Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Nagaland University, observed National Press Day 2025.
Lumami, November 17 (MExN): The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Nagaland University, observed National Press Day 2025, focusing on the theme “Ethical Journalism and Media’s Impact in the Emerging New World Order.”
Prof Jagadish K Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of the university, presided as the chief guest, with journalists Kallol Dey and Sarah Konyak were the theme speakers, a press release stated here.
In his address, Prof Patnaik underscored the media’s pivotal role in India’s freedom movement and its enduring importance in a democratic framework. He questioned the stability of the “new world order,” suggesting “disorder” might be a more apt description amid global power shifts.
Expressing concern over media’s perceived subservience to political and corporate influences, he stressed objectivity as the core ethical foundation of journalism.
“Media owes nothing to anyone except its own ethics,” Prof Patnaik stated, urging students to critically analyze media content and prioritise developmental issues over sensationalism.
Theme speaker Kallol Dey highlighted the modern-day tension between speed and accuracy in journalism. He cautioned that manipulated videos and misinformation could incite unrest and skew political discourse. Drawing from his experience in Nagaland, he outlined unique ethical challenges, including tribal pressures, and advocated for accuracy over the race to break news.
The second theme speaker, Sarah Konyak, described the ethical journalist as a “compass” in an age of fragmented information. While acknowledging that the digital era empowers marginalised voices, she warned it also fuels misinformation and echo chambers. She emphasised the journalist’s duty to verify information, maintain independence from political pressure, and navigate the challenges posed by technology and Artificial Intelligence.
The event was chaired by Dr Wapangsungla Longkumer. A welcome address was delivered by Dr Arjun Das, and Dr Zeet Nawaz Thouba proposed the vote of thanks.
