The Meghalaya Editors’ and Publishers’ Association (MEPA) which is an umbrella body of all media houses in Meghalaya has expressed solidarity with the various media organisations in India who have decided to write to the Chief Justice of India to draw his attention to the continued attempts to throttle press freedom in the country as happened recently with some journalists in Delhi.
The statement came in the wake of the arrest of veteran journalist and founder of NewsClick Prabir Purkayastha and others under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
National media reported that several journalists, technicians, and contributors associated with NewsClick also faced searches, many of whose electronic devices were seized.
MEPA raises concern over YouTubers posing as journalists and attending official functions.
In a statement, MEPA also raised concerns about some YouTubers posing as journalists and attending official functions.
MEPA has received complaints from journalists and reporters working in some districts of the State regarding the presence of private YouTubers who performed journalistic duty through news coverage, attending official functions, press conferences and press briefings in the districts. Complaints have also been received that there were private YouTubers who pasted ‘Press’ tags in their vehicles.
The MEPA in a meeting held in Shillong today (October 5, 2023) has decided to clarify to all concerned including members of the public that authorised media houses are those which have registered with the Registrar of Newspapers of India (RNI) and empanelled with the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Meghalaya. Besides, media personnel, reporters, correspondents, freelance journalists have to obtain the identity card issued by their respective media house (newspaper, TV channel, digital channel) Accreditation Card issued by the DIPR.
Therefore, in order to avoid any confusion and prevent any attempt by certain individuals to take advantage, the MEPA will soon write to the DIPR on this matter for necessary steps to be taken so that the members of the public are not misused or misguided by any individuals posing as journalists or media personnel.