Dimapur, November 16 (MExN/DIPR): The National Press Day was commemorated in Kohima today under the theme “Media as Instrument of Public Accountability” at the Kohima Press Club building. Chief Information Commissioner, Nagaland, Lalhuma graced the day as the chief guest. Lalhuma dwelt on the role of media in the implementation of RTI and observed that one needs to be conversant with the Act and provisions to use RTI as an effective tool.
Along Longkumer, Editor, The Morung Express, speaking on the theme said that the Press is the fourth pillar of democracy after the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. He said the Press has to demand accountability from the three wings of the government, and it should be a watchdog over the government and remain vigilant against abuse of power.
Longkumer said however, that the bigger question is whether the Press as the fourth pillar of democracy is living up to its role. He said that people in the media must go in for self introspection; see where they are going wrong and make corrections. He said it is important if the media is to be a powerful instrument for public accountability.
Longkumer also elaborated on the ethics of journalism; the system of paid news and pointing out that if the media wants to be instrument of public accountability, it must be first accountable itself. He also viewed that journalist needs to have a mind of their own to probe and to dig out the truth as they are considered the voice of the people. He also reminded that there are endless possibilities for the media to demand accountability for those holding public offices by using the best use of RTI. Terming a strong and vibrant media as an asset for the society, he called upon the media to play pro active role in being instrument of accountability.
Also shedding light on the upheavals taking place in the present system, Longkumer pointed out that lack of accountability is at the heart of our current problem and felt the need to resolve moral resolve, adding that at the end of the day, accountability is about personal action. “Media must educate the people on the values of honesty, hard work, transparency and understand that wrong action cannot be brought into account, if one do not have the necessary cheques and balances”, he further said.
Besides the media fraternity, Commissioner & Secretary IPR, M.K. Mero, Director and staff of IPR, AIR, DDK attended the National Press Day organized by the President and member KPC and Director and Officers of the Directorate of IPR, Nagaland, Kohima.
Along Longkumer, Editor, The Morung Express, speaking on the theme said that the Press is the fourth pillar of democracy after the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. He said the Press has to demand accountability from the three wings of the government, and it should be a watchdog over the government and remain vigilant against abuse of power.
Longkumer said however, that the bigger question is whether the Press as the fourth pillar of democracy is living up to its role. He said that people in the media must go in for self introspection; see where they are going wrong and make corrections. He said it is important if the media is to be a powerful instrument for public accountability.
Longkumer also elaborated on the ethics of journalism; the system of paid news and pointing out that if the media wants to be instrument of public accountability, it must be first accountable itself. He also viewed that journalist needs to have a mind of their own to probe and to dig out the truth as they are considered the voice of the people. He also reminded that there are endless possibilities for the media to demand accountability for those holding public offices by using the best use of RTI. Terming a strong and vibrant media as an asset for the society, he called upon the media to play pro active role in being instrument of accountability.
Also shedding light on the upheavals taking place in the present system, Longkumer pointed out that lack of accountability is at the heart of our current problem and felt the need to resolve moral resolve, adding that at the end of the day, accountability is about personal action. “Media must educate the people on the values of honesty, hard work, transparency and understand that wrong action cannot be brought into account, if one do not have the necessary cheques and balances”, he further said.
Besides the media fraternity, Commissioner & Secretary IPR, M.K. Mero, Director and staff of IPR, AIR, DDK attended the National Press Day organized by the President and member KPC and Director and Officers of the Directorate of IPR, Nagaland, Kohima.
