Irresponsible journalism has serious consequences, but censorship won't help: PM

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday appealed to the media to act responsibly to maintain social harmony. Greeting the members of the Press on National Press Day, the Prime Minister, in his message, also said restrictions on the media was not a solution.

In his message, he said, "It is true that sometimes irresponsible journalism can have serious consequences for social harmony and public order, which the public authorities have an obligation to maintain, but censorship is no answer. It is for the members of the Fourth Estate themselves to collectively ensure that objectivity is promoted and sensationalism is curbed."

Following is the full text of the Prime Minister's message on National Press Day:

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh greeted the members of the Press on National Press Day on Friday.

"A free and fair media has been an essential pillar of our democracy. Since our struggle for freedom, media has been guiding social change, informing readers of their rights and contributing to the nation-building process by spreading awareness.

As a country, we believe in complete independence of the media from external control. It is true that sometimes irresponsible journalism can have serious consequences for social harmony and public order, which the public authorities have an obligation to maintain, but censorship is no answer. It is for the members of the Fourth Estate themselves to collectively ensure that objectivity is promoted and sensationalism is curbed. It is for them to introspect how best they can serve our country and society and advance their well being."

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