Adapt journalism to a digital-driven news landscape

November 17, 2024 3 Views No Comment

Morung Express news
Kohima | November 17

The news landscape, driven largely by information technology, has made a paradigm shift in recent years. According to Professor GT Thong, it has had a profound impact on journalism, emphasising the need to adapt to the fast-paced, digital-driven world.

Prof Thong, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, Meriema, was speaking at the annual National Press Day celebration, 2024, organised by the Kohima Press Club, in Kohima on November 16.

Thong noted key changes: the speed and accessibility of information; the rise of multimedia content; and the increased interactivity enabled by globalisation and social media. He observed that the traditional model of meticulous news gathering, verification and editing has been replaced by a faster, more immediate approach, where social media posts can quickly become breaking news stories. This speed, however, introduces risks, implying journalists relying on potentially unreliable sources, leading to inaccurate reporting, he added.

While online platforms expand reach through text, photos, videos, and graphics, they also present challenges. The free flow of information can be manipulated, with incomplete or inaccurate information easily disseminated. Thong expressed concern over the lack of professionalism among untrained individuals using social media, potentially causing social unrest. He also pointed to the rise of “ideological echo chambers” online, leading to political polarisation and fragmentation.

Conversely, social media has democratised content creation, broadening the definition of a media professional and fostering greater audience interaction. However, this also introduces risks, particularly with the rise of freelance journalists and influencers who may prioritise personal gain over journalistic ethics. The increasing prevalence of podcasts, often featuring personalised or paid content, further complicates the landscape.

Thong also addressed the expectation of free news stemming from the readily available information online, forcing news providers to develop innovative revenue models. He highlighted the difficulty of preventing political manipulation on social media platforms, where narratives can override ethical journalistic practices. The proliferation of fake news and misinformation threatens free speech as individuals increasingly access information aligning with their pre-existing biases. He stressed the crucial need for responsible journalism, and the dissemination of fair, accurate and unbiased information, while upholding journalistic standards and transparency.

The celebration also included the conferring of the KPC Impact Journalism Award 2024 to Imti Longchar, of The Morung Express, and the presentation of KPC NBOCWWB completion certificates. .