Digital Journalism Awards handed out
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, January 29 2026: Digital media must prioritize fact-based reporting, said Ahanthem Subash, Director, Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) at the 1st Manipur Digital Media Conclave 2026 & Digital Journalism Awards 2026 held today at Sangai Hall, Hotel Imphal.

Organised by Manipur Update, the 1st Digital Journalism Awards 2026 were presented across five categories at the event.

Vangamla Salle of East Mojo was named Digital Journalist of the Year; Promising Digital Journalist Award went to Naorem Tanoranjan of Ichel News Network; Distinguished Service in Digital Journalism Award was presented to Sobhapati Samom, senior journalist and founding Editor, Manipur Update; Best Credible Digital Media Page/Channel Award was given to Wari Singbul; and Rebika Moirangthem of HY News received the Jury's Choice Digital Journalism Award. The event organised under the theme "Beyond Silence" was graced by Ngangom Uttam Singh, Joint Secretary, Tribal Affairs & Hills, Manipur and Asem Bhakta Singh, president, All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) .

Speaking on the occasion, Ahanthem Subash highlighted the influence of digital media in shaping public perception and the challenges of producing responsible content in the digital age.

He urged digital journalists to focus on fact-based reporting, warning against the dangers of misinformation and the pursuit of monetization over credibility.

"Digital journalists should use the power available to them to produce genuine reporting and disseminate fact-based news, rather than working solely for likes or views on social media platforms", he added.

He stressed that independent journalism is vital now more than ever, as paid news spreads like wildfire, and journalists must step up to filter fact from fiction and keep news credible.

He also highlighted how unverified reports can wreck reputations and mental health, leaving a trail of damage in their wake.

Further, the DIPR Director suggested introducing a Journalism Award for coverage of beneficial Government schemes to promote awareness.

Meanwhile, Sobhapati Samom reminisced about the Manipur Update's humble beginning as a magazine, recalling how it adapted to the rise of television and later, the internet, which threatened to make radio and print media relics of the past.

Ngangom Uttam highlighted social media's growing influence, noting that it is now a primary source of information for many and cautioned against the devastating effects of unverified news.

The conclave featured technical sessions on "Paradigm Shift from Traditional Media to New Media" by Pradip Phanjoubam, Editor, Imphal Review of Arts & Politics; and "Role of Digital Media in Conflict and Peace Building" by Dhiren A Sadokpam, Editor-in-Chief, The Frontier Manipur.

Senior editor and jury member Irengbam Arun, along with senior journalists, reporters, and representatives from various print media and digital media platforms, were also present at the event.

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