‘Changing media landscape makes independent journalism challenging’

Deputy Commissioner Suresh Itnal and Superintendent of Police Ram L. Arasiddi presenting the Koppal Media Club’s annual award to senior journalist Anand Baidanamane during the National Press Day celebrations in Koppal on Wednesday. | Inaugurating the National Press Day celebrations organised by the Koppal Media Club at Panaganti Kalyana Mantapa in Koppal, he said that the changing media landscape has made independent journalism more challenging than ever.“In the changed circumstances, journalists no longer have the freedom to write fearlessly. Even the practice of questioning authority is on the decline. However difficult the circumstances are, journalists must not give up asking questions merely for the sake of job security,” he said and called for safeguarding the values and credibility of journalism.Expressing concern over the decline of investigative journalism, Mr. Nanjunde Gowda said that reporters often work in an atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety. He urged young journalists to uphold the spirit of fearless journalism and said that even a few courageous questions from the media can contribute to meaningful social change.Speaking after receiving the Media Club’s annual award for his 25 years of service to journalism, Anand Baidanamane, who is political bureau chief of Suvarna News, said that the recognition is a matter of pride.He noted that journalists often sacrifice personal happiness while dealing with the demands of the profession. The character of journalism and its values have changed considerably, he said and added that commercialisation of the media industry has created new challenges.He also expressed concern that governments no longer treat media reports with the seriousness they once did.Assistant Director of the Department of Information and Public Relations Gavisiddappa Hosamani said that journalists should periodically introspect whether they are discharging their professional responsibilities effectively. He pointed out that even small pieces of information circulating on social media now assume the status of major news, with smartphones becoming a primary source of information.Maintaining professional standards amid the flood of digital content, he said, is one of the biggest challenges facing journalists today.Koppal Media Club president Devu Naganur said that the club has undertaken several initiatives for the welfare of its members, including health check-up camps and sports events. He said that the club’s members are committed to practising socially responsible journalism.During the programme, the club presented its annual award, sponsored by the Anvitha Women’s, Senior Citizens’ Welfare and Rural Development Organisation, Revanki, to Anand Baidanamane.The award, carrying a cash prize of ₹5,000 and a citation, was presented by Deputy Commissioner Suresh Itnal and Superintendent of Police Ram L. Arasiddi in the presence of organisation president Sunilkumar Bellar.Senior journalist Sharanabasava Hulihyder and photographers Prakash Kandakur and Nabhiraj Dastenavar, who have received various awards during the past year, were felicitated. In the absence of Bharat Kandakur, the honour was received by his wife Sudha Kandakur.Head of KS Hospital Basavaraj Kyavattar was also felicitated for facilitating free health check-ups for journalists.Prizes were distributed to winners of sports competitions organised as part of the Press Day celebrations. Folk artist Shakunthala Bennal and her troupe presented a musical performance, while newspaper vendor Nagaraj Kalal was honoured. Published - July 02, 2026 06:54 pm IST