Itanagar, May 3: The Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ), in collaboration with the Arunachal Press Club (APC), observed World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) at the press club premises here, on Saturday.
The celebrations extended beyond Itanagar, as affiliated district press clubs, including Seppa Press Club (SPC), Ziro Press Club (ZPC), Pasighat Press Club (PPC), Aalo Press Club (APC), and Raga Press Club (RPC), organised their own events to mark the occasion.
Joining the global call to protect a free, independent, and pluralistic press as fundamental to democracy and development, the APUWJ organised a special screening of a film focused on journalism, fostering engagement within the media community.
Various activities were conducted at district press clubs as part of the celebration. Journalists across the state carried banners and distributed pamphlets advocating for press freedom, the protection of journalists, and in memory of those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
In Itanagar, APUWJ president Amar Sangno stressed the significance of the day, urging journalists to prioritise ethical and truthful reporting. He also addressed the impact of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) on journalism, noting both the potential benefits and the challenges they present.
Sangno raised concerns about the declining standards of journalism in the country, referencing India's decreasing position in global press freedom rankings. He attributed this decline to the period following the rise of the Modi-led BJP government.
As part of the event, the film screening was followed by an interactive discussion led by APUWJ gender council convenor Appu Gapak, allowing journalists to reflect on the film’s themes and their relevance to the profession.
The Raga Press Club (RPC) marked the occasion with a brief yet impactful program at K&K Futsal. RPC President Biku Aka emphasised the importance of press freedom and urged members to report courageously and responsibly, particularly in the context of the growing influence of AI in media.
Similarly, ZPC organized a skit show highlighting the significance of press freedom.
