Media’s Credibility Is Its Greatest Strength, Say Experts at National Press Day Seminar

Raipur, November 16

Emphasizing that credibility remains the backbone of journalism, the Directorate of Public Relations on Sunday hosted a seminar to mark National Press Day, bringing together editors, senior journalists and officials to deliberate on the challenges posed by misinformation and the evolving media ecosystem.

Senior Editor Mr Jaiprakash Mishra warned that individuals seeking to protect vested interests often circulate misleading content, which gains traction through algorithmic boosts and misleads readers into accepting it as truth. Citing the example of the Delhi Metro, he recalled how Mr E. Sreedharan during his service tenure as a Managing Director in Delhi Metro Rail Corporation would immediately issue clear, factual updates—including estimated repair timelines—whenever technical glitches occurred. This authentic, high-quality information when released promptly stopped the misinformation from its circulation.

Senior Editor Mr Ravi Bhoi underscored that truth must remain non-negotiable in journalism. He stressed that news should only be published after due verification, even if it means taking more time. Editor Mr A N Dwivedi called for extreme seriousness and responsibility while disseminating information, noting that even a minor error can trigger major consequences. Senior journalist Mr Ashok Sahu added that when credibility remains central to journalism, misinformation finds no space to spread.

Addressing the gathering, Additional Director Mr Umesh Mishra said media credibility is a pillar of democracy and must be upheld at all costs, especially amid rapid technological shifts that amplify misinformation. Additional Director Mr Alok Dev reiterated that the media’s greatest strength lies in its credibility, adding that the press does more than deliver news—it guides society, clears doubts and builds trust. Deputy Director Mr Saurabh Sharma highlighted that in the era of AI and algorithms, misinformation spreads swiftly, making verification imperative before sharing any information.

Several others, including Mr Arvind Mishra, shared their perspectives at the seminar. The event saw the participation of a large number of officials from the Public Relations Department and media representatives.