Speakers during the 1st Hill Myna Media Conclave 2026 held at the Moreau Institute of Integral Training and Research Society, Shillong, Meghalaya on October 7.
1st Hill Myna Media Conclave 2026 held
Shillong, October 9 (MExN): On-ground reporting means being physically present in the field rather than relying on phone calls or third-party sources, Imkong Walling, Principal Correspondent, The Morung Express, Nagaland said at the inaugural 1st Hill Myna Media Conclave 2026.
Addressing the conclave on the theme “On-Ground Reporting in Northeast India,” Walling said being on the ground means being present and aware of the ground scenario while cross-checking the various information that circulate. “More importantly,” he said, “being there on the ground helps gain work experience, and hone skills, allowing the journalist to grow professionally.”
The conclave, organised by Hill Myna Magazine, publisher of Hill Myna Media Pvt Ltd, was held on October 7 at the Moreau Institute of Integral Training and Research Society, Shillong, Meghalaya.
It brought together journalists, media professionals, government officials, students and emerging voices to discuss accuracy, verification, ethics, context and the importance of reporting from the ground, an update received here stated.
The chief guest, Abhilash Baranwal, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, emphasised the responsibility of journalism, saying, “The responsibility of journalism is not simply to tell us what we want to hear, but to tell us what we need to know.” Three speakers shared their experiences and perspectives on on-ground reporting.
Soma Basu, Senior Deputy Editor at The Hindu, said, “Commitment to authenticity is a basic requirement for every journalist, and this authenticity comes from ground reporting. When you go to the field, you get multiple voices and different perspectives. Ground reporting builds the architecture of credibility and lends a true voice to every story.”
Michaeljit Yumnam, a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in news reporting and digital media, said: “On-ground reporting helps you understand what actually happened and explain the ground reality to the public.”
The programme also featured “The Room Speaks,” an interactive audience session, and the Northeast Writers Award 2026, recognising literary voices from the region.
Speaking at the conclusion, Lakshmi Kharkongor, Director Media and Editor, Hill Myna Magazine, said: “Our impact is reaffirmed through our readers and contributors who continue to find value in stories that highlight real people and meaningful change.”
.jpg)
