Kohima: Media professionals gathered at Tetso College in Chümoukedima on November 5 to warn against the dangers of unverified digital content. The 3rd Dr PS Lorin Education & Media Conclave brought together industry voices to debate the ethics of representing Nagaland to the world.
Al Ngullie, Associate Editor at Hornbill TV, told students that modern technology makes anyone a storyteller. However, he cautioned that possession of a camera does not equal expertise. Ngullie stated, "Narrative control is not the same as narrative credibility." He argued that professional media organizations rely on verification and institutional standards that social media users ignore.
The courts still trust established news outlets. Ngullie claimed that relying on personal bias instead of accountability shifts the goal of reporting from public service to self-interest. He listed accreditation and credibility as the primary pillars that keep reporters honest.
Samuel Beech, Sub Editor of Nagaland Post, shifted the focus to the loss of local history. He reminded the audience that traditional music acts as an essential archive. Beech pointed to the Li Chokri of the Chakhesang tribe and the Mezokhwe of the Rengmas as vital records of agricultural life and bravery. He warned that relying on outsiders to tell regional stories often leads to misrepresentation.
Coverage gaps remain a major issue. Beech noted that news is still trapped in commercial hubs like Dimapur and Kohima. He demanded better attention to the state’s 17 districts, including Mon, Tuensang, and Longleng.
The panelists agreed that journalists are messengers, not judges. Professional ethics must dictate the news cycle. Aspiring reporters should sharpen their writing and oral skills to ensure Nagaland’s identity survives the digital age intact.
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