Mamata mulls state-owned news channel, magazine

Kolkata, April 21 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday said the government is thinking about launching a state-owned news channel and bringing out a magazine to highlight achievements of the officials.

"Even if you work hard and honestly then also your achievements and success will not be highlighted. You won't get any recognition for that in the media. We are thinking of bringing in a state-run channel and a magazine, so that the people come to know about the achievements and success of the government," said Banerjee.

She said the administrative officials who were working very hard for the development of the state also needed recognition.

Recently Banerjee attracted criticism following the order to state-owned libraries to stock only specific eight vernacular newspapers for promoting "free thinking" among readers.

She fuelled a controversy by asserting that she might in the future even ask people to stop buying certain newspapers "because a conspiracy is going on against us".