The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Nagaland University, Lumami, observed National Press Day 2025 at the Conference Hall of the Administrative Block focusing on the theme “Ethical Journalism and Media’s Impact in the Emerging New World Order.” Prof Jagadish K Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University was the Chief Guest, with journalists Kallol Dey and Sarah Konyak as theme speakers.
Prof Patnaik highlighted the significance of National Press Day, the role of media in the freedom movement, and its importance in democracy. He wondered whether the word disorder would better describe the so-called “new world disorder,” noting the decline of hegemonies, economic shifts, and rising non-Western influence.
He expressed concern about media subservience to political and corporate power and stressed objectivity as journalism’s core ethical foundation. He urged students to analyze media critically and focus on developmental issues over sensationalism, stating, “Media owes nothing to anyone except its own ethics.”
Theme speaker, Kallol Dey spoke on the tension between speed and sense in journalism, warning that manipulated videos and misinformation can spark unrest and influence politics. Drawing from his experience in Nagaland, he discussed ethical challenges such as tribal pressures and political sensitivities, urging accuracy over instant news.
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The second theme speaker Sarah Konyak stated that the ethical journalist becomes a compass in a fragmented information age where gatekeeping has crumbled and information flows in all directions. This empowers marginalized voices but also fuels misinformation, echo chambers, and propaganda. She stressed that journalists must verify information, maintain independence despite political pressure, uphold ethical responsibility, and face Technology and AI. In conclusion, she stated that integrity does not uphold itself and ethical journalism does not sustain itself without the support of informed and courageous citizens.
The event was chaired by Dr Wapangsungla Longkumer, with the welcome address by Dr Arjun Das and the vote of thanks by Dr Zeet Nawaz Thouba. National Press Day which falls on November 16 reminds the nation of press freedom and its responsibilities, and the discussions reaffirmed the need for ethical journalism in today’s fast-changing world.
