Emphasising the critical 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 of the Indian Journalists Union (IJU) on Saturday, Mr. Naidu observed that there had been a stark contrast in the functioning of the media over the last few years, noting that freedom of the press was curtailed between 2019 and 2024. 

He pointed out that the coalition government restored the freedom to question and called upon journalists to adhere to 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 extended accreditation facility to mandal- level reporters, and that a dedicated Journalist Welfare Fund has been set up.

Attacks on journalists would be investigated by an officer of the rank of a Superintendent of Police. The IJU’s request for an office space in Amaravati has been referred to a sub-committee for expeditious processing. 

He exhorted the media to be partners in the State’s growth, adding that he was looking for ‘progressive’ news from journalists.