Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday said that media were among the principle beneficiaries of the wave of economic reforms that were introduced in the country in the decade of the nineties. Social media alone can't help win polls: Tharoor Addressing a gathering during the inauguration of a media centre in the national capital,the Prime Minister further cautioned against "immature and unwise handling" of the social media phenomena. A debate on pros and cons of social media He added,"Media is spirit of inquiry,(and it) must not morph into a campaign of calumny.A witch-hunt is no substitute for investigative journalism." I am the most abused man on social media: Digvijaya The Prime Minister,however,termed the growth of media as a success story,saying,"The story of reform and liberalisation in the media sector,which is a continuing one,is obviously a success story." Rahul Gandhi focusses on social media,revamps Cong media set-up Linking the progress of the media sector with economic growth,the Prime Minister said that growing economic activities created the need for better and intensive communication,which itself had a commercial aspect to it. Media makes political establishments uncomfortable at times: Sonia Gandhi Emphasising that economic reforms have brought "great change in the society",the Prime Minister referred to the responsibility of the media sector,saying,"The media are not merely a mirror of business activity; they are a reflection of the entire society.Our media have reflected this process of change and also been affected by the changes." "The media and civil society are an essential part of democracy and nation building.I am confident that the media will not be found wanting in collective effort to consolidate India as a plural,inclusive and progressive society," said Singh. He further reiterated the commitment of the UPA government "in fostering a free,pluralistic and independent media". "Media industry has a special responsibility to assess,tackle and overcome the challenges that socio-economic changes have brought about." "In a vibrant democracy such as ours,which revels in free enquiry and quest for answers,this is a significant calling," said the Prime Minister.
