Charting a 'Positive Decade' for Media: Experts Envision Constructive, Ethical Journalism.

Charting a 'Positive Decade' for Media: Experts Envision Constructive, Ethical Journalism.

New Delhi. As media enters a new decade fraught with challenges, a forward-looking seminar convened by  Uday Kumar Manna Founder & National Convener Ram Janaki Sansthan Positive Broadcasting House (RJS PBH)& RJS Positive Media on January 29, 2025, charted a course for a "positive decade" in journalism. 

RJSians paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on the Eve of his martyrdom day. 

Commemorating Indian Newspaper Day, the comprehensive online event explored the historical roots of Indian journalism, confronted the complexities of the modern media landscape, and proposed concrete strategies for fostering reporting that is not only ethical and truthful but also actively contributes to societal betterment.

The seminar commenced by honoring James Augustus Hicky, founder of the Bengal Gazette Newspaper in 1780, as a foundational figure. Speakers lauded Hicky's "fearless expression," recognizing his pioneering role in Indian journalism and his defiance of colonial constraints. One speaker noted, "Hicky, though a foreigner, gifted India fearless expression through print," underscoring his courage in an era of British rule. This historical tribute set the stage for a discussion about contemporary challenges and future directions.

In his opening remarks,Narender Bhandari, National General Secretary Working Journalists of India,  immediately addressed a core problem: public disengagement due to negativity. "Maximum TV channels nowadays show negative things... but people want to see positive things," he stated, highlighting a disconnect between media output and audience desire. He offered a practical solution: his own initiative using WhatsApp to share positive news among journalists. Rajendra Singh Kushwaha, Atithi Editor, built on this, detailing the societal damage of "yellow journalism" and advocating for positive media as a tool for constructive change, emphasizing, "If media adopts a positive role, it can enrich any individual, institution, group, and nation economically, socially, culturally, and politically."

Keynote speaker Onkareshwar Pandey provided a robust framework for "positive journalism," defining it simply yet powerfully as "speaking the truth." He anchored this definition in both ancient wisdom and historical struggle, referencing scriptures like "Satyam Vada Dharmam Chara" and the courageous example of Hicky. Pandey directly confronted the pressures eroding journalistic ethics: sensationalism, bias, and declining press freedom. He urged a return to core values, asking, " Today we have stopped asking questions, and questions should be asked to those in power."

Chief guest Professor K.G. Suresh, Former VC MCU offered a nuanced understanding of "positive journalism," clarifying, "Positive journalism is not about public relations for a particular government." He presented it instead as "a thought, a vision," a proactive mindset focused on societal progress. Crucially, he emphasized that "आलोचना में भी सकारात्मकता होती है - Criticism can also be positive," when driven by a desire to improve and correct, using the analogy of constructive parental criticism.

Other voices contributed practical perspectives. Deep Mathur advocated for "scientific temper" and a global outlook, urging media to "live simply, think high." Sweety Paul recalled the positive impact of newspapers in homes and stressed the need for collective action and unity within the media community.

Looking ahead to a "positive decade," the seminar also considered concrete action steps. Professor Suresh suggested collaborations with universities to cultivate ethical values in future journalists. Deep Mathur called for broader media coverage of positive initiatives and outreach to media organizations. Sweety Paul reiterated the importance of unity and collective effort. Uday Kumar Manna, RJS PBH founder, outlined plans for a "Positive Media Address System" and initiatives to engage both overseas and internal migrant Indian communities.

The RJS PBH seminar concluded with a shared vision for a "positive decade" in media, defined by a renewed commitment to truth, ethics, balance, and constructive societal engagement. Speakers envisioned a media landscape that, inspired by the courageous legacy of James Augustus Hicky and guided by the principles of positive journalism, actively contributes to progress, unity, and a more informed and empowered citizenry across India and the world.