tiol Press Day observed in a different way

From Our Special Correspondent

Silchar, Nov 16: tiol Press Day organized by Jasanyog and Inland Water Transport Department in collaboration with Silchar Press Club was observed on Thursday on a decorated barge with media-persons and officials while cruising on river Barak. It was no doubt a totally different taste for the jourlists, both from the print and electronic media. The function presided over by Mahua Choudhury, a senior most jourlist, was graced by Dr. Aninda Sen as chief speaker as well as attended by Hitabrata Roy, scientist and engineer, while Madhumita Choudhury, district development commissioner, represented the administration.

 At the outset, Deba Prasad Deori, regiol publicity and information officer, welcomed the media-persons. Dr. Aninda Sen, professor, department of mass communication, Assam University, in fact, gave an overall view of the performance of media and media-persons, both print and electronic. According to him, media today is abound with fake and false news spreading misinformation. There is no attempt at investigation and a sort of unhealthy competition goes on among the jourlists to file report without verification. The date line fixed by the magement for filing a report often puts a reporter in a tight situation.

 The prime concern for him is to file his report without giving a second thought that any misinformation will do more harm than can be expected. Aninda Sen gave the message that the media today is losing credibility and for that both the magement and the reporters are responsible. Most unfortute, the magement is for business without adhering to the ethics of social responsibility. Other areas that have come as challenge before the media, as pointed out by a host of jourlists, are hard pressed assignments and low remuneration. Most of the jourlists have come to this profession as it suits their mindset and also with the desire to do something better for society.

 But ultimately, they are disappointed as they have no future prospects for better pay and facilities. Moreover, jourlists while covering sensitive issues often feel insecure which hampers their normal discharge of duties. In the absence of security, daring media persons become reluctant to take the risk to expose scams, scandals and corruptions. Veteran jourlist and columnist as well as a well known litterateur and writer, Atin Das, did agree that in jourlism, seriousness has taken a back seat. It also raises question about the honesty and integrity of a jourlist which is so essential to uphold the three principles of being free, fair and fearless. Sat Kairi, senior jourlist, also gave forth his views on the topic slated for the day.