Respect media freedom, says PM

New Delhi, May 3 (IANS) Calling free press 'an essential pillar of any democracy', Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday said media freedom needed to be respected.

In a message to mark the World Press Freedom day, he said 'a free press makes governments accountable, increases awareness of important issues among people and benefits society.

'It is an essential pillar of any democracy,' the prime minister said.

He called upon 'everyone to respect the freedom of journalists and contribute towards a fearless and free press in all parts of the country and the world'.