Rumours on media curbs baseless, says Gudivada

Visakhapatnam: Anakapalle MLA Gudivada Amarnath on Friday said that there is no truth in the rumours being spread by some sections that the government is shackling the media and curtailing press freedom.

At a media conference held here on Friday, Amarnath said, "It is only an attempt by the State government to crack the whip on certain media houses that are out to resort to mudslinging in a deliberate manner and report defamatory news in the name of press freedom with a malafide intention."

Referring to the GO, he said that only those resorted to baseless reports sans any proof and with a sole objective of showing the government in bad light will be taken to task.

Though the order empowers Secretaries of various departments to issue rejoinders and initiate defamation case against erring media houses, the MLA stated that the media houses which stick to their integrity need not have to worry.

"Government has immense respect on the media. However, a few media houses are causing avoidable disturbance and action will be taken against them if they continue to resort to mudslinging," he added.