Seminar on role of media of NE

Guwahati, Mar 27 (UNI) A day-long seminar on role of media and development of North East India, organised by the Assam Institute of Management, was held at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra here today.

Speaking as the chief guest Mr Ranjit Mooshahary, Asom's chief information commissioner, said the region is complex because of multi-ethnicity and diverse socio-economic and cultural settings.

''The role of media in the development of the north east has to be examined in this context. It can play a bigger role in building the society,'' he observed.

The region has been experiencing unrest and upsurge of social movements leading to serious socio-economc and political problems, he said.

The seminar viewed that the media in the north east was active in bringing out reports of poor governance, vested interests, malpractices, corruption. But politicians, bureaucrats and government were indifferent. They also noted that investigative reporting of happenings in the region were not being rewarded properly.

Speakers said the media could take up the role of protection of nature and commercial utilisation of resources as the region failed to attract private investment. ''The media has to examine the truth whether insurgency really stalled development of the region,'' they said.

The media has to play the roles of a mirror as well as mould the society. Media managers, they said, had to see their commercial interest but not at the cost of being insensitive.

''The proliferation of the media in the region reflects a healthy sign and the media has to ensure that this was not simply a business opportunity ,'' the speakers said.

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