Itanagar: Media professionals in Arunachal Pradesh face low pay, limited workplace protections and significant safety concerns, according to a new survey-based report released by the Himkai Research Initiative (HRI).
Titled “Media Work and Newsroom Realities in Arunachal Pradesh (2025–26)”, the study draws on responses from 52 media professionals working across print, digital, visual and social media platforms.
The survey was conducted between December 20, 2025 and January 2, 2026.
The report portrays the state’s media ecosystem as increasingly digital and relatively young, but structurally fragile. It highlights modest income levels, instances of unpaid labour and gaps in institutional support as persistent challenges affecting journalists and media workers.
According to the findings, the median monthly income among respondents stood at Rs 20,000, with the middle 50 per cent earning between Rs 15,000 and Rs 30,000. A significant 82.7 per cent reported that they did not receive employer-provided health benefits, while 69.2 per cent said they worked unpaid overtime either regularly or occasionally.
Concerns relating to editorial independence and workplace safety also emerged prominently. Around 65.4 per cent of respondents said they had faced pressure to modify or withhold news content. Half of those surveyed reported experiencing threats, harassment or attacks in connection with their work. Only 26.9 per cent stated that they received regular editorial or safety training.
Despite these challenges, the survey recorded an average job satisfaction score of 3.44 on a five-point scale. The perceived public trust score stood at 3.33, suggesting moderate levels of confidence among media workers in both their profession and how it is viewed by the public.
In terms of employment structure, 75 per cent of respondents identified as full-time workers and 57.7 per cent said they had written employment contracts. However, the report noted that formal contracts did not necessarily guarantee financial or social security, with salary delays and lack of benefits cited as continuing concerns.
The study also pointed out that most responses were concentrated in the Itanagar–Naharlagun region. As such, the findings were described as exploratory rather than statistically representative of the entire state.
According to the report, journalism in Arunachal Pradesh operates within a distinct geographic and social context shaped by dispersed populations, challenging terrain and rapidly evolving digital communication platforms.
While the workforce was characterised as dynamic and mission-driven, systemic vulnerabilities — including revenue constraints, limited training opportunities and inadequate safety mechanisms — were identified as key structural issues.
The report calls for greater community support for journalism, more sustainable funding models, enhanced professional training and mentorship, and stronger legal and safety safeguards to strengthen the sector.
HRI stated that the assessment is intended to serve as a baseline for future research and policy dialogue on media labour conditions, newsroom practices and the broader information ecosystem in Arunachal Pradesh.
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