Shillong, September 10 : Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today pledged continued support for ethical journalism and welfare of journalists while felicitating eight veteran media professionals with financial assistance of ₹1 lakh each at the Meghalaya Media Meet 2025 held at Courtyard by Marriott, Shillong. The event was organised by the Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) in collaboration with the Centre for Policy.
The Chief Minister lauded the contribution of senior journalists, recognising their decades of dedication to truth and service to society. “The media holds immense power, and journalists must always recognize the responsibility that comes with it,” he said, adding that credibility remains journalism’s greatest strength.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Sangma highlighted the Meghalaya Journalists Welfare Scheme 2024, which provides ₹10,000 monthly support to senior journalists, along with financial aid of up to ₹35 lakh. These initiatives, he noted, are aimed at ensuring financial security and recognition for the press.
The Chief Minister urged media houses to register with DIPR for better organisation and categorisation. He also emphasised the need for training, skill development, and leveraging technology and Artificial Intelligence to strengthen reporting and keep pace with modern challenges.
This year’s theme, “From Print to Pixel: Navigating Trust, Technology, Consumption & Accountability,” set the tone for panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions. Experts addressed challenges posed by misinformation, deepfakes, and fake news, while highlighting tools for building trust and accountability in journalism.
Panels also spotlighted women journalists breaking stereotypes, democratic accountability of the press, and the importance of human-centric reporting. Discussions underscored media’s role in bridging data with lived experiences, particularly in Meghalaya’s public health landscape.
Distinguished guests included Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister for I&PR, who praised the evolving media landscape and its ethical responsibility; Donald P. Wahlang, IAS, Chief Secretary, who emphasised trust as journalism’s greatest asset; and Dr. Sampath Kumar, IAS, who commended media’s role in policy change.
The meet also featured prominent voices such as BBC South Asia Bureau Chief Jacky Martens, Shillong Times Editor Patricia Mukhim, Emmy-nominated journalist Ahmer Khan, UNICEF’s Zafrin Chowdhury, and other regional and national media leaders.
