Selective Tragetting of Media by Governor of Kerala - Statement by Editors Guild

The Editors Guild of India

PRESS STATEMENT

November 8th, 2022

The Editors Guild of India takes strong exception to the arbitrary act by the Governor of Kerela, Mr. Arif Mohammad Khan, of expelling journalists of two news channels from a press conference that was organised in Kochi on November 7, 2022.

Mr. Khan expelled journalists of news channels Kairali TV and MediaOne TV from the press briefing and started interacting with the media only after the representatives of the two channels had left the briefing.

The Guild is deeply disturbed by this selective targeting of media channels by a person who occupies the high constitutional office, and who is supposed to be a guardian of democratic values, including freedom of press.

Media has the right to be critical of those in power, and such critical coverage cannot be a reason for denying access to press meets. EGI notes with concern the increasing tendency to block the media from access to information in the public domain.

The Guild underlines the need to respect press freedom and unhindered access to report on government affairs, irrespective of the editorial position of news organisations.

Thanks and regards,

Seema Mustafa, President
Anant Nath, General Secretary
Shriram Pawar, Treasurer