Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath has pledged to escalate the grievances of journalists to the Central and State governments during the 70th Formation Day of the Andhra Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ).
- MP Kesineni Sivanath promised to advocate for journalists' concerns with government authorities.
- APUWJ demanded ₹25 lakh financial aid for families of deceased journalists and comprehensive insurance.
- Concerns were raised regarding the decline of value-based journalism and the rise of misinformation.
In a significant gathering in Vijayawada, MP Kesineni Sivanath addressed the 70th Formation Day celebrations of the Andhra Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ). The Member of Parliament assured the media community that he would actively work towards resolving their long-standing issues by coordinating with both the Central and State governments.
During his address, Mr. Sivanath expressed a poignant view on the current state of the profession. He noted a decline in 'value-based journalism,' recalling an era where journalists acted as rigorous watchdogs of the state, and politicians were genuinely concerned about the scrutiny of their actions. He lamented that the nature of this relationship has shifted significantly in the modern era.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the transition from traditional print to fragmented digital media has left journalists vulnerable both economically and physically. When elected representatives acknowledge the need for structural support—such as insurance and healthcare—it signals a potential shift toward institutionalizing journalist welfare in the region.
"The credibility of a democracy is directly proportional to the safety and independence of its journalists."
The APUWJ General Secretary, K. Jayaraj, presented a comprehensive list of unresolved grievances. These include a demand for ₹25 lakh in financial assistance for the families of journalists killed in attacks or accidents, restoration of railway concessions, allocation of housing sites, and increasing the retirement age from 58 to 65. Furthermore, a request for ₹10 lakh accident insurance for every working journalist was highlighted.
The event featured a specialized seminar titled 'Journalism – Then and Now,' which explored the evolution of media from print to electronic and digital platforms. The discussion centered on the professional challenges of maintaining credibility in an age of social media. Vijayawada Central MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao also emphasized the urgent need to combat the spread of misinformation to protect societal harmony.
| Key Demand | Proposed Benefit |
|---|---|
| Death Benefit | ₹25 Lakh for family members |
| Accident Insurance | ₹10 Lakh per journalist |
| Retirement Age | Extension from 58 to 65 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the primary financial demands made by APUWJ?
The union is seeking ₹25 lakh for families of deceased journalists and ₹10 lakh accident insurance for all members.
2. What was the focus of the 'Journalism – Then and Now' seminar?
The seminar focused on the transition of media formats and the critical need to maintain professional values and credibility amidst the rise of digital misinformation.
