Former Lok Sabha Speaker, Mr. Somnath Chatterjee said that the media has one of the most crucial roles to play in a democracy. Delivering the Sardar Patel memorial Lecture – 2009 in Kolkata today Mr. Chatterjee said fairness and objectivity of every reportage should be the prime objectives of any news media. This, he said, is vital for upholding and guarding democracy in a country like ours. Mr. Chatterjee said that the freedom of the press is essential for healthy democracy and the media should always try to keep it self away from political or business allurements. He said sensational journalism can ruin all efforts of the media of upholding the truth. He stressed on the vital roles of the media to inform educate and entertain the masses.<br/><br/>Among those present were the Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati Mr. B. S. Lalli and the Director General of All India Radio Miss Noureen Naqvi.