Namsai, April 25: The Responsible Media Initiative 2026 workshop, organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ), was held at the Multipurpose Cultural Hall in Namsai, bringing together journalists, policymakers, and media professionals to discuss ethical and legal aspects of responsible journalism.
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| Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein receives a memento during the Responsible Media Initiative 2026 workshop. (Image: x.com/ChownaMeinBJP) |
The workshop, aimed at strengthening journalists’ legal awareness and ethical standards, placed special emphasis on responsible reporting of child abuse cases in a lawful and child-sensitive manner across Arunachal Pradesh.
Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, attended the programme as Chief Guest and interacted with members of the media fraternity on the theme “Responsible & Legal Aspects of Reporting.” In his address, Mein emphasised that journalism is not just a profession but a responsibility towards society.
He highlighted that in the fast-paced digital era, journalists must prioritise fact verification, remain sensitive to the state’s diverse social fabric, and uphold the highest ethical standards. He also stressed that while news spreads rapidly today, accuracy must always come first.
Mein noted that responsible journalism plays a vital role in strengthening democracy, building public trust, and maintaining harmony in society. He further emphasised the importance of legal awareness among journalists so they can perform their duties with confidence and clarity. Reaffirming the government’s stance, he said the state administration stands firmly with a free, fair, and responsible press, noting that honest journalism is essential for good governance and development.
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The programme also featured expert sessions, including one by Advocate Kagam Bagra, Special Public Prosecutor for the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, who spoke on the legal framework governing media reporting. Known for handling sensitive cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), Bagra shared insights on the legal boundaries and responsibilities of the media when reporting sensitive issues.
Senior journalist Bengia Ajum, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times, conducted a session on “Sensible Reporting in the Digital Era,” highlighting the challenges and responsibilities of journalists in the age of rapid digital information.
The event was also attended by several dignitaries including Tapir Gao, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha); Kardo Nyigyor, MLA-cum-Deputy Speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly; Likha Soni, MLA; Rolen Dagam, Chairman of the APB&OCWWB; Sujana Namchoom, Zilla Parishad Chairperson; and Dr. Mohesh Chai, MLA-cum-Advisor to the Health Minister.
APUWJ President Dodum Yangfo stated that the initiative is being conducted in two phases covering the eastern and western regions of the state. The Namsai programme focuses on journalists from eastern districts, while a similar session will be organised later for the western region.
Yangfo appealed to journalists, freelancers, and media workers across platforms to participate and benefit from the workshop.
The Responsible Media Initiative is envisioned as a comprehensive platform bringing together journalists, students, community members, social leaders, policymakers, and subject experts. The initiative aims to foster dialogue, debate, and capacity-building through workshops and interactive engagements while strengthening community outreach through activities such as media tours, village programmes, and thematic competitions on social issues, governance, development, and public interest journalism.
