Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 2: Shri Rama Sena (SRS) today demanded incentive package for print media industry amid the crisis as it is facing an unprecedented crisis due to decline in advertising revenue, huge input and lack of transport facilities.
In a statement here SRS’s president Rajiv Mahajan said, “The Coronavirus outbreak followed by lockdown has severely affected the print media of J&K as over several newspapers have been forced to suspend its publications due to lack of resources, resulting, some media organisations have started online editions to keep their readership intact.”
Mahajan maintained that the hawkers had stopped distributing newspapers since March 25, contending that they do not want to put their lives to risk in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak.
Mahajan said the newspaper owners, editors and media professional making all efforts to live with the virus onslaught rather lest rumour mongers should be pressing the panic button.
“The absence of newspapers will pave way for more rumours, misinformation and panic and the ‘WhatsApp University’ will go berserk,” he said.
Mahajan further said that Central and J&K Governments should provide economic stimulus, support to the media houses till the lockdown period gets over. He also requested the Lieutenant Governor for quick release of Government advertisements’ dues so that journalists of small newspapers get their salaries during these testing times.
He demanded 50 per cent increase in advertisement rate and 100 per cent increase in budget spend for print media and immediate settlement of payment towards all outstanding bills of advertising from DIPR.
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