DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 16 (MExN): The Nagaland media fraternity today observed the National Press Day at Cosmos Entertainment Hall & Restaurant, Mokokchung, in an event jointly organized by the Department of IPR, the Mokokchung Press Club, Kohima Press Club and Dimapur Press Club.
State icon for People with Disabilities, Nagaland, Diethono Nakhro speaking on the theme, ‘Upholding Journalistic Ethics during Elections,’ stressed on the need for ethical journalism while also acknowledging the societal and political strains under which media persons in the state function.
She stated that journalists in Nagaland are operating under a unique environment, where a deep nuance of understanding history and culture is required in order to get a story right.
Nakhro reminded the gathered scribes on the importance of ethical journalism while remaining independent and neutral during election reporting and not forgetting the human side of stories.
She also asked the journalists to be watchdogs of society and take the role seriously and to pose tough questions to leaders on general issues such as road, health, education and environmental issues.
“We the journalists should act as the voice of the people and as the representative of the people we are tasked with a huge responsibility to make their voice heard in the upper echelon and back to the grassroot level in order to make our society flourish”, she said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Information & Public Relations (IPR), Imtikumzuk meanwhile called upon the media fraternity in the state to carry out their duties with an unbiased attitude and report events as they are so.
While underscoring the importance of media in society, Imtikumzuk said that the media must realize that it remains always accountable to its readers and viewers. “Its significance has further increased with higher literacy levels and the revolution in communication technologies,” said Imtikumzuk while adding that it has become a powerful means for shaping ideas, aspirations and behaviors of people, even in the remotest corners.
In this connection, he asserted that the conduct of the media itself should be above board since the media has an important role to play in cleansing public life. Therefore, he urged for independence and integrity in functioning of the media and at the same cautioned against sensationalizing news or events.
“Sensationalism should not substitute for objective, accurate and dispassionate reporting. While opinion is free, facts should be sacred. Caution should be exercised in passing judgments, especially on matters where the due process of law is yet to be completed,” he added.
In this regard, he said that the media is entrusted with an additional responsibility to “act as a watchdog of public interest and give voice to the marginalized.” While urging journalists to bring to public notice the array of ills and deprivations that continue to beset large sections of society, Imtikumzuk said media persons must ‘shape and influence public opinion even as they provide objective and balanced coverage of news’.
Earlier at the function, invocation was offered by Temsuwati Kichu, Associate Pastor, MTBA; while V Nakhro, Deputy CEO gave an insight on the topic ‘Informed & ethical voting.’ A special song was also delivered by Bendangsashi and friends and vote of thanks was delivered by Moa, Dimapur Press club.
The program was followed by an interaction session where representatives of various social organizations shared their opinions on various social issues.
