Neglect of Digital Media on National Press Day: Stark Oversight by Government

Shimla, November 16, Ritanjali Hastir

On the occasion of National Press Day, the digital media community finds itself in the shadows, with its vital contributions and extensive reach seemingly ignored by the state government. In an age dominated by digital platforms, the sidelining of digital journalists raises questions about the government’s understanding of the evolving media landscape.

In a world where information travels at the speed of a click, digital media has emerged as a powerful force, transcending geographical boundaries and reaching a diverse audience. However, the government’s preferential treatment towards traditional print media, while neglecting the ever-expanding digital realm, is a testament to its ignorance and insensitivity towards technological advancements.

National Press Day, which should celebrate the entire journalistic spectrum, has turned into a stark reminder of the foster child treatment meted out to digital media professionals. The irony is palpable when the theme of the day revolves around the ‘Role of media in the era of artificial intelligence,’ and yet, the government seems oblivious to the fundamental differences between social and digital media. For starters, the basic difference in the two

Definitions:

• Social media: This refers to online platforms and websites that enable users to create and share content in the form of text, images, videos, and more. It is primarily focused on user-generated content and fosters interaction and engagement among users. Examples include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
• Digital Media: This is a broader term that encompasses all types of digital content, including text, images, audio, and video. Digital media extends beyond user-generated content and includes professionally created content such as articles, videos, podcasts, and digital advertisements.

Examples:

• Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and LinkedIn are examples of social media platforms where users connect and share content with a social focus.
• Digital Media: Digital media includes websites, online news articles, blogs, podcasts, digital magazines, online videos, and other forms of digital content that cover a wide range of topics beyond personal social interaction.

Digital journalists, who have been at the forefront of disseminating information during natural calamities, political developments, and social issues, have been left out of the official discourse. Their role in shaping public opinion, providing real-time updates, and fostering dialogue often surpasses that of traditional media outlets. Yet, their contributions seem to go unnoticed by a government stuck in a bygone era.

The government’s failure to acknowledge and include digital media in the National Press Day celebrations is not just a mere oversight; it is a reflection of a broader issue: an unwillingness to adapt to the changing dynamics of communication. The exclusion of digital media professionals sends a clear message: their efforts, despite influencing the opinions and actions of millions, are not deemed worthy of recognition.

The very theme of the day, ‘Role of media in the era of artificial intelligence,’ becomes ironic when digital journalists, who actively engage with AI tools and platforms, are excluded from the narrative. It highlights the gap between the government’s rhetoric and its actions, exposing a lack of understanding of the media landscape’s intricacies.

While the government boasts about adopting new technologies in various sectors, its treatment of digital media suggests a selective approach, where only certain technological advancements are deemed worthy of attention. The oversight raises questions about the government’s commitment to inclusivity, progress, and the democratic values it claims to uphold.

As we navigate through an era where information is instantaneously accessible, the government’s failure to recognize the role of digital media is not just a disservice to journalists but also to the public, which relies on diverse sources for information. National Press Day should be a celebration of all media forms, acknowledging their distinct roles and the unique challenges they face.

The neglect of digital media on National Press Day sends a clear message about the government’s myopic approach to technology and media. It’s time for a more inclusive celebration that recognizes and appreciates the diverse and dynamic landscape of journalism in the 21st century.