‘Feels Like Giving Them a Slap’: Telangana CM on Fake News, ‘Untrained Journalists’
Revanth Reddy advises journalists to set themselves apart from politically affiliated media personnel
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, on Thursday, criticised the spread of misinformation and the increasing number of “untrained” individuals claiming to be journalists—particularly on social and digital media platforms.
Speaking at the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Telugu daily Nava Telangana, the Chief Minister expressed concern over what he described as a troubling trend in contemporary journalism.
“These days, someone who can’t even read the alphabet claims to be a journalist,” Reddy remarked. “If you question him, he says he’s a social media journalist. He uses ‘journalist’ like it’s his last name.”
He further stated that at times, he feels like “giving a slap” to those who spread lies or act arrogantly, but holds back due to the responsibility of his role.
“People who don’t even show basic courtesy or respect towards seniors come and sit in the front rows during press conferences. Some of them behave with such arrogance. Sometimes I feel like slapping them. But my position and the situation stop me from doing so,” he added.
Reddy also criticised political parties for operating their own media outlets. While acknowledging that party publications were historically used to promote political ideologies, he alleged that nowadays such platforms are being misused to cover up corruption, safeguard vested interests, and defame critics.
The Chief Minister appealed to senior journalists and reputed media bodies to make a distinction between real journalists and those without any qualification who pass off as digital media reporters.
Reddy also admitted that his language can be strong while addressing political rivals, but claimed it is often a reaction to the tone used against him.
He called upon the media to engage in introspection and uphold credibility in this era of unchecked digital misinformation.
“In today’s complicated media environment, it has become necessary for genuine journalists to organise seminars and clearly define who qualifies as a journalist,” he concluded.
