SEPPA, Nov 11: The need for responsible journalism, professional ethics and a clear distinction between journalism and activism came into focus during the second Foundation Day celebration of the Seppa Press Club, held at Nyedar Namlo Hall here on Tuesday.
A media workshop on the theme “Understanding the Rights, Roles and Responsibilities of Both Media and the Public” was organised as part of the celebration.
Addressing the gathering as resource person, Dahey Sangno, CEO of Smart City, Itanagar and a former journalist, urged media professionals to maintain a clear distinction between journalism and activism, saying that mixing the two roles could undermine the credibility of the profession.
“Morning journalism and evening activism are incompatible. As a journalist, one cannot pursue both roles simultaneously; one must choose a path at a time,” he said, expressing concern that the public was increasingly confused about who was a journalist and who was an activist.
Sangno urged journalists to focus on issues affecting society rather than prioritising paid news, and called for greater attention to rural journalism, where many pressing public concerns often remain underreported.
Emphasising the importance of professional fundamentals, he said language and communication skills, along with a strong reading habit, were essential for journalists. "Today, with the help of a mobile phone, anybody can become a journalist. But journalism is not everyone’s cup of tea. One may have chosen journalism for whatever reason, but it is journalism which will choose you in the long run," he said.
He also called upon the public to exercise their rights responsibly and advised journalists to exercise caution while reporting on sensitive matters. Referring to the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech and expression, he said the right was not absolute and that unsubstantiated allegations or attempts to tarnish someone's reputation could invite legal consequences.
Arunachal Press Club president Amar Sangno said the media needed to introspect on its conduct and responsibilities. He cautioned against emotionally driven reporting and said journalists should remain guided by professional principles.
“Journalists are no longer playing their role of gatekeeping; instead, they are becoming the players. And this is a dangerous trend,” he said, observing that the media often created heroes and villains overnight.
Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) president Dodum Yangfo stressed the need for journalists to maintain the dignity and credibility of the profession. He said the way journalism was practised today was affecting its public image and urged media personnel to learn from experienced journalists.
Referring to Dahey Sangno, the APUWJ president said East Kameng district had produced a significant number of journalists in the state and urged local media professionals to take pride in the legacy and follow in the footsteps of their seniors.
SPC president Sime Lochung highlighted the press club's journey and its activities since its establishment.
Representatives of the East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organisation, East Kameng Christian Forum, East Kameng Middle Zone Students Union, STCDC and All East Kameng Youth Forum attended the programme.