IT News
Imphal, Nov. 16
Media gives voice to the voiceless, said Information and Public Relations Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh today during the National Press Day 2019 observation.
The National Press Day, 2019 cum Workshop on the theme of this year – “Reporting Interpretation – A journey” was observed at the Auditorium, DIPR New Complex, Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal. As part of the observation, eight journalists of the State were awarded with the Manipur State Journalist Awards, 2019.
Speaking at the observation, Biswajit said journalists act as information providers and messengers. They give voice to the voiceless and help people know the truth. Journalism is all about dynamism and responsibility, he said explaining further that a reporter’s dynamism is characterised by his activities and progress.
He further asserted that it is also important for the journalists to understand the responsibility they have to take to bring development in the society.
He also talked on the importance of a balanced and unbiased reporting. He said a balanced reporting will only increase the credibility of the media house and the reporter.
While stating that media reports sometimes initiate discussions on the floor of the House, Biswajit explained that it is important for a news report to be balanced and accurate so that the House or the people are not misled by wrong and factually incorrect reporting.
Vision brings achievement, he said, explaining that vision or planning is required to start performing and bring achievement.
Biswajit also congratulated the recipients of the Manipur State Journalist Awards, 2019.
Director (IPR) H. Balkrisna Singh said the DIPR and private media are two sides of the same coin.
He said the DIPR also plays the role of regulating and monitoring quality contents or irresponsible reporting and as such sometimes some sort of conflicts arises between the DIPR and local media persons.
The department is also committed towards bringing more transparency in its administration and bringing more welfare of the media persons, he added. He also spoke on the role of media in a democracy and further appealed for responsible reporting.
Chairman, MANITRON & MANIDCO Yumnam Radheshyam presided over the observation.
The recipients of the Manipur State Journalist Awards, 2019 are Nepram Krishnamohon Singh, Joint Editor Sanaleibak for Best Editor Award on National Integration & Communal Harmony, Ashem Babycha Devi, Staff Reporter Hueiyen Lanpao (Science & Technology Reporting), Taorem Bishwajit Singh, Sub- Editor Sanaleibak ( Parliamentary Reporting), Sagolsem Bigyan, Reporter The People’s Chronicle ( Reporting with special reference to Women & Children), R. K. Bullu Singh, Staff Reporter, Poknapham ( Reporting on Art & Culture ), Nomita Khongbantabam, Reporter, Hueiyen Lanpao ( Rural Reporting ), Heigrujam Sadananda Singh, Staff Reporter Poknapham ( Sports Reporting) and Khwairakpam Naoba, Video Journalist, ISTV News (Reporting on Public Health & Hygiene).
In the second session of the day, Pradip Phanjoubam, Senior Journalist moderated a workshop on the theme “Reporting- Interpretation: A Journey”. Sobhaphati Samom, Member All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union, Yumnam Rupachandra, Secretary General Editors Guild Manipur and Sothing Shimray, Member Manipur Hill Journalists’ Union presented papers as resource persons which was followed by an interaction & discussion session.
The session was attended by members of the journalist fraternity of the State and officers and staffs of the department.
It may be mentioned that the National Press Day is being observed on 16th November every year on different themes. It is symbolic of free and responsible press in India. This was the day on which the Press Council of India (PCI) started functioning as a moral watchdog to ensure that not only did the press maintain the high standards expected from this powerful medium but also that it was not fettered by the influence or threats of any extraneous factors. November 16 personifies a responsible and free press in the country.