Una, November 16 – Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal stated that media credibility is its greatest asset, and maintaining it is a key requirement in today's times. He was presiding over a district-level conference organized by the Information and Public Relations Department in Una on the occasion of National Press Day on Sunday. A seminar on "Preserving the credibility of journalism in an era of misinformation" was held at the conference, where journalists from the district shared their experiences and suggestions.
Congratulating journalists on National Press Day, the Deputy Commissioner said that the media plays a vital role in exposing hidden aspects of society, as well as in social awareness and public welfare. He said that the media is a strong bridge of information between the administration and the public, establishing communication between society and the government. He added that if the media and the administration work in coordination for the public good, the public can benefit substantially and comprehensively.
*Misleading information and 'influencer' culture are concerning*
Jatin Lal said that due to the widespread influence of social media, people often spread unverified or false information in the race to become 'influencers'. At such times, journalists and communicators should act with self-restraint, responsibility, and a sense of fact-finding.
He said that instead of external control, the media needs to have its own internal discipline, self-control, and a mechanism for verifying facts. Whatever information is provided should be meaningful, unbiased, and socially useful.
*Constructive criticism is the foundation of reform*
The Deputy Commissioner said that the district administration welcomes constructive and fact-based criticism, as it is through this that the direction of system improvement is determined. However, criticism should be rational, constructive, and in the public interest.
*Restraint, Truthfulness, and Responsibility on Social Media are Essential*
Referring to the Bulk Drug Park project being implemented in the district, he said it is a project of national importance, under which all guidelines of the Central and State governments, NGT regulations, and environmental standards are being fully followed.
He stated that the district administration has clarified its position on this matter several times, yet some individuals continue to spread misleading information on social media, which is inappropriate.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that the need of the hour is to rise above the anti-development mindset and move towards constructive dialogue and reform. Misinformation can harm society, therefore, maintaining restraint, truthfulness, and responsibility in the use of social media is essential.
*Journalists expressed their views in the discussion*
A meaningful and impactful discussion was held at the district-level conference on "Preserving the credibility of the press amid increasing misinformation." Senior and young journalists shared their experiences and views on the changing media environment, challenges, responsibilities, and journalistic values.
Surinder Sharma, District Incharge of Punjab Kesari and President of Press Club Una, said that while access to information has become easier than ever before, the need for fact-checking has also increased. He explained that the internet, government portals, official documents, and digital verification tools play a crucial role in helping journalists gather accurate and verified information. Therefore, it is every journalist's responsibility to verify all facts, figures, and sources before publishing any news, to prevent the spread of misinformation in society.
Jitendra Kanwar, District Incharge of Divya Himachal and General Secretary of Press Club Una, emphasized the importance of preserving journalistic values. He said that despite limited resources and numerous challenges, journalism continues to fulfill its responsibilities with integrity, transparency, and the public interest as its top priority. He also mentioned the difficulties faced by journalists, but said that the commitment of journalism far outweighs these challenges.
Rajesh Sharma, Senior Correspondent of The Tribune, said that journalists guide society in the process of information exchange. He explained that a journalist's job isn't just to write news, but to convey accurate, precise, and verified information to the public. He added that in today's flood of information, the credibility of journalism can only be maintained if every news is tested on the basis of facts.
Punjab Kesari's senior correspondent, Saroj Modgil, conveyed to the youth that it is essential to thoroughly investigate the source, evidence, and authenticity of any news before publishing it, as a journalist's writing is their true identity.
Anant Gyan's district in-charge, Rajesh Sharma, stated that credible journalism is where news is presented with a sense of public interest and a strong foundation of facts. He added that false news not only misleads society but also impacts the credibility of journalism. Therefore, journalists should always prioritize balanced, factual, and unbiased reporting.
Aapka Faisla Bureau Chief Jeevan Sharma said that a strong society is built on credible journalism. Accurate information, unbiased perspectives, and continuous fact-checking are the foundations that maintain public trust in the media.
Arth Prakash Bureau Chief Rohit Sharma, while sharing his views on social media-related issues, said that social media has become the fastest medium for disseminating information. Its reach has expanded rapidly, and its role in providing timely information to the public has become crucial. Consequently, social media news also needs to be presented responsibly and with verifiable accuracy.
Dr. Randhir Jaswal, Bureau Chief of Ranjay Secular Newspaper, Ranjeet Rana of Dinbhar Media Network, and Kishori Lal Bains, Bureau Chief of Yug Marg, said that journalists have a responsibility to deliver accurate and clear news to society, avoiding any form of misleading information, so that public trust in the media remains intact.
Ganpati Gautam, Punjab Kesari's Haroli correspondent, and Sushil Sharma, Himachal Dastak's Chintpurni correspondent, also emphasized the importance of fact-checking, saying that misleading news creates confusion and tension in society. In such a situation, the responsibility of journalists to not release any information without verification increases even more.
The Deputy Commissioner honored all the journalists at the event.