Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu addressed the 11th plenary session of the IJU in Vijayawada on Saturday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Emphasizing the vital role of a free and ethical press in a democracy, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said his government was committed to being a journalist-friendly administration.
Addressing the 11th Plenary Session of the Indian Journalists Union (IJU) on Saturday, Mr Naidu noted that there was a stark contrast in the functioning of the media in the last few years, noting that freedom of the press had been curtailed between 2019 and 2024.
He pointed out that the coalition government had restored the freedom to ask questions and urged journalists to uphold values and ethics. He said the rise of social media was a significant challenge and that journalists should lead the fight against fake news.
Mr. Naidu said that the TDP-Jana Sena Party-BJP alliance government had extended the accreditation facility to reporters at the mandal level and that a dedicated Journalist Welfare Fund had been set up.
Attacks on journalists would be investigated by an officer of the rank of superintendent of police. IJU’s request for office space in Amaravati has been referred to a sub-committee for expedited processing.
He called on the media to be partners in the growth of the state, adding that he was looking for “progressive” news from journalists.
Published – 29 March 2026 09:19 IST
