Kohima: Journalists, students, and officials met in Shillong on October 7 for the 1st Hill Myna Media Conclave 2026. The event took place at the Moreau Institute of Integral Training and Research Society. Hill Myna Magazine organized the gathering to examine the realities of field reporting in Northeast India.
Imkong Walling of The Morung Express defined on-ground reporting as physical presence rather than relying on phone calls. He believes getting in the field helps journalists sharpen their skills. East Khasi Hills District Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal served as the chief guest. He reminded the room that the duty of the press is clear. "The responsibility of journalism is not simply to tell us what we want to hear, but to tell us what we need to know," he said.
Senior Deputy Editor at The Hindu, Soma Basu, spoke on the need for authenticity. She argued that field work brings out multiple voices to build credibility. Veteran reporter Michaeljit Yumnam noted that being on-site remains the best way to explain ground reality to the public. The conclave also hosted an interactive session called The Room Speaks. Organizers awarded the Northeast Writers Award 2026 to local literary talent. Lakshmi Kharkongor, Director Media and Editor of Hill Myna Magazine, closed the event by thanking the contributors who keep the publication focused on real people.
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