- Fake portals bringing disrepute to journalism
- Unregistered portals pose threat to media credibility
- Concern over Assembly Entry cards to fake portals
STATE TIMES NEWS
KATHUA: Expressing serious concern over the growing menace of blackmailing digital portals operating under the garb of journalism, the Press Club of Kathua has called for stringent action against all unregistered and extortionist online platforms tarnishing the reputation of the media fraternity.
In a strongly worded statement issued today, Press Club of Kathua President Sanjay Pathak said that the unchecked proliferation of fake and unregistered news portals has become a major threat to ethical journalism.
“These self-styled digital reporters are misusing social media platforms to defame, harass, and blackmail individuals, government officials, and businessmen under the pretext of journalism. Such acts not only damage public trust but also bring shame to the noble profession,” he said.
Referring to the recent STATE TIMES expose revealing how an unregistered portal – The Daily Truth News – was involved in an extortion attempt by demanding Rs 20,000 for deleting a video, the President said, “This is not an isolated incident – it reflects a disturbing trend where unverified individuals exploit digital platforms for personal gain. Strict legal action must be taken against such offenders.”
He appreciated STATE TIMES for its fearless and responsible journalism in exposing such fraudulent elements and urged law enforcement agencies to take note of the growing misuse of digital media for blackmailing in the name of journalism.
The President of Press Club of Kathua stressed that the government must immediately formulate a regulatory mechanism to identify and penalize unregistered portals operating without authorization. “A clear distinction should be made between genuine journalists committed to ethical reporting and those using media as a tool for extortion,” he emphasized.
The Kathua Press club also endorsed the statement, asserting that only accredited and recognized media professionals should be allowed access to government and institutional events.
Welcoming the Lieutenant Governor’s firm stance against fake journalists, the President said it was a much-needed step to uphold the sanctity of the media profession. “It is essential to distinguish between true journalists committed to public service and those exploiting digital platforms for personal gain,” he stated.
Pathak described the STATE TIMES expose as a “wake-up call” for the authorities to act decisively against those who misuse journalism for extortion and intimidation.
He further cautioned that the unchecked rise of unregistered portals and YouTube channels poses a serious threat to legitimate media credibility, leading to increased cases of harassment, defamation, and blackmail.
“These self-styled ‘digital journalists’ neither adhere to ethics nor possess any legal recognition. They misuse social media to target businessmen, officials, and common citizens under the pretext of reporting,” he said, adding that such unethical practices have brought disrepute to the noble profession of journalism.
Raising serious questions over unregistered portal operators being issued Assembly entry cards, the President PCK said, “It is alarming that individuals or online platforms without verification or accreditation are gaining access to privileges meant exclusively for recognized journalists. This not only undermines professional credibility but also poses a potential security risk to government institutions.”
Reiterating the Club’s commitment, the President Sanjay Pathak said the Press Club of Kathua will continue to uphold the values of truthful, ethical, and fact-based journalism. He urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and register FIRs against those involved in blackmail and extortion attempts, ensuring that such offenders face strict legal consequences.
“The Press Club of Kathua stands united against those who malign the credibility of the media profession for blackmailing and extortion,” the statement concluded.