By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) in collaboration with ICARE and supported by JM Foundation for Excellence in Journalism, Mumbai organised a one-day workshop on journalism here on Thursday.
The second panel discussion, was on, “Media ownership: the challenge of staying neutral” drew greater attention with owners of prominent media houses of the State airing their views on issues ailing the media-fraternity here.
The panelists, Manas Chaudhuri (MLA, MD The Shillong Times), Paul Lyngdoh (MLA), David Laitphlang (president, Shillong Press Club), BR Blah (proprietor, director, U Peitngor Cable News) and KK Jhunjhunwala (Editor, publisher, Eastern Panorama) aired their views on issues ranging from low wages of journalists to challenges faced by media houses in terms of revenue generation etc.
The discussion took an interesting and humorous turn when David Laitphlang demanded better wages for journalists as he said, “Paying peanuts would only get monkeys,” while commenting on the lower standards of coverage on various issues.
Reacting to the query, Manas Chaudhuri lamented the dearth of quality man power in the State while addressing the limitations media houses face in terms of revenue generation which eventually decides the wages of the people employed with them.
Politicians owning media houses and its impact on the final output of the organisations concerned, was another topic that was debated upon with Shishir Joshi quizzing the panelists on the issue.
Others who participated in the workshop included Dr Shakil Ahammad, Director of Information and Public Relations who presented a paper on Government, governance and media – should the triad meet?
Former Home Minister RG Lyngdoh and presently CEO, LIFCOM, MRDS spoke about media and politics – strange bedfellows or cozy partners.
