Nagaland observes National Press Day with discussions on changing nature of the press

Nagaland today joined the rest of the country in celebrating National Press Day under the theme, ‘Changing Nature of Press’. In the state capital, the Kohima Press Club organized a program at Hotel Japfu, while the Mokokchung and Dimapur Press Clubs also observed the day. Celebrated on November 16 each year, National Press Day marks the start of the Press Council of India’s operations in 1966. The day honors the vital role of a free and responsible press in society, recognizing its responsibility to uphold high standards, ensure transparency, and contribute to an informed public.

Speaking on the occasion as Guest Speaker in Kohima, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University, Prof GT Thong said National Press Day is celebrated to highlight the importance of a free and independent press. He said the day was established by the Press Council of India (PCI) in 1966 to recognize the crucial role of the press. Prof Thong informed that the PCI was formed under the Press Council Act of Parliament to safeguard the freedom of press, which has endured attempts at information suppression.

The Mokokchung Press Club (MPC) observed National Press Day at Hotel Metsüben, Mokokchung. Limalenden Longkumer, President, Mokokchung Press Club, and editor-publisher of Mokokchung Times in his welcome address said that in a time of change, it is most important to maintain journalistic integrity and gain public trust. He added that as journalists and professionals, it is important to maintain the integrity of the fourth estate and that it will be a failure on the part of the fourth estate if they do not maintain the journalistic integrity despite the changing nature of the press.

The main highlight of the event was a thematic round table talk which was moderated by Aso Imsong, senior journalist associated with Tir Yimyim. During the round table talk, various issues in line with the theme of the day was discussed which provided an introspective look into the evolution of journalism and the challenges faced by the press today. The round table talk also delved into the changing nature of press in the local context.

One topic of discussion was on balancing rights, ethics, and responsibilities where the dual responsibilities of the media: informing the public and respecting constitutional rights was discussed.  It was acknowledged that the press and media have its own rights, but it also has limitations and ethics to abide by. While journalists must comply with these carefully, they should also stand firm for their rights as journalists.

The discussion also explored how society often prefers positive portrayals over critical analysis, which challenges the press in delivering objective reporting. It was observed that society often only wants to read favorable narratives about themselves, but the media’s role is to present the truth while maintaining ethical standards.

The talk also examined the changing nature of journalism in the digital age. Participants also deliberated on incidents where press persons had to face societal pressures and ethical dilemmas, and how society must also understand the press at this critical juncture.

The discussion concluded with a collective acknowledgement that the Mokokchung Press Club must strengthen its preparedness to address new challenges while remaining committed to ethical journalism. The team resolved to continue fostering public awareness of the press’s role and responsibilities in society for collective good.

The Dimapur Press Club celebrated National Press Day at DBDIL Hall, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School campus in Dimapur, with Editor of Tir Yimyim, K Temjen Jamir, as the theme speaker.

In his address, Jamir compared the day to an independence day for the media, emphasizing the significance of this year’s theme in light of the rapid changes in the press, especially due to technological advancements in mass communication. He highlighted that media serves as a crucial educational tool and can mediate by impartially presenting all sides of a conflict, helping parties find peaceful solutions.

Jamir stressed that the core purpose of the media—whether print, electronic, or new media—is to convey messages, with the primary difference being the speed and scope of dissemination. He also acknowledged the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI), noting that newsrooms that fail to incorporate AI into their operations risk falling behind. While technology makes the media’s work faster and more expansive, Jamir pointed out the added challenge of maintaining the quality and reliability of news in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Dr Aküm Longchari, the publisher of The Morung Express, addressed the gathering by emphasizing that the evolving nature of the press concerns its changing form, not its essence. He noted that the foundational principles of a free press remain unchanged. Dr Longchari highlighted an emerging trend—the growing gap between facts and feelings. He pointed out that there is a widening divide between the reality of events and the emotions or perceptions they evoke.

He stressed that media professionals are tasked with writing the first drafts of history and must decide whether those drafts will be based on facts or feelings. Dr Longchari observed that mainstream media seems to be leaning more toward feelings, as they tend to attract attention and sell. He acknowledged that readers often find facts dull, but urged journalists and reporters to prioritize facts over emotions. He explained that when society is built on feelings rather than truth, its policies and understanding are influenced by emotion, which can lead to distorted analyses. Therefore, he called on media professionals to reflect deeply on this challenge.

Dr Longchari also encouraged self-criticism within the media. To understand the changing form and nature of the press, media members must engage in honest self-reflection. He noted that the concept of “breaking news” no longer applies to newspapers, as digital media now holds that responsibility. Newspapers must reinvent themselves by focusing on what digital platforms cannot deliver.

Dr Longchari concluded by highlighting the importance of media credibility. To gain public trust, particularly in Nagaland, the media must change its approach and undergo a radical transformation. Speaking about “paid news,” he added that it is difficult to speak out against a culture of corruption if the media itself accepts resources, as this creates a contradiction between the values and ideals they claim to stand for.

MT