He came, he saw, he conquered.
Information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar was at the Leadership Summit at Goafest 2014, the annual congregation of advertising and media professionals in Goa.
Speaking to a packed hall, he emphasised on the differences between the UPA-led government and the newly elected one. "For 10 years, there was no leadership but since 10 days, there's been complete leadership. The previous government had no mission without commission. But we believe in mission without commission. There's been a paradigm shift in Indian politics."
Having tasted success through recent advertising campaigns during the Lok Sabha elections, Javadekar spoke on the effect a good advertising campaign can have on people. The new minister also set the tone clear for anxious media professionals on whether press freedom will be curtailed. "I believe in freedom of expression through advertisements, messages, media and every platform. There has to be an absolute freedom. Assurance of complete freedom to the media is important in new India. The right to criticism is your right. Only when that freedom is nurtured, can we say what we have achieved as a democratic nation."
Without making any commitments or announcements, the former BJP spokesperson assured that all media stakeholders will be consulted before any decision in public interest. However, he had a very clear agenda in reviving Doordarshan and All India Radio. "My passion is simple. I want to make DD a competitive and a prominent channel. We also need to re-energise and put air into AIR which is very popular and has fantastic content."
Commenting on the issue of television audience ratings, the minister said: "It's a private issue as advertisers are ready to believe in them." And added in jest: "Miya biwi raazi toh kya karega kaazi... humein kya karna hai!"
By arrangement with MxMIndia.com
