Journalism in Nagaland growing stronger

Dimapur| November 15 : Journalism in Nagaland has emerged through the years as more professional and wide-ranging. From everyday reporting and exclusive stories to addressing varied issues, the print media now wears a different look than it did a few years back. There is room for ample improvement but no doubt that journalism has made its impact in more ways than one and is regarded more powerful. But it has not been an easy task in bringing such extensive transformation. Perhaps a less thought of aspect, journalism and the media in general is today faced with challenges even greater.
Print media, which holds monopoly in the state, is today more capable of bringing changes and influencing decisions which didn’t exist earlier. The press is more accessible, while views and opinions are of great importance in this domain. Editor of the Angami vernacular Capi, Mhale Kire, said one area which has shown immense improvement is in the area of reporting. Kire said things have improved from covering daily events to focusing on exclusive issues. The print media in particular, he said, has shaped journalist and now more and more people venturing into this profession have a definite flair for writing. Kire reminded that journalism demands perseverance and was glad many people like him have remained loyal to the profession. Kire, who is also the publisher of Capi, nonetheless, pointed out constrains of the print media particularly that of vernacular press.
The press in Nagaland has constantly come under criticism for lack of investigative journalism. It has, however, always been asserted by journalist that they work under certain constrains. But an opinion is formed that the print media has become a watchdog and yields more power to influence decisions.
Senior journalist and former editor of the defunct Naga Hills, Dr. Khashito Aye said changes have emerged substantially from the turn of the 21st century. Appreciative about the strong editorials in local dailies, he said “Earlier editorials were done under dictation of certain people as most newspapers were mouthpieces of political parties.” Having worked during that era, Dr. Aye believes journalism is more expressive now and devoid of yellow journalism.  
The editor of Eastern Mirror, Diethono Nakhro doesn’t argue that the media has evolved, but thinks it is losing its credibility somewhat. Her opinion, though a little deviated from others, is supported by the fact that some newspapers are becoming commercial. Nakhro said if the media wishes to be taken seriously, it also has to take introspect and take a long hard look at itself. But she certainly believes newspapers have moved away from being mere message boards.
The print media despite its limited resources have taken a great leap. Publishers have taken painstaking efforts of making sure that newspapers reach their readers’ doorstep every morning. The government taking notice of the growing demand of readership and size of the newspapers is also making an effort to enhance advertisement rates and timely payments, which is the backbone of survival for newspapers. Hopefully, with more support from the government and the readers, journalism will grow beyond the facades of mere reporting towards greater services to society.