Vishü Rita Krocha
As proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1993, World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3. This is a day that holds prominent significance not only for the media fraternity but also for every community across the globe as the day serves as a reminder that 'freedom of expression' is a fundamental human right.
As compared to other states in India, the Media in Nagaland is relatively young. The lack of many things in this regard whether it is infrastructure or human resources point to this reality. On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the President of Kohima Press Club, Alice Yhoshü had also pointed out that the state does not have journalists specialising in a particular subject.
Most people might be unfamiliar with 'Beat Journalism' although generally, journalists have their own beat and would have a particular interest in covering a specific topic such as politics, education, health, entertainment, sports, crime, etc.
There is no denying that there are also journalists in the state, often following a particular beat. But this doesn’t reflect too much in the stories they pursue because journalists in the state are often times covering a wide range of subjects basically for lack of resources. Coupled with the shortage of manpower, they are faced with the huge challenge of having to juggle with reporting multiple issues and are left with very little time to pursue specific topics of their interest.
Given the context, due credit must be given to the media in the state for having come this far. Over the years, many news organisations have also come and gone. But as is evident, some have persevered and are likely here to stay, especially if you look at the traditional form of media that has survived decades despite the many challenges and in more recent years, the intervention of digital technology.
Now, in the wake of digital advancement, there is also the emergence of rampant unverified news. In the midst of all these information, it is also important that the society makes a conscious effort in this regard because the media fraternity alone cannot control the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
While World Press Freedom Day should serve as a reminder for the need to respect press freedom, it is more important that the press is given the right to freely exercise their freedom of expression. As with many other places across the globe, this is also very often side-lined in the state. Given that the Naga society is closely knitted, the challenge of putting the truth out there is real.
There are several instances of the truth being silenced for this very reason. But that being said, both the society and the media have a crucial role to play for the press to be free. It needs a society that is welcoming of the truth as much as it needs a press that stands for the truth.
It is true, good journalism needs money but it also needs freedom. May 3 is also a day of reflection for the press. World Press Freedom Day, as it suggests is about press freedom, but it is also equally important that the press reflects on the professional ethics of journalism. And much more than reflecting on it, that they uphold the true spirit of journalism.
This is a guest editorial by Vishü Rita Krocha. She is the Publisher of PenThrill Publication and a senior journalist based in Kohima.
