Imphal: The Beyond Silence: 1st Manipur Digital Media Conclave 2026 along with the Digital Journalism Awards 2026 was held on Thursday at Sangai Hall, Hotel Imphal. The event was organised by Manipur Update.
Speaking as the chief guest, Ahanthem Subhash Singh, Director of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Manipur, said journalism today is no longer confined to the printing press. He noted that digital journalism has enabled news dissemination across the globe with ease, but added that producing fast, fact-based and responsible reporting has become a major challenge in the digital era.
He expressed concern that some individuals identifying as digital journalists function primarily as content creators for monetisation. “Digital journalists should use the power available to them to produce genuine reporting and disseminate fact-based news, rather than working solely for likes or views on social media platforms,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of independent journalism, Singh said it is especially crucial at a time when paid news is increasingly prevalent. He added that journalists play a vital role in countering such content and safeguarding the credibility of news. He also warned about the adverse effects of unverified reporting, stating that it can damage an individual’s reputation and cause mental distress.
Sharing his personal experiences, Singh mentioned that positive news and government achievements are sometimes overlooked by the media. He suggested introducing a journalism award for coverage of public-benefit government schemes to raise awareness among citizens and expressed his willingness to sponsor such an award.
Addressing the gathering, Sobhapati Samom, senior journalist and founding editor of Manipur Update, spoke about the publication’s early days as a magazine. He recalled how the advent of television sparked fears about the decline of radio, and later how the rise of the internet was believed to threaten both radio and print media. He said the present era has now evolved into a rapidly expanding digital age.
Referring to the DIPR tableau showcased during Republic Day celebrations on the theme “Digital Responsibility for Social Stability and Harmony”, Samom said that with the growth of digital media, ensuring digital responsibility has emerged as one of the major challenges of the time.
Ngangom Uttam Singh, Joint Secretary, Tribal Affairs and Hills, Government of Manipur, said social media has become highly influential, with a large section of the public relying on it for information. He cautioned that irresponsible or unethical reporting and unverified news can cause harm to individuals, society, government departments and the administration as a whole. While journalism has the power to create positive change, he said misinformation can lead to serious consequences.
Irengbam Arun, senior editor and jury member, said a large number of promising entries were received for the Digital Journalism Awards. He added that with proper guidance and mentorship, digital journalists in the state have the potential to raise standards and further strengthen the profession.
The conclave featured technical sessions on “Paradigm Shift from Traditional Media to New Media” by Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of Imphal Review of Arts and Politics, and “Role of Digital Media in Conflict and Peace Building” by Dhiren A. Sadokpam, independent researcher and editor-in-chief of The Frontier Manipur.
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Awards were presented in several categories. The Digital Journalist of the Year Award was conferred on Vangamla Salle of EastMojo. The Promising Digital Journalist Award went to Naorem Tanoranjan of Echel News Network. The Distinguished Service in Digital Journalism Award was presented to Sobhapati Samom. The Best Credible Digital Media Page/Channel Award was awarded to Wari Singbul, while the Jury’s Choice Digital Journalism Award was conferred on Rebika Moirangthem of HY News.
Asem Bhakta Singh, president of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU), along with senior journalists, reporters, and representatives from print and digital media platforms, attended the event.
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