K'taka journalists to get succour, professional upgrade

Journalists facing financial hardship in Karnataka will soon receive a measure of succor: the Karnataka Media Academy intends to apportion Rs50 lakh to provide assistance to journalists in need. The plan was announced by the president of the academy, D P Parameshwara.

In addition to introducing the humanitarian scheme, the academy plans to launch several initiatives to enhance the overall professional strength of newspapers in Karnataka.

It has mooted a state-level readers' conference in Bangalore to determine readers' expectations. The invitees will include columnists, editors, writers, and those who regularly contribute letters to editors. Moreover, the academy hopes to resuscitate its defunct in-house magazine, and re-publish sold-out books.

As for upgrading district-level journalists' skills, the academy proposes to organise a camp offering computer training.