Misinformation, fake news major challenges for mainstream media: SP

Misinformation and fake news are major challenges for the mainstream media in the present times, said SP Bagat Singh Thakur while speaking at a National Press Day function here yesterday. The Information and Public Relations Department organised a symposium while a discussion centered on this year’s National Press Day theme set by the Press Council of India, “Preserving the Credibility of the Press in the Era of Increasing Misinformation”, was also held.

The SP extended greetings to the print and electronic media journalists and said that the theme chosen for this year was relevant in the current scenario. He added that though the era of information technology had brought unprecedented speed to the flow and exchange of information, it had also given rise to several new challenges. He expressed concern over the surge of misleading information and fake news that continued to flow on social media platforms.

Thakur said that in this age of misinformation, fake news and intense competition, maintaining credibility among the public had become a significant challenge for the mainstream media. “Despite these challenges, the mainstream media has largely succeeded in upholding its credibility,” he added.

He cited a recent example to praise the media for its responsible and fact-based reporting on the brutal murder case that had occurred near Salasi. He commended local journalists for adhering to legal boundaries and maintaining restraint in their news coverage. Journalists from the district participated in the discussion.