy is keen to start courses in both print and television," she added.  —Salar News