
A Testament to Resilience and the Fragility of Modern Media
Dipak Kurmi
Nagaland Page, a revered English daily of Nagaland, officially announced its closure (on January 7, 2025) after over 25 years of unwavering service to journalism. This heartfelt announcement was made by the paper’s founder-editor, Monalisa Changkija, at her residence, marking the end of an era in Nagaland’s media history. It was a decision borne of necessity rather than desire, influenced by financial instability and personal health challenges. For readers in Nagaland and the broader Northeastern region, the closure resonates deeply, highlighting the fragile state of traditional media in the 21st century.
The End of a Storied Journey
Nagaland Page first appeared on the media landscape in May 1999 as the state’s second English daily, following Nagaland Post.
Over the years, it became synonymous with bold, independent journalism, addressing issues that mattered most to the people of Nagaland. In its 25th-anniversary edition, published on May 29, 2024, Nagaland Page celebrated its journey of truth-telling and resilience. However, just months later, its final issue was published on December 21, 2024.
The decision to fold the publication was not made lightly. Changkija recalled how the paper had faced financial instability from its inception. Nevertheless, her love for journalism and commitment to the community sustained the venture for over two decades. Acknowledging her personal health concerns and the toll of managing a newspaper for nearly 40 years, she emphasized that the closure was an unavoidable reality.
Changkija’s announcement carried an air of poignant finality, tempered by a sense of hope. While she had stepped down as editor, she affirmed her identity as the founder-editor and her commitment to journalism. She intends to focus on her columns, poetry, and essays, signaling her enduring dedication to the written word.
A Void in the Northeastern Media Landscape
The closure of Nagaland Page has left a significant void in the media landscape of Nagaland and the broader Northeastern region. For over two decades, the paper served as a trusted source of news and a platform for discourse on local issues. Its independent stance, fearless reporting, and commitment to integrity earned it a loyal readership.
For the readers of the Northeastern region, the absence of Nagaland Page symbolizes more than the loss of a newspaper; it represents the diminishing space for independent and localized journalism. In an era where mainstream media often overlooks the nuanced realities of the region, publications like Nagaland Page provided a vital lifeline. Its closure underscores the challenges faced by small and independent media houses in sustaining operations amid financial constraints and the rise of digital media.
The Larger Implications of a Newspaper’s Closure in the 21st Century
The closure of Nagaland Page is emblematic of a broader crisis engulfing traditional print media globally. In the 21st century, the decline of newspapers reflects shifting consumer habits, technological advancements, and the relentless march of digital media. While the immediacy and accessibility of online platforms have revolutionized the way information is consumed, they have also rendered the traditional newspaper model increasingly untenable.
In India, the National Family Health Survey data reveals a sharp decline in newspaper readership over the years, with the younger generation turning to social media, YouTube, and Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms for news. This trend is exacerbated in regions like the Northeast, where economic challenges and logistical hurdles further undermine the viability of print media.
The closure of a newspaper house signals not only a shift in the media ecosystem but also a potential erosion of the cultural and intellectual fabric of society. Newspapers have historically served as custodians of public discourse, platforms for accountability, and repositories of collective memory. Their decline raises pressing questions about the future of informed citizenry and the preservation of local narratives.
Impact on Northeastern Readers
For readers in the Northeastern region, the loss of Nagaland Page represents a narrowing of perspectives and a diminished platform for their voices. The region, already underrepresented in national media narratives, relies heavily on local publications to highlight its unique challenges and achievements. The closure of Nagaland Page further limits the diversity of perspectives available to readers, creating a void that may not be easily filled.
Additionally, the closure underscores the vulnerability of regional languages and cultures in an increasingly homogenized media landscape. While Nagaland Page published in English, it played a crucial role in reflecting the socio-cultural realities of Nagaland. Its absence may accelerate the marginalization of local issues in favor of national or global narratives, leaving readers disconnected from their immediate realities.
A Call for Reflection and Action
The demise of Nagaland Page is a wake-up call for stakeholders in the media industry, government, and civil society. It highlights the urgent need for innovative approaches to sustain regional journalism in the digital age.
For regional publications, the path forward lies in embracing digital transformation and diversifying revenue streams. While the transition to online platforms presents its own set of challenges, it also offers opportunities to reach a broader audience and engage younger readers. Investment in technology, training, and infrastructure will be crucial in this endeavor.
At the same time, policymakers must recognize the critical role of regional media in fostering informed and engaged communities. Financial support, subsidies, and policy interventions can help create an enabling environment for independent journalism to thrive.
Finally, readers themselves must play an active role in supporting local publications. Subscribing to newspapers, engaging with their content, and advocating for their value are small but significant steps toward ensuring their survival.
The Legacy of Nagaland Page
As Nagaland Page closes its final chapter, its legacy remains a testament to the power of journalism to inspire, inform, and empower. For Monalisa Changkija, this transition marks not an end but a new beginning. Her decision to refocus on her writing reflects a deep understanding of the evolving role of a journalist in the 21st century.
For the readers and communities it served, Nagaland Page will be remembered not just as a newspaper but as a voice that stood for integrity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Nagaland. Its closure challenges us to reflect on the value we place on independent journalism and the actions we must take to ensure its survival in an ever-changing world.
A passionate columnist, insightful writer, and dedicated policy analyst, Dipak Kurmi serves as the Sub-Editor for a prominent daily newspaper based in Assam. The writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com