Transparency in Media Is Essential to Keep Democracy Alive: Rajesh Dharmani on National Press Day

Promoting Transparency in the Press Will Keep Democracy Vibrant and Alive: Rajesh Dharmani

Presiding over the State-level National Press Day function today, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani said the occasion underscores not only the freedom and responsibilities of the press but also its crucial role in fostering a transparent society. A strong and independent press, he noted, is central to a healthy democracy. “Promoting transparency in the media will keep democracy vibrant and alive,” he said, adding that the media’s foremost duty is to highlight public issues and amplify the voices of marginalized communities.

Dharmani acknowledged that in the era of Information Technology, the media faces unprecedented challenges. Rapid advances in artificial intelligence and deepfake technologies have accelerated the spread of misinformation, blurring the line between fact and falsehood. Despite these challenges, he stressed, the media continues to play a vital role in shaping both society and the nation.

He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state government has launched numerous welfare schemes. It is the media’s responsibility, he emphasized, to ensure that decisions taken in the public interest reach the people so they can fully benefit from these initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Naresh Chauhan, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister, said the media serves as a bridge between the government and the public. He noted that it is essential for journalists to not only disseminate information about public welfare programmes but also convey public feedback to the government. Credibility, he said, hinges on fact-based reporting and honest self-reflection within the media industry.

Earlier, Professor Shashikant Sharma, Chairman of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Himachal Pradesh University, delivered a presentation on “Safeguarding Press Credibility Amidst Rising Misinformation.” He said the race to break news has eroded credibility, while social media has transformed journalism in fundamental ways. Several countries, he noted, are encouraging a shift from “breaking news” to “slow news,” which prioritizes accuracy and depth over speed and ratings. He stressed the need to ensure that technology is used to deliver verified information and called for renewed emphasis on investigative journalism.

Hillpost Chief Editor Ravindra Makhaik said this year’s theme—Safeguarding Press Credibility—captures the core challenge facing journalism today. With information warfare intensifying and fake news spreading rapidly, the task of distinguishing truth from misinformation has become increasingly difficult. The rise of social media, he said, has fundamentally altered the nature of journalism, making it all the more important for media professionals to uphold ethical standards and publish verified information.

Mukesh Rajput, Consulting Editor at News18 Network, said that questioning is key to journalism. Questions raised in the public interest always lead to answers, he said, urging journalists to focus on issues that matter rather than pursuing hidden agendas. Cross-questioning, he added, strengthens credibility and leads to more grounded reporting.

During the interactive session, senior journalist P.C. Lohumi said that in today’s environment, character building is just as important as press credibility. Journalists must speak impartially and fearlessly, without bias or personal gain. Another senior journalist, Ashwani Sharma, emphasized that balanced reporting—presenting all sides of a story—is essential to maintaining credibility.

Director of Information and Public Relations Rajiv Kumar welcomed and felicitated the guests. He thanked the speakers and media personnel for participating and extended greetings on National Press Day.

The event was attended by All India Radio Regional President (Shimla) Ritesh Kapoor, representatives of various media organisations, and students of journalism from Himachal Pradesh University.