By Akangjungla
In the present times, one major challenge facing journalism in Nagaland is the blurring lines between mainstream journalism and social media. As unverified information spreads without accountability in multiple social media platforms, undermining trust in traditional media, the decline in journalistic standards and ethical concerns within the press community further adds to the challenge.
The free flow of information in the recent times has clouded the differentiation between the main stream journalism and social media. The outcome, impact and influence of the two are entirely different and yet at the same time, there is a great need to actually know and understand their classification, meaning, functioning and responsibilities. The need arises from the fact, the consumers and readers of these information does not fully recognise or identify with the differentiation. The press fraternity and the industry itself in Nagaland are unquestionably flowed, and conversely the steady steams of journalists trying to become more investigative and analytical in their approach towards reporting issues and stories need more recognition and encouragement.
Putting it straight out, except for a few veteran journalists, there are few benchmarks for quality journalism in Nagaland, which affects the overall standard of reporting. The lack of leadership and role models raises questions about who is upholding journalistic ethics and accountability. The upcoming journalists lack role models from within the press community in Nagaland. For a very long time, except for few veteran news persons, there have been little or no journalists who have set a benchmark for journalism in Nagaland. This not only reflects on the quality of journalism but also raises the question of who is upholding journalistic ethics and accountability which comes along with the profession. On a more comprehensive point of view, the declining standard of journalism in any state means, a fundamental constituent that makes democracy possible is at stake.
Another factor can be the lack of knowledge about the role of role as a public service. A considerable portion of the public hold on to a number of misperceptions about media and the role it plays as a public service. Recently, with the mushrooming of aspiring citizen journalism and outburst of social media platform users, the odds have increased deepening the crisis faced by media. Any message just gets through social media and there is no way to hold anyone responsible or to keep a check on the situation. It is no more just about establishing contacts and communications. Forward, copy-paste and share options are limitless. The influence to read and follow verified information has eventually waned down, leaving the workers in the media industry with questions of security.
Despite its size, the media industry in Nagaland has the potential to reclaim its role by focusing on pure, unbiased news reporting. Though the media industry in Nagaland is very small it does not take away the credit of journalism. A closer reflection on the state of journalism in Nagaland, points toward the need to bring back the pure news flare. It is collectively failing to meet the needs of the readers – except for those few who are already predisposed toward a particular kind of reading experience.
The place of media in any era or society cannot be undermined. Media is action-oriented and stamped by its valuable impact. The audio-visual/digital media, to their advantage can avail endless attempt to excite the senses of the viewers; likewise the print-media has the mark of trust and allegiance from its readers. Today, the biggest criticism levelled by people is that media is not contributing as much as it should to shape public opinion, influence policy-makers, check corruptions and serve public-interest. Looking at it positively, these criticisms acknowledge that media has the element competent of creating its own dynamic.
Every society deserves a strong and meaningful media, free from propaganda and censorship. In the Naga society context, media suppression is not much visible, not that it is totally absent. There are times when only selective channels are allowed to attend government related vital press conferences, indicating something is terribly wrong in both ways; news sources are discriminatory too, not every civil societies are interested to issue their important statements to all the media houses in an act of obvious biasness. As a society, we have all made it happen. There should be no feeling of disappointment when the standard of journalism in Nagaland is not appreciated. It should only make possible to create an environment where journalists can develop their capacity to achieve improvement, and empower the delivery of information to counter the dynamics weakening the thread weaving a healthy democratic system.
Some measures required for journalism in Nagaland its role as a pillar of democracy and public service would be investing in training programmes for journalists to enhance their skills; promote clear ethical guidelines for journalism in Nagaland; educate the public on the differences between mainstream journalism and social media; and also ensure equal access to information for all media houses and discourage any discriminatory practices at any level.
Comment can be sent to akangjungla@gmail.com
