Imphal: Manipur Information Minister Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh said that strengthening the media is necessary to enlighten the public.
The Minister was speaking as the chief guest on the occasion of the launching programme of The Manipur News (A Manipuri Daily) on Wednesday here.
Dr Ranjan said that there were signs of apprehension of media houses when social media started gaining popularity. But there is still the charm of reading newspapers. The habit of reading the newspaper in the morning still exists even as various social media platforms are available, he added.
The minister also maintained that proper verification of news reports and other incidents is necessary before publishing them. Media plays a crucial role in enlightening the public in many spheres. Information and opinion about any happening in the state is also narrated through media, Ranjan informed.
Speaking, as Functional President of the occasion, the President, Editor’s Guild Manipur, Khogendra Khomdram said that the profession of media is a challenging one. One needs to take a long journey to achieve a feat in the line of professional journalism. One should not forget their mentors and past experiences, he added.
Speaking as Guest of Honour, President, All Manipur Working Journalists Union, AMWJU, Bijoy Kakchingtabam expressed that there is a perception of threat to the freedom of the press and media these days.
Editor, The Manipur News, T. Chandragupta, Senior journalists, representatives of the media houses and others also attended the launching