Mamata mulls newspaper, TV channel to fight trial by media

21 Apr 2012

Stung by media criticism over the functioning of the West Bengal government, chief minister Mamata Banerjee today said her government is weighing plans to have its own newspaper and television channel so as to highlight the good work of her government.

"Government work is not being highlighted properly. We need our own news channel and paper to inform the people," Banerjee said while addressing students at a convention in Kolkata.

The media, she said, is more focused on negative news about the government and has little interest in highlighting the better side of governance.

The proposed newspaper and television channel would disseminate the correct information and highlight the achievements of the government, rather than project its shortcomings, he said.

Mamata Banerjee said that the proposed channel and the newspaper would disseminate correct information and publicise the activities and achievements of the government. The West Bengal government would also soon bring out a booklet highlighting the government's performance, she added.

Addressing a government programme at Basirhat in North 24-Parganas, Mamata had advised the public to watch entertainment programmes rather than watch news channels that spread misinformation.