Need for investigative journalism stressed

SHILLONG, NOV 16: Investigative, specialization and analytical reporting were issues that the panelists underscored should be part of journalism in Meghalaya besides the usual role of disseminating information and highlighting grievances and other public issues.

These issue were through discussed and debated during the panel discussion on “Transparency in Public Affairs: Role of the Press”, organized as part of the National Press Day celebration on Saturday by the Meghalaya Information and Public Relations-MIPR- and the Shillong Press Club at the Shillong Club.

The panelists include Professor of Sociology in NEHU Dr AK Nongkynrih and Professor of Economics in NEHU Dr Sumarbin Umdor, North East Students’ Organisation, chairman Samuel Jyrwa and Editor of The Shillong Times Patricia Mukhim.

“Transparency does not end with the information,” Dr Umdor said while pointing out though journalism in Meghalaya have actively played its role in disseminating information but felt it still lags in analyzing the information it  provides to the readers.

According to Dr Umdor without proper analysis the information provided becomes baseless. “Analysis of information is important so that the common man can understand the issue in a much better manner,” he said.

Dr Umdor also said that transparency in public affairs is openness and the government willingness to share information which is timely and systematic.

Echoing similar views, NESO chairman Jyrwa said, apart from analysis, what is really needed is investigative journalism on issues of public importance. He said, though the press plays a very important and is always at the  forefront highlighting public grievances but the media still lacks the investigative aspect of the profession.

Jyrwa said there is lot of rooms for improvement.

Jyrwa however said that it cannot be expected that everything will be done by the press and therefore the people, ngos and others  needs to work together with the press and as a responsible citizen also needs to contribute for the well being of the country as a whole.

Dr Nongkynrih was critical of the fact that the media in the state does not give adequate reportage on rural issues or the problems in the border areas.  He said, “The only time the border areas gets attention is when there are some unfortunate incidents.”

Dr Nongkynrih said that the press as the fourth estate has a critical role in modern state. “An active, dynamic and critical press stands for its people especially the common people; a press that compromises its ethics loses its stand” he added.

Meanwhile, Patricia Mukhim felt that most of the journalists are not technical experts and in the process mistakes can sometime takes place. She said,“Being human we are bound to fail and it’s ok ,” adding that information dissemination is very important.

Mukhim felt that those who care should help the press with a lead or a hint for the press to push forward.

Addressing the occasion, Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma said that the media and government are inseparable and the very purpose that we have strong democracy is that we have a reliable and dynamic media in the state.

Sangma said that news report should be reflected in the truest sense without any bias; that the policies and policies being rolled out by the government should be scrutinized and reported, whether good or bad.

Sangma said, “There is a tendency to report more of negative things in our media. If we do not acknowledge the positive things, one cannot be motivated to strive for better things. ” Stressing on the need for free and fair approach in information dissemination, he said that that media reporting that result in government action can be an eye-opener to the people.

At the same time Sangma also acknowledged the challenges faced by the media persons vis-à-vis investigative reporting and said the government must extend support to the press fraternity to overcome the challenges they faced, to organize training programmes for journalists in different fields supported with proper budget and also upscale the multi-tasking job which is being practiced by the city journalists.

Earlier, minister for Information and Public Relations AL Hek, while inaugurating the  session, said that newspaper is considered as the mirror of the society and whatever is reported in the newspapers are regarded as the gospel truth.

In this connection, he said misrepresenting facts and character assassination by some section of the media is  not at all desirable of a healthy and fair press and urged the reporters to verify facts before reporting on issues.

Home minister Roshan Warjri,  who also attended the second session as the guest of honour, stressed on specialization training and capacity building programme for local journalists in order to improve the quality of reporting.- By Our Reporter