MPC flags rise of unregulated media, urges DIPR to act

In light of growing confusion among the public over what constitutes credible journalism, the Mokokchung Press Club (MPC) has formally written to the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), calling for urgent measures to address the blurring lines between professional journalism and unregulated media content in the state.
In a letter addressed to the director of DIPR, MPC president Limalenden Longkumer and secretary Sashimeren expressed concern over a rising trend in Nagaland where unregulated content circulated by social media users, YouTubers, influencers, and informal WhatsApp or Facebook groups and even well-meaning collectives that associate with the term “media.”
MPC noted that, today’s digital environment has enabled a wide range of actors producing news-like contents, often without attribution, editorial standards or accountability.
While these voices contribute to public discourse, MPC cautioned that equating such unregulated content with credible journalism undermines the integrity of the profession and risks misleading or misinforming the public.
MPC observed that there is a growing collapse in the public’s ability to distinguish between credible journalism that upholds fact-checking, accountability, and editorial standards—and content aimed solely for engagement, reaction, or virality, often produced without regard for truth or ethics.
MPC cautioned that if this trend continues unchecked, it could lead to a scenario where nobody knows who to trust, and anyone with a smartphone becomes a “journalist,” regardless of ethics, accuracy, or responsibility.
While acknowledging that digital platforms have democratized access to information, MPC also pointed out that they have simultaneously blurred the lines. In Nagaland, MPC said that this has created confusion among the public, who often struggle to differentiate between the work of professional journalists and unverified or informal reports circulating on social media.
The Club said that this issue demands an urgent, coordinated response and therefore suggested that DIPR take proactive steps to address the growing confusion.
MPC suggested launching state-wide media literacy campaign in collaboration with schools, colleges, churches and civil society organizations to help the public distinguish between factual reporting and opinion, propaganda or misinformation.
Training, workshops: MPC suggested support for training, fellowships, and workshops for district-level journalists and local media workers, with focus on digital verification, ethics and public trust in journalism.
MPC clarified that the appeal is not for censorship. Instead, it is a call for education and clarity to protect the integrity of the press. “Journalism must evolve with the times but not at the cost of its principles,” the letter noted.
MPC stated that it is ready to collaborate on any initiative that promotes truth, credibility and ethical journalism.