SHIMLA: While presiding over the State-level function of National Press Day here today the Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani said that this day not only draws attention to the freedom and responsibilities of the press, but also underscores its role in building a transparent society. The press plays a pivotal role in democracy. Promoting transparency in the press will keep democracy vibrant and alive. He said that the role of the media is to convey important public issues to the government. The media's job is to raise the voices of the underprivileged sections of society.
In the age of Information Technology, the media is facing many challenges. Due to technologies like AI and deep fakes, misinformation spreads rapidly in society and the difference between true and false information has a direct impact. The media plays a vital role in shaping the nation and the society, he said.
Sh. Dharmani stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the government has initiated welfare policies and schemes and taken numerous public welfare initiatives. He stated that the media has a responsibility to ensure that the government's decisions in the public interest are disseminated to the public so that they can derive benefits out of the schemes.
Speaking at the event, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan said that the media acts as a bridge between the government and the public. It is the media's responsibility to disseminate the government's public welfare programs to the public and convey public feedback to the government. He stated that publishing fact-based news is essential in journalism emphasizing on the importance of introspection to maintain media credibility.
Earlier, Professor Shashikant Sharma Chairman Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Himachal Pradesh University Shimla, presented his views on "Safeguarding Press Credibility Amidst Rising Misinformation." He stated that the competition for breaking news has threatened the credibility of news. Social media and other platforms of information have brought about numerous changes in the field of journalism. In many countries around the world, a campaign has been launched to replace "breaking news" with "slow news," which aims to present accurate information in detail with facts, instead of taking credit for TRP. Nevertheless, we must ensure that accurate information reaches the public through technology. This is the time to promote investigative journalism.
Chief Editor of Hillpost Ravindra Makhaik said that the topic 'Safeguarding Press Credibility for deliberations this season, has zeroed down the very essence of the subject. As policy makers, journalists, readers, viewers, we are all at sea about what to believe and what to reject as fake news. It is difficult to distinguish between information and misinformation. The information wars have become more intense and the weaponization of information at scale has become a threat to society. He said that in this age of social media, fake news spreads rapidly, which directly impacts the society. The advent of social media has transformed the very nature of journalism. Therefore, it is the responsibility of media personnel to maintain journalistic values and deliver accurate information to the public after verifying facts.
Consulting Editor of News-18 Network Mukesh Rajput said that raising question is crucial in journalism. Questions asked in the public interest certainly receive answers. He said that journalists should focus on issues of public concern rather than pursuing hidden agendas. Cross questioning is must to maintain the credibility of news and the journalists should desist from asking the same, and certainly he would arrive at a positive conclusion.
During the interactive session, senior journalist P.C. Lohumi said that in today's environment, character building is essential, along with the credibility of the press. Journalists should speak impartially and fearlessly, without discrimination and without any greed. Senior journalist Ashwani Sharma said that in journalism, instead of running one-sided stories, it is essential to present versions of both sides, which increases the credibility of the news and journalists.
Director Information and Public Relations Rajiv Kumar welcomed the guests and honored them on the occasion. He thanked all the speakers and media personnel present for attending the event and congratulated them on National Press Day.
Regional President of All India Radio, Shimla Ritesh Kapoor, representatives of various media organizations and students from the Department of Journalism, Himachal Pradesh University were also present on the occasion.