Prime minister Manmohan Singh condoles death of KM Mathew

Prime minister Manmohan Singh today condoled the death of chief editor of Malayala Manorama daily KM Mathew describing him as the "true champion" of Indian journalism.

"KM Mathew was a leading light of the Indian press fraternity and played a key role in making Malayala Manorama one of the major dailies in the country after he became its chief editor in 1973," he said in his message.

"In his death, particularly the state of Kerala, has lost a true champion of the highest traditions of Indian journalism," the prime minister added.

Singh said for his commitment to the cause of excellence in journalism and contributions to promote freedom of press, Mathew was honoured with Padma Bhushan.

He added that the late editor had distinguished tenures as the chairman of the Press Trust of India, president of the Newspaper Society of India and as member of the Press Council of India.

Mathew passed away in Kottayam this morning at the age of 93.