Attack on press freedom detrimental to national interests: VP

New Delhi, Nov 16 : Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Monday condemned the attack on press freedom and said that any such move is detrimental to national interests, stressing “democracy cannot survive without a free and fearless press”.
The Vice President also emphasised that attack on press should be “opposed by one and all”.
In a pre-recorded video message at a webinar on ‘Role of media during the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on media’ organised by the Press Council of India on the occasion of the National Press Day, the Vice President said the Press in India has always been at the vanguard of protecting and strengthening the foundations of democracy.
“Democracy cannot survive without a free and fearless press. A robust, free and vibrant media is as important as an independent judiciary in consolidating democracy and strengthening constitutional rule of law”, the Vice President stressed.
Describing journalism as a pious mission, he lauded the Press for playing an outstanding role in empowering the people and furthering national interest.
At the same time, Naidu advised the media on its part to be fair, objective and accurate in its reporting.