National Press Day held

SHILLONG: National Press Day was observed in the state with talks and discussions on the challenges before the media: press and elections which touched on issues of politics and giving correct information to the masses thereof at a programme held at Shillong Club on Thursday.  The Chief Electoral Officer, Frederick Kharkongor, Iftikhar Gilani, Editor, Strategic Affairs, DNA and former Home Minister and Martin Luther Christian University Vice Chancellor, RG Lyngdoh spoke on the occasion and disseminate their views about journalism.Giving his views on politics, Lyngdoh said that people are moving away from personality politics especially the youth and are looking at teams that can deliver. According to him, he observed that media is too kind as there were times that the media hits out on a certain issue but it stops short with no follow up.”Media should investigate properly and not to appeal to emotions,” he said.Meanwhile, Gilani, spoke on the issue of elections, said, “Reporters should be the watchdog and see as to what the participants are doing.” Pointing to the nature of the reporters when they are in the field, he said that reporters should be like doctors in the operation theater.He stated that the challenge before reporters is to reach out to a cross section of people and get their views.On the other hand, Kharkongor said that reports should be based on facts, “Not to misinform the public but to inform which will then lead to reform.”