Kohima: The Kohima Press Club (KPC) marked its 24th Foundation Day on Monday with a commemorative event at the Angami Public Organisation (APO) Hall, Kohima. The programme was graced by veteran journalist and Sovima Village Council Chairman, Sebastian Zumvü, as the special guest.
Reflecting on the evolution of journalism in Nagaland, Zumu highlighted the growing challenges faced by traditional media in the era of social media content creation. He emphasised the need for ethical journalism and urged KPC to collaborate with the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) to regulate journalistic practices.
He opined that owning a camera and a YouTube channel does not make one a journalist, stressing on the importance of credibility and professionalism in the media industry.
KPC President Alice Yhoshü, in her address, revisited the club’s journey since its inception in 2001, when it was founded by Kohima-based journalists to safeguard press rights and promote professional growth. Over the years, the club has expanded to include 68 members from both print and electronic media.
Yhoshü paid tribute to KPC’s founding members and acknowledged their contributions to its development. She also raised the issue of the club’s lack of a permanent building, recalling Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s February 2023 announcement to construct a press club building in the New Secretariat area. She expressed optimism that the state government would take up the project in the upcoming fiscal year.
As part of the silver jubilee celebrations, Yhoshü announced the launch of KPC’s official website, designed by Liyo Kikon, which will serve as a digital archive and enhance the club’s digital presence. The website, aimed at documenting KPC’s history, objectives, and activities, was officially launched by Zumvü during the event.
Despite numerous challenges, she said that the KPC has come a long way while there is much more to be done. As members of the Fourth Estate, she urged the members to maintain their credibility by upholding ethical journalism and promoting a responsible media landscape.
The programme also featured an annual report presentation by General Secretary Vishü Rita Krocha, a musical performance by Seyiekietuo Keretsü, and exhortation by KPC member Jonas Yanthan and adviser Kopelo Krome. The event was chaired by Narayan B Sagar.
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