Web Journalists Urged to Uphold Ethical Journalism and Accuracy

Patna: Web journalists play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the government and the public, and their commitment to truthful journalism benefits both, said Ravi Bhushan Sahay, Joint Director (Press) of the Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Bihar. Speaking at the event “Samvad Se Samadhan – Litti Chokha Ke Saath”, organised by the Web Journalists Association of India (WJAI) in Patna on Saturday, Sahay assured journalists that their concerns would be conveyed to top officials to ensure due recognition for their work.

Sahay stressed that journalism is often misunderstood, with many entering the field without grasping its true purpose. “We review the news published by you daily, and if any departmental errors are highlighted, we work to address them. When journalists raise issues concerning the public, the government values their contribution,” he said, urging reporters to prioritise accuracy over sensationalism.

Presiding over the event, WJAI National President Anand Kaushal emphasised the association’s mission to uphold responsible journalism. He highlighted WJAI’s efforts in advocating for web journalists, which have led to media guidelines from both central and state governments. “Web media is now being recognised widely, but journalism should not be limited to highlighting negative aspects of governance. By focusing on positive and constructive reporting, journalists can enhance their credibility,” he added.

News 18 Input Editor Braj Mohan Singh reflected on the evolving challenges of journalism in the digital era. “With social media accelerating information flow, the line between verified news and online content is blurring. Ensuring factual accuracy is critical,” he said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Zee News Bureau Chief Rajneesh Kumar emphasised the importance of presentation in journalism. “The way news is delivered matters. While many focus on displaying their channel’s logo, the priority should always be content,” he advised, urging journalists to ensure their recordings and reports maintain factual integrity.

Senior journalists Ravindra Bharti and Kumar Jyoti, Editor of Amar Ujala Bihar Edition, shared insights from their careers, highlighting the ethical and professional challenges journalists face. National Vice President Dr Leena called for clear distinctions between journalism and online entertainment. “Web journalists are often mistaken for YouTubers, but your role is to inform, not entertain. You must assert that you are journalists, not content creators,” she said.

WJAI National Secretary Madhup Mani “Pikku” underscored the need for journalistic restraint in reporting and dialogue, advocating for continuous skill development through workshops. Bihar State President Balakrishna cautioned against the dangers of misinformation. “In the race to break news first, journalists must not compromise accuracy, as it directly impacts credibility,” he warned.

The event saw participation from senior journalists and media professionals, including ETV Bharat Bureau Chief Brijm Pandey, Senior Reporter Avinash, National Treasurer Manjesh Kumar, and Bihar Police Media PR Sanjeet Mishra, among others. Members of the Youth Journalist Association, including its president Kundan Kumar, also shared their views on the responsibilities of modern journalism.