National Press Day
ITANAGAR, 17 Nov: Information and public relations minister Nyato Dukam has called upon journalists in Arunachal Pradesh to adhere to ethical standards in their reporting. Speaking at the National Press Day celebration organized by the Arunachal Press Club (APC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ), Dukam expressed concern over the declining ethical standards in journalism.
He emphasized the importance of accurate and unbiased reporting and urged journalists to prioritize the public interest. Dukam also highlighted the challenges faced by journalists in the digital age, particularly the spread of misinformation and fake news.
The minister also addressed the issue of journalist identification and the long-pending implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Electronic Media Advertisement Policy and the Journalist Pension Scheme. He assured that the government would take steps to address these concerns and work closely with media organizations to improve the working conditions of journalists.
Biyuram Wahge, the health and family welfare minister, called upon the media to maintain a balanced approach in their reporting. He emphasized the importance of highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of the state government’s work.
The minister acknowledged that the media plays a crucial role in informing the public and holding the government accountable. However, he stressed the need for responsible journalism, urging journalists to be cautious and adhere to ethical principles.
Wahge also highlighted the challenges faced by the government in implementing various schemes and programs. He appealed to the media to help identify and address these issues through constructive criticism.
Meanwhile, APC president Dodum Yangfo and APUWJ president Amar Sangno also stressed the core principles of journalistic ethics. They focused on truth and accuracy, independence, fairness and impartiality, humanity, and accountability while reporting any story.
Among others, APC general secretary Damien Lepcha, APUWJ general secretary Sonam Jelly, and IJU-NEC member Taya Bagang also spoke on the day.
The National Press Day celebration was attended by a large number of journalists, media professionals and government officials.
Earlier, APC and APUWJ paid tribute to former journalists who had passed away, as well as to the deceased of the East Kameng District Hospital tragedy.
The Pasighat Press Club (PPC) also celebrated the Day at Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat amidst the presence of MLAs Ninong Ering and Tapi Darang, deputy commissioner Tayi Taggu, SP Pankaj Lamba, Mebo ADC Sibo Passing, Pasighat Municipal Council chief councilor Okiam Moyong Borang, AdiSU president Jirbo Jamoh, Bogong Banggo Yameng Kebang president Makyar Lego and JN College Student Union general secretary Tani Tatin.
The celebrations began with a plantation drive carried out in the college premises.
All the media houses operating in and around East Siang district were also presented with certificates of affiliation under the Pasighat Press Club on the occasion.
Both MLAs Ering and Darang assured the PPC members of their full support for the welfare of the journalists. They stated that press is the fourth pillar of the democracy and so press personnel working in the region should work responsibly keeping up the basic ethics of journalism. “Media should be the eye opener of all rights and wrongs happening around irrespective of government officials and leaders and society and report the news without bias,” said Ering while Darang advised the PPC members to be responsible while reporting and avoid half baked information and rumors.
East Siang district DC Tayi Taggu and SP Pankaj Lamba had both in their respective addresses, advised the media personnel to be responsible and help the civil and police administration by fairly reporting the news of any incident upon which the administration and police could act swiftly for the larger interest of the public.
Pasighat Press Club president Maksam Tayeng in his address recalled the humble beginning of the club when East Siang Press Club (ESPC) was initially formed a decade ago on 25 August 2014.
Later, a one-point memorandum seeking funds for renovation of the ruined office building of PPC was also submitted to MLAs Ering and Darang by PPC president Maksam Tayeng and general secretary Mingkeng Osik.
A panel discussion was also held on the theme: ‘The role of media in today’s society’ wherein State Information Commissioner & general secretary, Adi Baane Kebang Vijay Taram also joined alongside PPC members and JN College Student Union leaders.
