AEDMA Conclave Highlights Ethical Journalism and Digital Governance

Itanagar, India Jul 31, 2026 ALN: ITANAGAR, 30 Jul: The 4th edition of the AEDMA Conclave, organised by the Electronic and Digital Media Association (AEDMA) on the occasion of its 14th foundation day, concluded on Wednesday with three engaging panel discussions on contemporary media issues under the theme ‘Empowering Change through Information’ at the state banquet hall here.

This conclave is significant as it reflects the growing importance of ethical journalism in an era increasingly dominated by digital media. As technology continues to evolve, the media landscape is undergoing a transformation that necessitates a re-evaluation of the responsibilities that come with information dissemination. The AEDMA, since its inception, has been at the forefront of advocating for professional standards in journalism, and this year’s conclave aimed to reinforce those principles amid the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements.

Addressing the inaugural session, Information and Public Relations Minister Nyato Dukam called upon electronic and digital media professionals to uphold ethical journalism with sincerity, discipline, and responsibility while adapting to rapid technological advancements. His remarks underscore the critical role that journalists play in shaping public discourse and ensuring that information is not just accessible but also accurate and trustworthy.

Dukam highlighted that the media plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability, particularly when government schemes fail to reach intended beneficiaries. This point is particularly relevant in the context of various welfare programs that are designed to uplift marginalized communities. The media serves as a watchdog, holding authorities accountable and ensuring that the voices of the underprivileged are heard. Emphasising constructive coordination between the government and the media, Dukam urged journalists to point out shortcomings and provide meaningful suggestions to improve governance and the implementation of welfare programmes.

In this regard, the relationship between the media and the government is a delicate one. While the media must strive for independence, it is equally important for it to engage with governmental bodies to enhance the effectiveness of public policies. Dukam's call for collaboration suggests a recognition of the need for a symbiotic relationship where both entities work towards common goals of societal betterment.

Expressing concern over the rise of unregulated mobile-based journalism, the minister observed that individuals with no journalistic background are increasingly affecting professional journalism. This observation points to a critical issue in the current media landscape, where the barriers to entry for content creation have diminished significantly due to the proliferation of smartphones and social media platforms. While this democratization of information can be seen as positive, it also raises concerns about the quality and reliability of the information being disseminated. Dukam reiterated the need to preserve professional standards in the media sector to ensure that the public receives accurate and responsible reporting.

The first session, moderated by Capital News’ News Head Theim Lhouvum, was held on the topic ‘Digital Media & Citizen Empowerment: Who Shapes the Narrative in the Information Age?’ This topic is particularly pertinent as it delves into the ways in which digital media can empower citizens, allowing them to engage more actively in societal issues. The panellists included Itanagar Capital Range DIGP Tumme Amo, Press Club President Amar Sangno, and Frontier Tribal Front chairman Tadak Nalo.

During this session, Amar Sangno urged journalists to focus on quality reporting and avoid sensationalism and hyperbolic presentation of news. In a world where attention spans are short and competition for viewership is fierce, the temptation to sensationalize stories can be strong. However, Sangno’s emphasis on quality over sensationalism serves as a reminder of the ethical obligations that journalists have to their audiences. “Every journalist must adhere to media ethics and should not resort to distorted information,” he said, reinforcing the idea that the integrity of journalism must be upheld regardless of external pressures.

DIGP Amo advised media professionals to verify facts before placing information in the public domain and cautioned against being influenced or misled by “vested interests.” This highlights the ongoing challenges journalists face in navigating a complex information landscape where misinformation can spread rapidly. He appreciated the role of journalists in the state and said that every report should be authentic, accurate, and free from bias. This insistence on factual accuracy is crucial, especially in an era where misinformation can have serious consequences for public opinion and policy.

Nalo also underscored the responsibility of journalists, stating that information disseminated to readers and viewers must remain factual, impartial, and credible. This session highlighted the collective responsibility of the media to maintain high standards of journalism and to act as a reliable source of information for the public.

The second session, moderated by The Space’s Managing Director Allison Welly, discussed ‘Empowering through Information: Bridging Knowledge, Opportunity and Development’. The panellists included Koloriang SDO Nangram Pingkap, NIT Jote Assistant Professor Biri Arun, and APCC vice president Mina Toko. This session focused on how information technology and digital media can be effectively utilized for governance, dissemination of knowledge, skill development, and creation of opportunities across the region. The discussion emphasized the potential of digital tools to bridge gaps in access to information and resources, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

The third session, moderated by Arunbhoomi Managing Director Takam Sonia, with the topic ‘Media Freedom and Responsibility: Reporting without Fear or Favour’, had The Times Associate Editor Bengia Ajum as the panellist. This session witnessed detailed discussions on fearless, impartial, and professional journalism, as well as the ethical standards expected from emerging digital media practitioners in the state. The concept of media freedom is vital to a functioning democracy, as it allows for diverse voices and perspectives to be heard. However, this freedom comes with the responsibility of ensuring that reporting is conducted ethically and without bias.

Earlier, during the inaugural session, AEDMA President Jotam Toko Tagam placed a proposal before the IPR minister for the establishment of a dedicated institute for mass media excellence, particularly for video journalists with mass communication degrees. This proposal reflects a proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by journalists in the digital age. By providing formal education and training, such an institute could help elevate the standards of journalism in the region, ensuring that practitioners are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern media.

In response, Dukam assured that a meeting would be convened to discuss the proposal in detail. This commitment from the minister signifies a recognition of the importance of investing in media education and training as a means of enhancing the quality of journalism and fostering a culture of ethical reporting.

A commemorative journal documenting 14 years of the AEDMA’s journey, along with articles on evolving media trends in the region, was also released during the inaugural session. This journal serves not only as a record of the AEDMA's accomplishments but also as a resource for understanding the changing dynamics of media in the region.

The conclave concluded with a renewed call for responsible digital reporting, constructive engagement with governance, and strengthening of professional standards in the media landscape. As the media continues to evolve, the need for ethical journalism and accountability remains paramount. The discussions held during the conclave serve as a reminder of the vital role that journalists play in society and the importance of maintaining high standards in the pursuit of truth and transparency.