Kohima: Journalists in Nagaland face a brutal grind. Between financial instability and the shadow of insurgency, holding the powerful to account remains a uphill battle. Reporters deal with social pressure and a lack of resources for deep investigation.
"Journalists here uphold truth under tough conditions - limited resources, social pressure and at times, insurgency issues," says Henlly Phom Odyuo, President of the Dimapur Press Club. Many outlets rely on government advertisements to keep the lights on. This reality creates a conflict of interest. It turns potential watchdogs into public relations tools for their benefactors.
Residents see a clear pattern. Stories often drop with a splash but lack follow-up. Toshi Sanglir, a Chümoukedima local, claims the media landscape has turned into an echo chamber. Outlets frequently recycle reports instead of digging for facts. Surface-level coverage dominates. Important issues like development funds, land deals, and mining contracts go largely unexamined.
The lack of scrutiny leaves the public in the dark. Without deep reporting, wrongdoing stays hidden. Financial dependence makes real, independent journalism a luxury. Journalists need more than just individual courage to push back. Experts suggest using the RTI Act and forming legal cells to fight intimidation. Until newsrooms find stable funding, the gap between routine news and the truth will only grow wider.
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