DIBRUGARH, Nov 9 - Media houses must ensure that their reporters are educated and properly trained in journalism to adapt with the ever changing journalistic practices of the era. The advancements of media technology, creativity and the cut throat competitions within the media industry have made journalism tough and complicated for media persons. Today journalists face more challenges than the yesteryears.
Therefore it is essential that reporters possess all the virtues and qualities of a journalist to disseminate the truth correctly and objectively. This was stated by Lohit Deka, an eminent journalist and programme head of All India Radio station here during a meeting organised as part of the golden jubilee year celebration of the vernacular daily � Danik Asam of The Assam Tribune Group of Newspapers at Amolapatty here yesterday. Deka was the appointed speaker for the programme. Deka further pointed out that lack of proper education and training of vast number of reporters in the State was causing harm to the society.
The new generation media persons in particular who lack proper training in the field has failed to do justice to the profession. Most often elements of authenticity, honesty, rationality and truth are not traceable in the news reports, he said. The meeting presided over by educationist Bhimkanta Konwar was attended mostly by the readers, senior citizens, newspaper agents, local media fraternity and the elite of the city. Dr Alak Kumar Buragohain, the Vice Chancellor of Dibrugarh University attended the function as the chief guest. The Vice Chancellor in his speech showered praise on The Assam Tribune Group of Newspapers for maintaining high standards in terms of credibility. �I have been reading both the Dainik Asam and The Assam Tribune since my childhood days and I find that both the news dailies have able to uphold media ethics,� he said. The Vice Chancellor also suggested establishing a Mass Communication Institute in the name of Dr Bhupen Hazarika. He said that the State Government must take initiative to produce qualified media persons from such institutes.
Dr Ratan Kotoky, Professor of Assam Medical College and Hospital and senior advocate Jogendra Natha Bora who were the distinguished guests at the meeting also addressed the gathering. Both the speakers while pointing out certain ill influence of media said that news which is useful to the society must be preferred for dissemination.Advocate Bora expressed hope that Dainik Asam would be a role model for all others.
Noted writer Dr Nagen Saikia, who attended the meeting, led the ceremony of paying tributes before a portrait of RG Baruah. In his speech, he recalled how RG would go to any length for the cause of sport and culture, and the obstacles he took in his stride to establish The Assam Tribune and Dainik Asam newspapers.
