GANGTOK, 16 Nov: National Press Day was observed at Janta Bhawan today with a special function sponsored by the Information and Public Relation Department and hosted by the Press Club of Sikkim. The day was observed on the theme, “Media as an Institution of Public Accountability”, and had the IPR Minister, CB Karki, as the chief guest.
In divergence from past functions, the observance this time was more casual and relaxed, with journalists taking the stage to recite poems joined by former Secretary, Kiran Rasaily, who serenaded the gathering with an accordion performance. Also present as special guests were winners of the North East Ke Superstar contest, Remanti Rai and Robin Mukhia.
The Positive Journalism Grant of Rs. 10,000 each, instituted by the IPR Department, was also handed out to five journalists today. They are: Hangma Subba [Samay Dainik], Nimsang Dolma [Gangtok], Hari Bhakta Sharma [Nayuma], Prabin Khaling [Telegraph] and Sagar Chettri [NOW].
The IPR Minister, in his address, emphasized the importance of media and encouraged journalists to consistently improve their professionalism by displaying more responsibility and honing their skills.
He also assured to fulfill all pending demands placed by the PCS. He urged the media here to work in tandem with the State Government to fulfill the aspirations of the people.
The IPR Secretary, KS Tobgay, in turn, praised the journalists for their diligence and also commended the improving and increasing number of professional journalists in the State. He also detailed how the Department plans to organize special trainings for journalists and assured that all assistance will be made available to them.
Assistant Professor [Department of Mass Communication, Sikkim University], Manoj Das, invited as a guest speaker, spoke on theme of the day.
“The mediums of public accountability like citizen journalism and social media play a critical role and have become important sources of information in today’s world,” he highlighted and also spoke on related aspects of sting operations as a very powerful media tool.
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks by PCS general secretary, Joseph Lepcha.
Pray tell me, how does the Government of Sikkim define 'Positive Journalism'? Is waxing eloquence about the great achievements of the government 'positive journalism'? Is the Press in Sikkim allowing itself to be suborned in this deplorable manner?
ReplyDeleteThose who know even a bit of journalism will tell you that the term "Positive Journalism" is in itself an oxymoron. The journalists are not supposed to gloss over the blunders of the government and present only what is palatable to it. In other words, they are not expected to be positive. In a place like Sikkim where the civic voice is marked by total absence, it befalls on the media to play the role of a critic. They should not only inform but also enable public opinion to germinate.
Everyone in Sikkim knows that whether it is small string or a big one, the puller is one and the same, always. The rest of the hands- who are actually mandated to be pulling these strings- are too busy, folded as they are in humble Namaste to the great puller.
I think the press should be as independent from the government as possible. If the government insists on awarding journalists, the selectors should all be non-government people.
The 16th November editorial in Sikkim NOW had an unmistakable tone of optimism on how the press in Sikkim seems to be evolving. Don’t you think accepting such 'Positive Journalism' awards is pushing the process back?