Media's role stressed on Press Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 16 2008: The National Press Day cum One Day Seminar on Government, People and Mass Media Relationship was observed at Manipur Press Club here today.

The function was graced by Information and Public Relations Minister TN Haokip and IPR Commissioner Bharat Singh as chief guest and president respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, TN Haokip highlighted the crucial role of media in Manipur.

He stressed on the importance of media in maintaining effective governance mechanism.

Without an effective media strategy, democracy loses its aesthetic values, he said while noting the role of media as a connecting bridge between the Government and the governed.

Information Minister TN Haokip at the Natl Press Day

In his presidential speech, Bharat observed that it was almost impossible to bring about any development or transformation, socially, economically or politically in the absence of a constructive media.

He also exhorted the media house of the State, both print and electronic to further advance their journalistic acumen and reporting accuracy in a more ethical and professional manner.

During the technical session, retired Indian Information Service, S Mangi spoke on "Strategy for Government, Publicity and Feedback Service and the Role of Media in Governance".

He asserted that economic development, social change and national integration are the basic causes for which media should be utilised in the most constructive manner.

The Hindu and Frontline correspondent Iboyaima Laithangbam presented a paper on "Role of Mass Media in Transforming the Society".

He noted the indispensability of mass media for all those striving for a social or political metamorphosis.

Observing that media in the present context means print and electronic media, he opined that the role of traditional media should not be downplayed or pushed to oblivion.

AIR Imphal Deputy Director BB Sharma spoke on "Ethics in Journalism and their Importance" while DIPR APO (A) A Balkrishna presented a paper on "Traditional Media and their Uses in Manipur".

After a marathon discussion session, the seminar agreed to urge upon the Government to appoint or depute a media/publicity officer or set up a media/information cell in every Department with qualified and trained media professionals.

Another recommendation of the seminar was to appeal to the Government for regular orientation programmes for media professionals.

Publication of a quarterly newsletter highlighting activities and achievements of every Department by the Departments themselves for information to the public and the media was the third recommendation of the seminar.