ITANAGAR, 30 Jul: The 4th edition of the AEDMA Conclave, organised by the Arunachal Electronic and Digital Media Association (AEDMA) on the occasion of its 14th foundation day, concluded on Wednesday with three engaging panel discussions on contemporary media issues under the theme ‘Empowering Change through Information’ at the state banquet hall here.
Addressing the inaugural session, Information and Public Relations Minister Nyato Dukam called upon electronic and digital media professionals to uphold ethical journalism with sincerity, discipline and responsibility while adapting to rapid technological advancements.
He said the media plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability, particularly when government schemes fail to reach intended beneficiaries. Emphasising on constructive coordination between the government and the media, Dukam urged journalists to point out shortcomings and provide meaningful suggestions to improve governance and the implementation of welfare programmes.
Expressing concern over the rise of unregulated mobile-based journalism, the minister observed that individuals with no journalistic background are increasingly affecting professional journalism, and reiterated the need to preserve professional standards in the media sector.
The first session, moderated by Capital News’ News Head Theim Lhouvum, was held on the topic ‘Digital Media & Citizen Empowerment: Who Shapes the Narrative in the Information Age?’ The panellists included Itanagar Capital Range DIGP Tumme Amo, Arunachal Press Club President Amar Sangno, and Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front chairman Tadak Nalo.
Speaking during the session, Sangno urged journalists to focus on quality reporting and avoid sensationalism and hyperbolic presentation of news.
“Every journalist must adhere to media ethics and should not resort to distorted information,” he said.
DIGP Amo advised media professionals to verify facts before placing information in the public domain, and cautioned against being influenced or misled by “vested interests.” He appreciated the role of journalists in the state and said that every report should be authentic, accurate and free from bias.
Nalo also underscored the responsibility of journalists, stating that information disseminated to readers and viewers must remain factual, impartial and credible.
The second session, moderated by The Space’ Managing Director Allison Welly, discussed ‘Empowering Arunachal through Information: Bridging Knowledge, Opportunity and Development’. The panellists were Koloriang SDO Nangram Pingkap, NIT Jote Assistant Professor Biri Arun, and APCC vice president Mina Toko.
The session focused on how information technology and digital media can be effectively utilised for governance, dissemination of knowledge, skill development and creation of opportunities across Arunachal Pradesh.
The third session, moderated by Arunbhoomi Managing Director Takam Sonia, with the topic ‘Media Freedom and Responsibility: Reporting without Fear or Favour’ had The Arunachal Times Associate Editor Bengia Ajum as the panellist. The session witnessed detailed discussions on fearless, impartial and professional journalism, as well as the ethical standards expected from emerging digital media practitioners in the state.
Earlier, during the inaugural session, AEDMA President Jotam Toko Tagam placed a proposal before the IPR minister for the establishment of a dedicated institute for mass media excellence, particularly for video journalists with masscom degree.
In response, Dukam assured that a meeting would be convened to discuss the proposal in detail.
A commemorative journal documenting 14 years of the AEDMA’s journey, along with articles on evolving media trends in Arunachal, was also released during the inaugural session.
The conclave concluded with a renewed call for responsible digital reporting, constructive engagement with governance, and strengthening of professional standards in Arunachal’s media landscape.
