Women depicted in poor light by media: M K Muneer

Thiruvananthapuram: Women are depicted in poor light by media especially TV serials and it’s time to examine the laws protecting their interests, Social Justice Minister M K Muneer said here Tuesday.

It is high time to examine that to what extent the existing laws are protecting the interests of women. They are largely depicted in a poor light in all forms of media including TV serials, advertisements and online platforms, he said at a seminar on Women in media.

The minister observed that though the presence of women in media and journalism has increased many folds, they were often treated as consumer objects by media. Media was once an absolutely male-centric field. But, the situation has changed now as a large number of women are entering into the field and making their mark. Women journalists should raise their voice against picturising women badly in media, the minister said. The growing presence of women in the media is a positive trend amidst the negativities, he noted.

The minister urged women to register complaints against serials which present them in negative shades. He also asked news channels to enhance the participation of women in prime-time discussions on various issues. State Women’s Commission chairperson K C Rosakutty said a woman-friendly media policy should be framed to protect the interests of women in media. Media, as the fourth estate in democracy, has a great role to play to safeguard the pride and dignity of women.

The interests of women media professionals also should be protected. Media should contemplate to formulate a women-friendly media policy for that, she said.