Focus on Development and Responsible Journalism
The day-long event will be held at Hotel Horizon, starting from 9:00 am. The workshop will be inaugurated by Shri V. Palanichamy, Additional Director General, PIB Kerala-Lakshadweep Region. His address will highlight the growing need for accurate information in today’s fast-paced media environment.
Kannur Assistant Collector, Ms. Ehteda Mufassir, will offer a felicitation message on behalf of the District Administration. Her participation underscores the local administration’s support for transparent communication and responsible journalism.
In a moving tribute to journalistic excellence, the event will felicitate Padmashree awardee Shri Narayana Peruvannan and veteran journalist Shri V. B. Parameswaran from Taliparamba. Their lifelong contributions to public discourse and regional storytelling serve as an inspiration for the next generation of media professionals.
Key Sessions and Expert Insights
The workshop’s first technical session will dive into the topic, “Central Government Schemes – Facilitating Development Through Banks.” It will be led by Shri Renjith, Lead Bank Manager at Canara Bank. He will explain how financial institutions are key to delivering welfare schemes effectively.
Veteran journalist Shri C. P. Surendran, formerly of Kerala Kaumudi, will present an overview of development journalism and the impact of central schemes over the past 11 years.
Shri Sabu T John, Chief Sub Editor, Malayalam Manorama, Kannur, will lead a thought-provoking session on “Fake News, Misinformation and Fact-Check”. He will also examine how social media shapes public opinion, especially during national security events.
Promoting Media Literacy and Collaboration
Smt. Lekshmi Priya S. S., Assistant Director (M&C), PIB Cochin, will introduce participants to the various media wings under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. These include organizations like the CBC, AIR, and Doordarshan that play vital roles in information dissemination.
The workshop also includes a “Sharing of Experiences” segment. In this, journalists, beneficiaries of government schemes, and representatives of Community Radio Kannur will share their on-ground experiences. This provides a real-world perspective on how policies translate into outcomes for citizens.
Community and Media Come Together
The event is co-organized with the Press Forum, Taliparamba and the CBC Kannur Office. Shri M. K. Manoharan, President of the Taliparamba Press Forum, will deliver the keynote address, stressing the media’s responsibility in ensuring balanced reporting.
Shri M. V. Rajesh, Secretary of the Press Forum, and Smt. Shamila K. Y., Media and Communication Officer, PIB Cochin, will also speak to the gathering.
Empowering Regional Media
This regional media workshop is part of PIB’s larger goal to empower local journalists. It aims to equip them with knowledge, tools, and critical thinking skills to report on national schemes effectively. With Kannur being a hub of political and social activity, the workshop takes on added significance.
Through interactive sessions and open dialogue, PIB hopes to create a network of informed and ethical journalists who can combat fake news, raise awareness about government schemes, and contribute to the development narrative.
Why It Matters
In today’s media landscape, misinformation spreads faster than facts. Workshops like these help journalists stay grounded in truth. They provide clarity on schemes like PM Awas Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, Digital India, and Ayushman Bharat, enabling better reporting at the grassroots level.
The participation of community radio voices and scheme beneficiaries adds authenticity. Real-life stories humanize policy implementation, making development more relatable.
Conclusion: Strengthening Democracy Through Media
The upcoming Regional Media Workshop at Taliparamba is not just a training event. It’s a celebration of ethical journalism, community voices, and developmental transparency. As India prepares for the next leap in governance and technology, empowering regional media is more crucial than ever.
With strong representation from the media, government, and civil society, this event promises to foster trust, enhance knowledge, and build bridges between the people and the policies that serve them.