Coping Hazards (November 22)

November 16 was national press day. On the occasion, the press fraternity in Imphal too assembled to reassess the profession, particularly in the face of the new hazards it has come to be exposed to in the conflict zone that Manipur is today. 

The multi-dimensional conflict situation has thrown up equally complex and multi faceted pressures on the profession. The most obvious of these, as was pointed out by many reporters covering the crime beat, are the fears of physical harm that those in the profession have been put into, sometimes as a necessary part of the profession, and at the other times as extraordinary risks brought about by the extraordinary times. 

The overwhelming question was how is the problem to be tackled and overcome. The answer, as all realized to utter disappointment and surprise was that there is no answer. That is, at least not for the moment.

Journalists do not function in a vacuum, and will have to suffer the miseries as much as reap the fruits that the rest of the society they function in do. The best and the most permanent solution to the hazards of the profession, we are left with no choice but to conclude lies in the society as a whole, purging itself of the endemic problems that plagues it. 

The debate on how to make journalism a safe and rewarding profession calls for it to be treated like any other professions, where people will just have to live with what they cannot run away from. However, we may add that it is in everybody's self interest to put in his or her mite in the social upliftment effort.

A similar question was raised during a panel discussion a day before during a journalism workshop organized by the Don Bosco College, Maram, in their college premises. What justifications do journalists have to assume moral authority in the discussion of social issues? A humbling question again, and one that makes those in the profession blush, for the honest introspective answer is--none at all.

We do not believe journalists stand on any moral high ground. Being in constant touch with what is happening on the ground, it is not unusual many amongst our tribe, with the commitment and aptitude for the occupation, develop useful insights. And journalism they say is 95 percent perspiration leaving only 5 percent for inspiration. Given the inclination and the willingness to sweat, anybody can become a journalist -- a doctor, an engineer, a banker, and an economist ... anybody. 

The reverse however is unlikely to be true in most of the cases. The importance of journalism as we see it lies in actively and honestly taking part in the debates of the society and thus help in evolving the unseen consensual third voice that emerge out of every meaningful debate. Failing in this will be failing in being truthful to our profession. 

We believe journalism has two important components- the news and the opinion. The two are important, but one must never be allowed to pose as the other. As an organization that has been in the forefront of the state's journalism for almost seven years now, our suggestion to others in the profession is, we should strive to abide by journalism's undisputed motto- news is sacred, opinions free.

(Courtesy: The Imphal Free Press)

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