AALO : Aalo West MLA Topin Ete on Saturday called upon journalists to uphold the highest standards of ethics and refrain from publishing half-truths or misinformation, asserting that responsible journalism is essential for safeguarding democracy.
Inaugurating the Aalo Press Club in the presence of Arunachal Press Club (APC) president Amar Sangno, Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) president Dodum Yangfo, West Siang Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi, former minister Kento Ete and others, the MLA said biased or inaccurate reporting could undermine public confidence in the Legislature, Judiciary and Executive.
“We want journalists who know what they are doing rather than spreading misinformation,” he said.
Congratulating Aalo Press Club president Domin Ete and members of the newly established press club, Sangno urged journalists to strictly adhere to the Press Council of India guidelines and maintain the highest standards of ethical journalism.
He said the media must have the courage to expose shortcomings in governance and report the truth without fear or favour to earn and retain public trust.
Recalling the history of the journalist fraternity in the state, Sangno said the APUWJ was founded in 1981 by veteran journalists P.B. Dasgupta, A.K. Bhattacharjya and Prem Bahadur Rai, while the then Itanagar Press Club, now the APC, was established on October 4, 1982.
West Siang Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi assured support to the Aalo Press Club from untied funds, subject to government guidelines.
Addressing the gathering, APUWJ president Dodum Yangfo urged journalists to discharge their responsibilities with sensitivity and professionalism, cautioning against passing judgments before facts are fully established. He also assured the APUWJ’s continued support to the Aalo Press Club.
The programme also highlighted the history of the APC, noting that its first office was inaugurated by former Chief Minister Gegong Apang in 1995, while the present APC building at Ganga was inaugurated by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu in 2022.
Aalo Press Club president Domin Ete and general secretary Minpe Pakam expressed gratitude to the APC and the APUWJ for their support in establishing the Aalo Press Club.
