Kolkata: In a video that has now surfaced on social media, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is heard telling a journalist that if newspapers want government revenue, they must write positive stories.
“We are running our paper for the past 11 years. Several small news organisations, including ours, are in a perilous state. We do not get advertisements from the government. I am requesting you to look into the matter,” a local journalist tells Mamata.
Mamata Didi openly saying that to get govt advertisement in a local newspaper one has to publish "positive news" of the government and send one copy of newspaper everyday to local DM office for proof. This should be condemned by every right thinking person. pic.twitter.com/p4ymWXdTzo
— Avijit Dasgupta (@coolfrnds4u) December 5, 2021
Responding to him, the CM says, “Rural newspapers which will highlight the government’s work in a positive light, will get advertisement revenue. I will specifically direct the District Magistrates (DMs) about this. This is because the government does not use state machinery each time for publicity.”
She said, “Big TV channels will show the news only once. However, rural newspapers will write in detail about it and ensure that the information reaches every village in the state. We have to take care of such rural newspapers who do this work with positivity. Talk to the DM and don’t forget to send a copy of your paper (for review) to DM office, DICO, Police Superintendent and Commissioner.”
“This will help them review whether the news coverage (about the government) is positive or negative. Whoever is doing more positive content, give them advertisements,” she said.
