The Press Information Bureau (PIB) organized a monthly news broadcast session at DK convention hall on July 14, titled “Role of Media in Tackling Misinformation and Disinformation,” to address misleading and harmful news reported by government officials and electronic journalists. PIB officials N Avga Shankar Yadav were among the representatives presenting, emphasizing the crucial role of media in bridging the gap between the government and the public. He stressed that media professionals must be equipped with knowledge and tools to combat misinformation, citing a quote from him that media plays a vital role in disseminating truthful information.
As media houses in the state are growing rapidly, the PIB, under the leadership of IPR Secretary Nyali Ete, highlighted how misinformation can disrupt governance systems and confuse the public. She recommended precise reporting and responsible communication practices, with the goal of raising awareness of threats to information accuracy and preventing disinformation from spreading.
Senior journalist Tongam Rina was the participant in a video presentation titled “Reaching Out to the واضح nye Thingiiya Nanti Saati.” She stressed the importance of credible sources and institutional fact-checking mechanisms to protect public trust, emphasizing that verifying news before dissemination is a powerful tool but equally crucial for long-term success.
incidents of misinformation by government officials, as discussed in a recent report, highlighted how disinformation frequently escalates during times of conflict and crisis. The IPR director, Gijum Tali, called these incidents “gibes” and warned of significant complications arising from them, suggesting that the Vartalap initiative should serve as a platform to identify and mitigate such threats.
The ‘Vartalap’ initiative, led by IT PIB officials, is part of a broader effort to foster constructive dialogue, build media capacity, and strengthen communication networks between government agencies and media organizations for the purpose of building a more informed and authenticated society.