On the occasion of National Press Day, the “Bihar Digital Media Summit” was held at the AN Sinha Institute of Social Studies in Patna’s Gandhi Maidan. The theme of the summit, “News in the Era of Social Media,” aligned with the Press Council of India’s 2024 focus on “The Changing Nature of the Press.” The event brought together journalism students and digital media creators to foster dialogue and innovation.
The summit began with inspiring speeches by senior journalists Sujit Jha (Bihar Bureau Chief, Aaj Tak/India Today) and Shivpujan Jha. Both emphasised the importance of accountability and credibility in journalism, especially in today’s fast-paced social media-driven world.
Sujit Jha remarked, “Social media has made news faster and more accessible, but ensuring its credibility remains the biggest challenge of our times.”
Shivpujan Jha added, “In the digital era, journalists must strike a balance between new-age tools and traditional methods.”
Students engaged enthusiastically with the speakers, seeking insights into the evolving landscape of journalism in the social media age.
Diverse Perspectives Emerge in Panel Discussions
The summit hosted two panel discussions that delved into the relationship between journalism and social media.
The first panel discussion, titled “The Journey to Becoming a News Influencer,” featured panelists Anjali (Founder, Indian Stories), Tanzil Asif (Founder, Main Media), and Amir Abbas (Founder, Democratic Charkha).
Moderated by Priya Manish Kumar, faculty at St. Xavier’s College, Patna, the panel explored the challenges and opportunities of developing independent news platforms. Tanzil Asif shared his experience, saying, “Independent platforms are a powerful medium for amplifying the unheard voices of society.”
The second panel, focusing on “News in the Era of Social Media,” featured Umesh Kumar. Ray (Editor, Main Media) and Neetu Singh (Founder, Shades of Rural India). The discussion highlighted the complexities of using social media as a tool for journalism.
Neetu Singh stated, “Social media can effectively bring untold stories from rural areas into the mainstream.”
Students Shine with Creativity and Enthusiasm
A slogan-writing competition added excitement to the event, with over 150 students from journalism colleges across India participating. Pushp Raj from Amity University won the award for the best slogan, while the best questions asked during each panel discussion were also rewarded.
Kunal Ranjan, the event organizer, expressed gratitude to partners like IIE, AIHF, and PROTO for supporting research on hyperlocal YouTube news channels in Bihar. He said, “This summit reflects our mission to connect, learn, and collaborate. It empowers students and independent creators to innovate and seize new opportunities.”
Priya Manish Kumar, Assistant Professor at St. Xavier’s College, Patna, said, “Social media creators can bring significant societal change and set a new direction in journalism.”
The Bihar Digital Media Summit provided a platform for dialogue on the new challenges and possibilities in journalism in the digital era. It marked a significant step toward promoting digital media and making it relevant for journalism students in Bihar.
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