NSA special talk on media and professionalism in 21st century

Naga Scholars Association (NSA) organised a special talk at School of International Studies (SIS), JNU, New Delhi on the theme, “Media and professionalism in the 21st century” by Bhupendra Chaubey, executive editor, CNN News18, and host of daily show, “VIEWPOINT” on September 7. 

A press release from NSA president, Dr. Zuchamo Yanthan and general secretary, Dr. Lungthuyang Riamei stated that, Bhupendra Chaubey began with an opening note that the current media dynamics in India was unsound, considering the unpleasant changes in the political, social and economic environment of the country. He remarked that there has been a fundamental shift in the media landscape of India. Unlike in the past where media could be critical and navigate complex discourses concerning the country, Chaubey said that the present ecosystem was not conducive to such critical thinking. Chaubey asserted that the fundamental challenge of the 21st century was to curb the weaning space for an open discourse. He added that it would be healthier to move beyond media whipping and create more platforms where one can engage in meaningful discourse as an agent of political change. 

In the context of North East India, he acknowledged the neglect of the mainstream media, and emphasized upon the importance of bridging this gap but stressed that this should not happen at the cost of the diversity of India. 

To a few questions on problems of media outreach and media sensationalism, he acknowledged the failure of media to reach out to remote areas and the involvement of media in sensationalizing news because of the role of money in media production. 

Earlier, session was chaired by Dr. Sushmita Dasgupta, chief economist, JPC and also sociologist and social activist, welcome address was delivered by Dr. Zuchamo Yanthan and Dr. Lungthuyang Riamei proposed vote of thanks. The rapporteurs were Chibenthung Yanthan and Pamyo Chamroy, Ph. D scholars, JNU.