Yhome urges Nagaland to embrace fact-based journalism amidst declining media freedom in India

Dimapur Press Club marks 25 years of journalism

The Dimapur Press Club celebrated its silver jubilee on Monday on the theme, “Harnessing Media Vibrancy, Embracing New Frontiers.” The event took place at the Dimapur Government College Auditorium and featured the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Sharingain Longkumer, as the special guest. Yirmiyan Arthur Yhome, Deputy News Director for Asia-Pacific at The Associated Press, served as the theme speaker.

Speaking on the theme, Yhome noted that while Nagaland operates within its unique ecosystem, the state of media freedom in India presents a concerning picture. She highlighted that the country’s ranking on the global media freedom index has significantly declined.

She acknowledged the challenges faced by independent media in India, noting that while a few fiercely independent media houses continue to uphold fact-based journalism, their numbers are steadily shrinking. Yhome praised the bravery and resilience of journalists and media organisations who persist despite the growing difficulties.

She expressed hope that Nagaland would embrace fact-based journalism, avoiding the role of merely echoing the voices of the government or large corporations.

She observed that too much time is often spent reporting on issues of lesser significance, which could be better utilised for impactful investigative journalism. Addressing editors, she urged them to provide journalists with the resources and time needed to focus on meaningful stories that have a lasting impact on society and contribute to the progress of the community.

Sharing her recent experience in Longwa, she described the heavy presence of the Indian Army in the area. She recounted a discussion with the council chairman, who revealed that daily meetings were being held due to the Army’s insistence on acquiring a room or house to issue permits to Nagas residing on the Myanmar side of the border. This development followed the removal of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), a move largely opposed by Nagas living along the India-Myanmar border, except in Manipur, which stands as an exception.

She highlighted Longwa’s unique significance to the Naga identity, as the village straddles both India and Myanmar. The impact of this artificial boundary is deeply felt by the 200 affected households, including six morungs, the village church, and the playground.

Expressing concern, she noted that such significant developments should have been reported in the media, allowing the voices of Longwa villagers, who remain uncertain about how to respond to these changes, to reach a broader audience.

She emphasised that such stories need to be reported, as they have the potential to inform policymakers and decision-makers who might otherwise be unaware of these developments.

She urged journalists and their editors to prioritise stories that truly matter—stories that can shape the future, create meaningful impact, and authentically represent the Naga identity. She called for a shift towards narratives that depict the realities and aspirations of the community.

She stated that AI, or artificial intelligence, is here to stay and there is no going back. There are, however, good ways to use AI.

According to her, the second major challenge today is the way news is consumed. She mentioned that two-thirds of news is now consumed through social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

She noted the presence of newspapers and broadcast channels on social media, emphasising the need to embrace the fact that news consumption will increasingly shift to phones and computers.

She acknowledged the large young generation embracing this shift but expressed concern over the rise of influencers and individuals who are also becoming “journalists”. While this can be positive, it also complicates the work of traditional journalists.

She explained that the information shared can sometimes be incomplete or one-sided. This is where professional journalism plays a crucial role — to provide fact-based, truthful news before misinformation or half-truths are spread.

She appealed to people, suggesting that they start conversations about the need for funding in journalism. She stressed the importance of securing financial support to ensure quality reporting. She expressed belief that there are ways to address the issue, acknowledging that media houses in Nagaland likely face struggles with funding.

In his address, Longkumer stated that over the past five years, he had learned there are two sides to truth. However, he also believed there is a third side—one’s opinion. He emphasised that how and where an opinion is expressed carries significant importance.

He said that many readers and listeners are unaware of which side they should project their opinion. He pointed out that this is where the opinion shared becomes significant.

He stated that over the last 25 years, Nagaland, as a state and society, has made progress. While there are areas where collective achievement has not been reached, there are many areas where success has been shared. He acknowledged the senior editors present, who have been vocal about women’s empowerment. On the 60th anniversary of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), he pointed out that there are now two women elected members in the 14th House.

He acknowledged those who have captivated public opinion for many years, spending countless hours, including endless midnights, preparing editorials as a reflection of the times. He noted that today, as newspapers are reviewed, there are many conventions and practices that need to be evolved or moved away from.

He stated that it is necessary to grow beyond the conventions and general practices that have long been followed. He explained that embracing new frontiers comes with significant responsibility.

He pointed out that if one observes young children, particularly those around seven or eight years old, a large percentage are often seen fiddling with mobile phones given to them by their parents or siblings. He emphasised that these are social issues that require the attention and concern of everyone. He urged the fraternity to raise such issues and focus on their social responsibilities.

He reminded that what is said and written has a significant impact, as thousands are influenced by those opinions. What is written will shape public opinion. As the fourth pillar of democracy, he called for remaining steadfast in journalistic ethics and principles.

He urged the Dimapur Press Club to continue being the torchbearer of ethical journalism. To embrace new frontiers, he stated, it is important to acknowledge the current situation.

Dilip Sharma, founding member of the Dimapur Press Club and convenor of the DPC Silver Jubilee Organising Committee, provided a brief background of the club. He mentioned that in 1999, four of them decided to form the club.

He said the club was originally established in December 1999 as the Press Club of Dimapur, formed by a group of local journalists who recognised the need for a structured organisation to address the unique concerns and challenges faced by media professionals in Dimapur.

He also highlighted the various activities and initiatives undertaken by the club over the past 25 years and led a minute of silence in remembrance of those who had passed away during that time.
President of the DPC, Imkong Walling, delivering the welcome address, remarked that 25 years is a quarter of a century — a long, long time in a human’s life.

He added that the jubilee celebration not only reflects on the past but also looks forward to the future. The chosen theme, he noted, resonates with the current challenges and opportunities facing the profession. Acknowledging the rapid evolution of the media landscape, he emphasised that it is up to journalists to adapt and redefine the news they broadcast with objectivity.

Editor of Nagaland Page, Monalisa Changkija, who also spoke on the occasion, mentioned that the first newspapers in Nagaland emerged in 1932 and that the media’s presence today is due to the efforts of those who started the newspapers back then.

She said journalists will come and go, and the same will happen with newspapers, television channels, and other media platforms. Technology has changed significantly and will continue to evolve.

While platforms like TikTok may dominate now, they will eventually become outdated. However, the institution of the media—the fourth estate—will endure, but only if people like them ensure its preservation.

She stated that in any democracy, there are four key pillars: the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, and the fourth estate—the media. These, she explained, form the foundation of a democracy.

She emphasised that democracy will not endure unless it is actively guarded, fought for, nurtured, and strengthened.

She advised not to get sidetracked by the number of newspapers, television channels, YouTube, TikTok, or other platforms. The core issue, she stressed, is protecting the institution of the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, and the fourth estate. This, she explained, is the main responsibility—essentially, protecting democracy itself.

In her speech, she conveyed a message to the government of Nagaland through the NLA Speaker to the Chief Minister, highlighting that government advertisement rates have not been changed or increased since 2011. She expressed that this is a significant concern, given the current economic situation and inflation.

DC Dimapur, Tinojongshi Chang, who also spoke on the occasion, stated that media cooperation and coverage have played a crucial role in bringing important messages to the grassroots, thereby enlightening the people of the state and the nation.

Acknowledging the pioneers, he stated that without their efforts, the day would not have been possible. He also noted the need to focus on developmental activities and highlight individuals who are making positive contributions.

On the occasion, a memorandum was presented to the Chief Minister through the NLA Speaker, highlighting the need for a permanent office for the club, the enhancement of operational subsidies for accredited journalists, the implementation of a pension scheme for accredited journalists, the increase in slots for accredited journalists, and the request to distinguish between journalists and social media influencers.

During the program, Longkumer handed over a letter to the president of DPC, confirming a temporary office for the club at Super Market in Dimapur.

MT