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PM Modi in Chennai: Media is powerful, but to misuse it to promote factually incorrect news is criminal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday assured the people of Tamil Nadu that the Centre would provide assistance to the state so that it is able to cope with relief and rescue operations following the floods in Tamil Nadu.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday assured the people of Tamil Nadu that the Centre would provide assistance to the state so that it is able to cope with relief and rescue operations following the floods in Tamil Nadu.

The Prime Minister was in the city to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Daily Tanthi, a local media company. 

While speaking of the vernacular press, PM Modi said, "The then British Government was fearful of the Indian Vernacular Press. It was to muzzle vernacular newspapers, that the Vernacular Press Act was enacted in 1878. The role of newspapers published in regional languages remains as important today, as it was then."

He went on to speak about how news had evolved into a source that moulds an individual's way of thinking. "In a broader context, media is a means of transforming society. That is why we refer to the media as the fourth pillar of democracy," the PM added.

The PM also targetted fake news media. "The freedom to write does not include the freedom to be factually incorrect. The fourth estate is a power, but to misuse the power is criminal," the PM added. 

Praising individuals for cross-checking news stories, the prime minister said that the media needs to make an extra effort to maintain credibility. "Healthy competition among credible media platforms is also good for the health of our democracy," he added.

The PM also asked media organisations to look beyond politics. "India is more than just us politicians. "It is the 125 crore Indians, which make India what it is. I would be happy to see media focus a lot more, on their stories, and their achievements," he added.

PM Modi also addressed the issue of global warming and climate change that were responsible for natural disasters. "Can media take a lead in the battle against climate change? Can media devote just a little space to report or increase awareness about what we can do to combat climate change?" the PM asked.

Watch the full speech here. The PM's speech begins in minute 30

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