Agnihotri on Press Day: Social media is expanding, but credibility defines media

Shimla: Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, while addressing the state-level National Press Day function at Hotel Holiday Home, emphasised on the growing influence of social media while reaffirming the eternal importance of credibility in journalism. Speaking on the topic ‘Changing Nature of Press’, he said the rapid expansion of digital platforms has transformed the sector, throwing up both opportunities and challenges for media professionals.

“The identity of a newspaper or magazine is determined by the credibility of its news content, which is also the greatest achievement for a journalist. Truth, fairness and transparency remain the cornerstone of journalism, even in the age of social media,” Agnihotri said.

He highlighted the emerging responsibilities of journalists, especially in ensuring accuracy of information amid the fast-changing digital landscape. “While the trend of social media is constantly growing, freedom of the press must be protected at all costs,” he said. He cautioned against excessive reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and search engines for content creation, which according to him cannot replace the intellectual depth gained through diverse experiences.

Himachal Dastak Editor Hemant Kumar lamented the erosion of ethical values ​​in journalism and attributed it to increasing commercialisation and the allure of glamour in media. India Today Editor Manjeet Sehgal presented a comparative analysis of social, electronic and print media and emphasised the continued trust on print media despite the growing reliance on digital platforms. Sehgal said, “While 49% Indians resort to social media for news, 40% still rely on print media, highlighting the need for credible reporting.”

Outlook Senior Journalist Ashwani Sharma urged reporters to prioritise field reporting over desk-based narratives and emphasised that direct engagement with events enhances the authenticity of journalism. “Technology has revolutionised information dissemination, but journalists should not compromise on ground reporting for convenience,” he advised.

Dr. Shashi Kant Sharma, professor of journalism at Himachal Pradesh University, pointed out that the widespread use of mobile devices has made everyone a potential journalist. However, he cautioned against treating social media as a primary news source. “AI and algorithms can help, but they cannot mimic human intelligence or ethical judgement,” he said, calling for reforms in the press to keep pace with technological advancements.