Deputy Commissioner chairs symposium on changing dynamics of journalism
MANDI: A district-level event was organised at the auditorium of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Mandi on Saturday to mark the National Press Day.
Presided over by Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, the event included a symposium on “Changing Role of the Press”, a theme provided by the Press Council of India. The gathering featured insights from senior journalists representing local newspapers and media houses.
In his address, DC Devgan underlined the press as an essential pillar of democracy. From the Independence movement to the present day, he noted that journalism had been instrumental in the nation’s progress, contributing significantly to the preservation of Indian values.
He congratulated journalists on their achievements and emphasised the need to uphold journalistic principles amidst modern challenges.
Media’s evolving role in digital era
DC evgan highlighted the media’s critical responsibility in delivering factual information in an age of misinformation and disinformation. He urged journalists to navigate these challenges with vigilance, noting that while truth is singular, it often appears complex. “Only through responsible and fact-based reporting can the press maintain its credibility,” he remarked.
Senior journalist Murari Sharma reflected on the evolution of journalism, from its mission-driven roots during the freedom struggle to the challenges posed by increasing commercialisation. He emphasised that today’s media faces a dual challenge of upholding credibility while adapting to technological advancements.
Dharam Prakash Gupta, a senior journalist and chief speaker, pointed out that journalism’s greatest challenge lied in balancing the need for speed while maintaining reliability. He urged the press to strengthen editorial practices and ensure news retained its value.
Senior journalist Munish Sood of The Newz Radar highlighted the transition in how people consume news. He noted that traditional mediums like TV, radio and select newspapers were once the primary sources of information. However, with the increasing use of digital media, the landscape has shifted significantly.
He pointed out that the advent of artificial intelligence and data journalism had introduced new challenges, such as focusing on trending news instead of addressing core issues. Sood emphasised the need for journalism to return to its foundational principles of impartiality and neutrality, even in the face of these technological advancements.
Adapting to change without losing integrity
Several speakers noted the transformative impact of digital media. Roop Upadhyay emphasised the growing dominance of online platforms and the associated challenge of delivering accurate, fact-based news in the age of social media.
Ankush Sood highlighted how the post-Covid era had pushed print media toward digital adoption while Munish Sood warned of the risks posed by trending news cycles overshadowing core issues.
Senior journalist Mahesh Sharma stressed the importance of moving beyond the “speed news” mindset to focus on authenticity and accuracy. Meanwhile, Khemchand Shastri urged journalists to embrace societal changes while adhering to the high values of their profession.
Call for journalist safety, editorial independence
Speakers also raised concerns about journalists’ safety and the need for institutions to take serious measures for their protection. The importance of editorial independence and strengthening the role of editors in newsrooms was another recurring theme.
Cultural highlights and attendance
The event featured cultural performances by Pushpraj Sandhu, who recited a ghazal, and Munish Sood, who captivated the audience with his songs.
Among the attendees were Additional Deputy Commissioner Rohit Rathore, Additional District Magistrate Madan Kumar, District Development Officer Gopichand Pathak and representatives from various media organisations in Mandi.
