Kohima, June 12 (MExN): Nagaland Governor, K. Sankaranarayanan today expressed that a free and vibrant media is the ‘oxygen of democracy’ while stating that despite the importance of the fourth estate in a democratic set-up, people often have an ambivalent attitude towards the media. The media holds a mirror for the public to see and reflects on their collective conscience, the Governor said during the inaugural function of Highland Dawn Media (HDM) Studio near High School junction, Kohima.
The Governor declared that being a politician with great experiences in the secular democratic polity of India has taught him that a free and vibrant media is the ‘oxygen of democracy; whenever media highlights the activities and achievements of the people, they bask in public adulation, which according to the Governor is the time when people get their oxygen and have no complaints.
Sankaranarayanan said that despite the importance of the Fourth Estate in a democratic setup, the people often have an undecided attitude towards the media; comfortable during praises by the media and uncomfortable during public criticism. Justifying media and public criticism, Sankaranarayanan opined that during public criticisms, people tend to blame the media forgetting that there is no smoke without fire; implying that the criticism comes for some fault on the part of the person or unions concerned.
Sankaranarayanan, in this regard, said that the people would do well to appreciate that the media reflects their ‘collective conscience’ as it holds a mirror for the people. The Governor said that sometimes the people will feel the ‘heat’ of the media; however, he said that a true democrat would unhesitatingly affirm that the society is better off with the media than without it.
However, Sankaranarayanan pointed out that there is intense competition with the explosive growth in media, which tends the media to highlight sensational news in disproportion to its importance. “On occasions, stories are disseminated without checking their authenticity as per the established norms of ethics,” said Sankaranarayanan.
Maintaining that media has undergone tremendous transformation with the advent of the information technology and the internet, he said news has become more interactive. With the explosive growth in media, competition have also become intense, he said.
Stating that Nagaland has a healthy and growing media with five English dailies, several others in local dialects while audiovisual media has also made inroads, the Governor expressed hope that the HDM studio would add more depth to the audio-visual media in the state.
Also launching the new Christian TV Program christened ‘Encounter’, he also hoped that the programme would promote values desirable for a progressive society such as love, peace and a broad-minded outlook.
Wabang Moa, Executive Producer of HDM gave a brief note about the channel stating that it was established in the year 2000 by a group of committed people with a vision to reach out to the public and young people through well produced TV and video programs, seeking to inform and build the society.
On the launching of ‘Encounter’ he said HDM will assist the Nagaland Churches to reach out to new audiences, promote its activities, and create a common platform on TV with a Christ centered message. “Our main function as HDM team is not only to shoot, edit, produce and telecast, but to share positive truths, and communicate conviction through our Lord Jesus Christ,” he added.
A violin recital by Akho Chielie and friends and drama on media by Tiatemsu and friends enthralled the gathering while other highlights included a preview of HDM programmes. Vilodi Sakhrie, member HDM and Pastor of Town Baptist Church, Dimapur said the vote of thanks. The programme was chaired by Theja Meru and hosted by Sophy Lasuh.
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