Imphal, September 29: The Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) has written to the Presidents of the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild of Manipur (EGM), appealing for action to uphold ethical journalism and curb the misuse of digital platforms by non-journalists in the state.
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“We write this letter with deep concern over certain emerging trends in the media and online information ecosystem in Manipur. As an organisation dedicated to peace, democratic values and the welfare of our people, MIYC feels compelled to draw your attention to practices that threaten to erode the sanctity, credibility and trust in journalism, practices that AMWJU has long stood to guard against,” the organisation stated.
Observations of Concern
1. YouTubers and Digital Content Creators Misrepresenting Journalism
In recent years, a number of individuals have emerged in the online sphere, especially on platforms like YouTube, presenting themselves as journalists (or quasi-journalists). While some do highlight genuine social issues, others seem driven more by monetisation and sensationalism, often compromising truth, fairness, or context.
2. False, Defamatory or Unverified Content
MIYC has noticed instances where content produced by such individuals (or small media outfits) engages in spreading unverified or misleading information or promoting yellow journalism. These include doctored videos, exaggerated claims, or allegations that serve more to tarnish reputations than to inform or investigate. Such actions, whether intentional or out of carelessness, harm reputation, sow distrust in journalism, and may even incite social unrest.
3. Erosion of Public Trust and Digital Threats
As more people rely on online sources for news, these practices risk eroding trust in credible journalism. They also increase vulnerabilities: spreading misinformation, encouraging polarisation, or even creating grounds for legal or physical harm to those falsely accused. These consequences are serious for social harmony and for the safety of individuals and communities.
4. Ethical Boundaries Being Blurred
Traditional norms of journalism—verification, fairness, non-partisanship, avoiding defamation, respecting privacy—seem often ignored or loosely interpreted in such digital content creation. The lack of oversight, fact-checking, source transparency, and accountability in many such channels is alarming.
Why this Matters for AMWJU and Journalistic Integrity
1. AMWJU’s constitution and stated objectives include “promoting and maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct and integrity in journalism,” as well as safeguarding the interest and unity of working journalists.
2. AMWJU initiated commendable efforts to support accurate and reliable information dissemination.
3. There is a risk that without active steps, the public will be unable to distinguish between trustworthy journalism and sensationalist or intentionally misleading content. This undermines both the press’s role in democracy and the reputation of those journalists who adhere faithfully to ethical norms.
Suggested Measures / Appeals
In light of the foregoing, MIYC respectfully proposes that AMWJU consider the following actions:
1. Public Statement / Code of Ethics Awareness Campaign
Issue a public statement reaffirming journalism ethics, with emphasis on digital platforms, user-generated content, and the duty to verify sources and avoid defamation. Conduct awareness workshops for content creators, journalists, and the public on how to spot fake news, false videos, manipulated content.
2. Certification or Pledge for Digital Media Creators
Encourage or develop a voluntary verification, certification, or pledge system for online content creators who wish to be recognised as adhering to journalistic ethics. That way, audiences can differentiate between creators who are transparent, accountable, and fact-oriented, and those who are not.
3. Complaint & Redressal Mechanism
Establish or strengthen a mechanism under AMWJU through which complaints can be lodged against false reports / defamatory content by digital creators. The mechanism should investigate, demand corrections or apologies when needed, and publicise outcomes to deter future misconduct.
4. Collaboration with Platforms & Authorities
Engage with YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, and other social media platforms to set up flagging of false content, request takedowns, and ensure that terms of service regarding misinformation, hate speech, and defamation are enforced. Also, where content violates law, liaise with appropriate legal or regulatory authorities.
5. Support Ethical Journalism Capacity Building
Organise workshops for journalists (including young, digital, freelance) on legal aspects (defamation laws, media law), ethics, digital verification tools (e.g. fact checking, reverse image/video search), etc. Also promote investigative journalism that has depth rather than sensational clickbait.
6. Monitoring & Reporting
Set up a periodic monitoring/reporting system—say quarterly or semi-annually—to assess how online/digital media in Manipur is performing with regard to truthfulness, fairness, public harm, etc., which can help maintain accountability.
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MIYC stated, “We believe that journalism, at its best, is a public trust. It informs, clarifies, critiques, educates, and catalyses positive change. But when misused, especially in the digital age, media content can mislead, polarise, damage lives, and weaken democratic norms. It is in this crucial moment that AMWJU’s leadership, reputation and moral authority can make a decisive difference. We request your kind consideration of the above suggestions, and would be glad to assist or partner with AMWJU in organising dialogues, workshops, or awareness programmes to uphold the nobility of journalism in Manipur.”