J. Radhakrishnan, the Commissioner of the Greater Chennai Corporation, highlighted the vital role of the media in disseminating information about various welfare schemes introduced by the Central and State governments. Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day Regional Workshop for Field Publicity Officials of the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Radhakrishnan noted the rapid expansion of news media across multiple platforms, including social media and print, making it easier to reach beneficiaries, particularly women and senior citizens, with government programs.
He cited the media’s role in raising awareness about COVID-19 precautions as instrumental in controlling the pandemic. V. Palanichamy, Director-General South Zone (in charge) at the Central Bureau of Communication for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, emphasized that field publicity officials played a significant role in influencing public attitudes, with more than 84% of people being able to change their perspective based on the information disseminated.