Media urged to act as public bridge amid rising misinformation threats
Shimla, Nov 16,
Speakers at the State-level National Press Day function in Shimla on Sunday underlined that the media’s foremost responsibility today is to act as a credible bridge between the government and the public, especially at a time when misinformation is spreading at unprecedented speed through digital platforms.
Presiding over the event, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani said that a transparent and responsible press is vital for keeping democracy vibrant. He noted that the media plays a key role in communicating public concerns to the administration and ensuring that the voices of marginalised sections are heard. In an era dominated by artificial intelligence, deepfakes and fast-moving content, he said the challenge of distinguishing truth from falsehood has multiplied, making the media’s role even more crucial.
Dharmani said the State government, under Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has launched several welfare policies and public-interest schemes. He emphasised that it is the responsibility of journalists to disseminate accurate information about such initiatives so that beneficiaries can make use of them.
Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister, Naresh Chauhan, reinforced this, stating that the media must act as a two-way channel—conveying government programmes to people while simultaneously bringing public feedback back to policymakers. Fact-based reporting and regular self-assessment, he said, are essential to maintain credibility in the current information environment.
Professor Shashikant Sharma of Himachal Pradesh University, speaking on rising misinformation, said that excessive competition to break news has undermined trust in journalism. He highlighted the global shift toward “slow news,” which prioritises accuracy and context over speed. Technology, he said, must be used to ensure factual information reaches audiences, and renewed focus should be placed on investigative journalism.
Chief Editor of Hillpost, Ravindra Makhaik, warned that the weaponisation of information and rapid circulation of fake news through social media pose a serious threat to society. As the nature of journalism evolves, he said, media professionals must verify information carefully and uphold journalistic values to protect public trust.
Senior journalists P.C. Lohumi and Ashwani Sharma stressed that credibility stems from strong character, impartiality and presenting both sides of a story. They said journalists should speak fearlessly and without bias.
Director, Information and Public Relations, Rajiv Kumar, welcomed and honoured the speakers and extended greetings to the media fraternity on National Press Day. Representatives from various media organisations and journalism students were also present.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.