People nowadays are accustomed to consuming fragmented news on a daily basis from social media accounts, radio, television, family, friends, and coworkers. People have adapted to reading snippets here and there and glancing over headlines that are discussed in a social setting with conviction as if one has read beyond the headline and is truly informed.
Reposting, sharing and ‘retweeting’ without reading and commenting without full consideration have become a common practice among many in recent times. We live in a time when not everyone reads and processes the news in a meaningful way, and where we do not appreciate journalism in the same way that we ought to.
Reading, processing and discerning accurate, trustworthy news about local, state, and national decisions and policies are critically important for an informed citizenry. However, when national or mainstream news outlets are heavily connected to powerful people and elite groups, those demographics sway control over the industry resulting in misconduct, fraudulent practices and inaccurate information as can be seen in many of today’s Indian media. A lack of local journalism accentuates this problem.
Apart from disseminating information of public importance, the role of local media is manifold. Local news, which hardly finds space in the mainstream media, is critical for the local community to stay informed so that they can recognize it when their democratic rights are threatened. Strong local journalism makes a difference in a community, especially in a small community like Mokokchung, where almost everything is taken for granted. A journalist’s job is to uncover the truth and make it available to the public so that citizens can make informed decisions about how to govern themselves or how to deal with pertinent issues such as corruption and misgovernance. That is why it is also important for journalists to continue pushing and digging for truths, without fear or favor, as well as to provide the public with accurate information.
However, running a local newspaper in this digital age is challenging. It is also difficult when society has become accustomed to not speaking out and has no practice of expressing their opinions. It is often more challenging when the local media have to walk in a tight rope so as to ensure no one is offended or that a struggling media house must not create animosity within such a small population. But the media is never the enemy. The media only mirrors what a society actually is. And, therefore, there is this sincere belief that society is reflecting upon itself and there is this hope on the readers that they will contribute to social-building.
Mokokchung, once regarded as a pioneer and leader, is steadily headed in the wrong direction, or is sailing without direction, which will eventually sink the ship. Everybody abandons a sinking ship. Recognizing that, despite our differences, we are all united by the love for this district and the daily challenges that come with living here. And while there is no doubt that Mokokchung fosters a strong sense of community, there is so much more we can do to strengthen our collective bonds. At this time, the need to support local independent journalism and contributions from ordinary citizens in strengthening the local media has become even more crucial.