Photojournalist' woes Photojournalists beware. There is going to be tough times ahead. Recently in Raj Bhavan, many of us had the taste of the days to come. Swearing in ceremony of 18 ministers. There was hardly any place for us as around four or five cameramen from almost all Kannada channels had fixed their tripods, while the
Information Department officials were very strict in issuing only one pass for photojournalist from the respective media. Few of our photogs was not allowed to even cross Capitol hotel. This was last week.
Today, 25th May, swearing in ceremony of only one minister took place in banquet hall of Raj Bhavan. to our surprise, information officers and police stalled us from entering Raj Bhavan. Only electronic media cameramen were allowed! Even shocking was that only reporters from four 'leading' English dailies were listed, chosen by information officers again. It was not surprising that my newspaper name did not appear in the coveted list.
After lot of argument and counter attack by police, we had no other option to stop Information Minister Santosh Lad, who got down from his car, approached the police and Info officials, and went into Raj Bhavan with a promise of resolving the issue. In fact, he kept up the promise and we were finally allowed.
Issue here is not boasting about up-manship, but managing the show. Why information department officers did not advice Governor's about the issue in advance. Or, they could have easily mailed us, or our offices that photojournalists will not be allowed. Simple. They always appear dumbstruck most of the time when it matters. And if we have to depend on the pictures provided by the department, can we expect anything apart from actual happening?
We have to find a solution to this problem quickly. Or else there will be no place left for photojournalist to capture that telling image which will have worth of a million thoughts.
Today, 25th May, swearing in ceremony of only one minister took place in banquet hall of Raj Bhavan. to our surprise, information officers and police stalled us from entering Raj Bhavan. Only electronic media cameramen were allowed! Even shocking was that only reporters from four 'leading' English dailies were listed, chosen by information officers again. It was not surprising that my newspaper name did not appear in the coveted list.
After lot of argument and counter attack by police, we had no other option to stop Information Minister Santosh Lad, who got down from his car, approached the police and Info officials, and went into Raj Bhavan with a promise of resolving the issue. In fact, he kept up the promise and we were finally allowed.
Issue here is not boasting about up-manship, but managing the show. Why information department officers did not advice Governor's about the issue in advance. Or, they could have easily mailed us, or our offices that photojournalists will not be allowed. Simple. They always appear dumbstruck most of the time when it matters. And if we have to depend on the pictures provided by the department, can we expect anything apart from actual happening?
We have to find a solution to this problem quickly. Or else there will be no place left for photojournalist to capture that telling image which will have worth of a million thoughts.
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