Adhere to fundamentals of journalism to regain public trust: N Ram

Panelists N Ram (second left), Director of THG Publishing Private Ltd, The Hindu Group; Pratik Sinha, Founder of Alt News; Syeda Faiza, Digital Editor of The Siasat Daily; and moderator Uma Sudhir, Former Executive Editor of NDTV, speak on the topic 'Trust Deficit in Media: Can the Indian Media Regain Public Confidence?' during the Federation of Press Clubs National Conclave in Hyderabad
| Photo Credit:
NAGARA GOPAL

 Adherence to the fundamentals of journalism, including ground reporting, an investigative approach, long-form journalism and explanatory writing will help the media regain public trust, according to eminent journalist and Director, The Hindu Group N Ram.

Speaking at a panel discussion at the National Conclave of the Federation of Press Clubs held here on Sunday, Ram said the need for transparent codes of conduct for journalists, independent self-regulation and a statutory framework for regulation.

Calling for self-regulation in the media organisations, Ram said self-regulatory mechanisms should comprise journalists and respected media personalities, rather than serving editors or proprietors. 

He also suggested that codes of conduct should have the backing of legislation enacted by Parliament. Appointing  a news ombudsman could help maintain journalistic standards and restore public trust in the media.

He said the rise of digital platforms and YouTube channels would not replace conventional journalistic practices. Instead, the media needed to return to the basic principles of reporting in the digital era.

“Investigative journalism is forte of print journalism. Long-form writing, data reporting and explanatory reports could help the print media strengthen its credibility,” he said.

He also expressed concern over the impact of media ownership on journalistic standards and advocated reader-funded models of journalism. 

He cited successful news platforms, including Alt News and The Wire, as examples of alternative models.

Ram also called for media literacy to be introduced in school curricula at the middle or secondary level to help students understand and critically evaluate news and information.

Another panellist, Pratik Sinha, the co-founder and Editor at Alt News, said there was a need to develop new economic models for journalism involving both journalists and readers. “We need to use open-source software that helps run media organisations,” he said, while cautioning against excessive dependence on big technology companies. Digital Desk Editor of The Siasat Daily, Syeda Faiza Kirmani, said print media continued to play an important role by providing in-depth and accurate information. The panellists, participants and moderator Uma Sudhir also discussed the growing spread of misinformation and deliberate disinformation, particularly by vested interests, political organisations and communal groups.

Some participants expressed concern over the low wages paid to media professionals, and high fees at the media training colleges and its impact on the quality and sustainability of journalism.

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