Combating misinformation with AI stressed on National Press Day TSE staff bags State Journalist Award

OSR/DIPR

IMPHAL, Nov 16 : The National Press Day 2025 was observed today at DIPR auditorium, Nityaipat Chuthek here with strong emphasis on combating misinformation and upholding journalistic integrity.

The Manipur State Journalist Award 2025 was also presented to seven journalists from different media firms including Kharibam Yaiphaba Meitei, Sub-Editor of The Sangai Express at the function.

Speaking at the function, IPR Director Ngangom Uttam said that misinformation and fake news created by using AI are being circulated widely in the society, and this disturbing trend must be checked by using AI.

He said that misinformation and fake news created by using AI can be verified with AI.

It’s time to organise a workshop on how mainstream media/press can combat fake news and misinformation, he said.

He observed that both information and misinformation have increasingly become powerful tools capable of influencing public sentiments, escalating tensions and triggering undesirable incidents in society.

The twin questions of combating misinformation and upholding the credibility of the press are becoming very critical these days, the IPR Director said.

Nowadays it is essential for the press to be able to give fast and accurate/authentic information while upholding the freedom of press and responsibility to the public, he said.

Sensationalism versus sensitivity, he said, remains a continual challenge, with even small variations in headlines influencing public perception and emotional reactions.

Underscoring the pivotal role of newspapers and media platforms in shaping public opinion, he cautioned that in today’s viral culture, fake news often spreads faster than verified information.

He expressed concern over the publication of unverified reports in the rush to be first, stressing the need to publish news only after verifying all sides of a story and avoiding partial reporting.

He maintained that while AI tools can be misused to generate misleading news, the same technology can be effectively used by journalists to verify facts and counter misinformation.

The IPR Director said that the department has been considering modifying the guidelines of conferring the Manipur State Journalist Award and adding some new categories.

The department has been considering awarding the Best Editor Award after studying the whole newspaper comprehensively, not just the editorials because the Editor is not responsible for the editorial alone, he added.

Pradip Phanjoubam, Senior Journalist shared his insights on the various technologies he has encountered throughout his journalism career.

He highlighted the rapid evolution of media tools and emphasised the importance of adapting to the present era marked by advances in Artificial Intelligence.

He urged media professionals to remain flexible and embrace emerging technologies to stay relevant.

Speaking at the programme, Hungyo Worshang, Secretary, IPR, remarked that National Press Day is a symbol of a free and responsible press in India and is observed every year to uphold this principle.

He mentioned the various challenges faced by journalists, media professionals and media firms in Manipur, questioning whether there is a conducive environment that enables media persons to fully pursue their profession.

Hungyo pointed out that the presence of numerous pressure groups often complicates the task of delivering factual and objective information.

He said that the press must continue to uphold truth, even while navigating the many constraints and adjustments they confront.

The State Journalist Awards, 2025 were presented to Kharibam Yaiphaba Meitei, Sub-Editor, The Sangai Express from Yumnam Patlou Maning Leikai, Imphal East (Women & Children); Sanasam Kritivas Singh, Reporter, Sanaleibak Daily from Uchekon Takhok Mapal (Science & Technology); Dr Khaidem Athouba Meitei, Sub-Editor, Sanaleibak Daily from Chana Maning Leikai, Imphal East (Parliamentary Reporting); Boney Thongamcha Singh, Assistant Feature Editor, Poknapham from Keishampat Thiyam Leirak Machin, Imphal West (Arts & Culture); Kumari Alka Thokchom, Special Correspondent, Hueiyen Lanpao from Ningthoukhong Awang Ward No. 14 (Sports), Hemchandra Shagolshem, Reporter of Sanaleibak Daily from Khagempalli Pankha Nganappithong Mamang (Public Health & Hygiene)

The Best Editor Award for National Integration & Communal Harmony was presented to Aribam Robindro Sharma, Editor, Poknapham from Lamboikhongnangkhong, Uripok Kangchup Road, Imphal West.

The awards include a cash prize, a citation and a shawl each.

Following the observance, a workshop was held on this year’s theme “Safeguarding Press Credibility Amidst Rising Misinformation” and it was moderated by Pradip Phanjoubam, Editor, Imphal Review of Arts & Politics.

K Sarojkumar Sharma, Senior Journalist, spoke on “Credibility of Press and Ways to Safeguard It,” while Rupachandra Yumnam, Chief Editor, Impact TV, shared his insights on the “Menace of Misinformation and Ways to Tackle It.”