Asserting nepotism, favoritism and tribalism was totally uncalled for in the world of media, minister roads and bridges Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu Saturday said media should treat each and everyone equally.
Azo said the world was giving more importance to the media yet there have also been continuous debates that sometimes the sensational negative coverage by media personnel causes more harm than good to the citizens of the world and urged to accept constructive criticisms positively.
He was addressing one-day media seminar, organized by Kohima Press Club, at Hotel Japfu Saturday.
Pointing out that every citizen had his/her right to express feelings, he said Article 19.1.A of the Indian constitution, which gives “freedom of expression’, should be used in line with the democratic ideals and values.
He said media professionals should exercise their wisdom while discharging their duties in the name of freedom of expression.
Maintaining that politicians had limited access to freedom of speech and expression while media personnel had the liberty to access to everything, he urged them to analyze the liberty as misusing the liberty would be utterly negative weakening every organ of democracy.
The minister acknowledged that media was the mirror of the society and a watch dog, saying role of the media should be based on the overall benefit of the citizens of the society.
Further, he asserted no government can function effectively if the functioning of the media was not effective and appealed to adopt pro-active role and give emphasis on the activeness of the government.
Stating that neutrality of the media persons were highly demanded, Azo said media personnel who were engaged in reporting conflict situation also needed special media training for reportage of such nature so it could bridge the gap and highlight only the facts of any incidents.
Speaking on the theme “Impact of social media on our lifestyle/society”, DIPR joint director Limawati said the reality of the pervasiveness of technology even in the state of Nagaland was most apparent in the mobile phone and the spread of internet has brought people closer than ever to each other in ways unfathomable even 10/15 years ago.
Pointing out that social media has proved an effective medium for exchanging opinions and raising awareness, he said it has introduced substantial and pervasive changes to communications among organizations, communities and individuals.
Senior journalist Charles Chasie, who spoke on “the role of media in the midst of social media invasions”, said men and women of the media were in a position to become the greatest bridge builders in society that has accessibility to all groups and their leadership.
Chasie said media personnel also have the platform to bring themselves together and to carry the people along, adding that if things were not working in society, part of the blame must be shared by them for not helping the situation.
Agreeing that sometimes even ‘our best efforts may not be enough, our very own problems and difficulties may stand in the way,” he said a good example in a place like Nagaland was that most working journalists were living from hand to mouth.
Chasie said such existential problems were real, nevertheless, he said journalists cannot fail to try and cannot afford not to have a social conscience.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Vishu Rita Krocha while Solomon Sha pronounced invocation prayer. Okenjeet delivered on the concept of the seminar and H. Chishi proposed vote of thanks.
DIPR commissioner secretary and his officials, members from Doordarshan, All India Radio, DSP traffic, PRO Assam Rifles and others attended the seminar.
Leave a Reply