ITANAGAR, Oct 1: Media ethics, adherence to professional guidelines, coverage of bandh calls and greater coordination among journalists were among the key issues discussed at the annual general body meeting of the Arunachal Press Club (APC) and Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) here on Thursday.
The meeting, chaired by APC president Amar Sangno, brought together members of the two apex media bodies and representatives of District Press Clubs (DPCs) to deliberate on challenges confronting the media fraternity and measures to strengthen journalistic standards in the state.
Addressing the meeting, Sangno said the growing media fraternity in Arunachal Pradesh also meant greater responsibilities for organisations representing journalists.
"APC and APUWJ have worked together over the years to protect the interests, dignity and rights of journalists. As our fraternity grows, our responsibilities as organisations must also grow," he said.
A major part of the deliberations focused on the APC guidelines governing coverage of bandh calls and certain press conferences. The house unanimously resolved to continue adhering to the guidelines, which mandate affiliate members not to cover announcements of bandh calls made outside the press club and also place restrictions on coverage of certain press conferences held outside the APC.
The guidelines, framed in 2011 during the presidentship of Chopa Cheda, were introduced against the backdrop of a growing trend at the time of individuals and organisations announcing bandh calls at random locations without facing questions or accountability from journalists.
The house maintained that the guidelines remain relevant and should be followed uniformly by affiliate members.
Expressing concern over alleged violations of the guidelines by certain media houses and individuals, Sangno said rules could serve their purpose only when they were respected uniformly.
"We need to openly discuss where violations are taking place, why they are happening and what collective steps can be taken to ensure that the guidelines are followed equally by everyone," he said.
Bandh calls and the manner in which journalists should discharge their duties while covering such situations were also deliberated upon in detail, with emphasis on journalists' safety, professional responsibility and unhindered discharge of duties.
The issue of APUWJ identity cards also figured prominently, with members stressing the need for a proper mechanism to distinguish genuine working journalists and members of recognised media organisations, particularly amid the rapid proliferation of online news platforms and social media pages.
The house also discussed the emergence of dubious media pages and their impact on the credibility of professional journalism.
Strengthening coordination among the APC, APUWJ and DPCs was another key focus of the meeting.
Representatives of press clubs from Raga, Aalo, Pasighat, Seppa and Ziro highlighted challenges faced by journalists in the districts and sought greater guidance and institutional support from the state-level media bodies.
The meeting also discussed plans to organise workshops and capacity-building programmes for journalists, including those working outside the state capital.
Observing that journalism was undergoing rapid changes, the house stressed the need for journalists to continuously upgrade themselves professionally, technically and ethically.
Other issues discussed included media tours, the APC audit report and various organisational matters.
Also present in the meeting were APUWJ vice president Taya Bagang, APC general secretary Damien Lepcha and APUWJ general secretary Sonam Jelly.