KalimNews, Darjeeling, 22 March 2024 : In a significant initiative aimed at enhancing media skills among journalists in the Hill districts of West Bengal, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) West Bengal collaborated with the Press Club, Calcutta to organize a two-day programme on Advocacy Journalism. Held in Darjeeling, the programme focused on equipping journalists with essential tools and knowledge in media advocacy, journalism development, and modern technical training.
Led by Dr. Snehasis Sur, President of the Press Club Calcutta, and moderated by Dr. Uma Shankar Pandey, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Surendranath College for Women, University of Calcutta, the sessions covered a wide array of topics. Dr. Pandey delved into the practical applications of contemporary tools such as Chat GPT and Canva, emphasizing their role in modern journalism.
Dr. Mrinal Chatterjee, Regional Director and a seasoned journalist-turned-academician from the Eastern Indian campus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (Dhenkanal, Odisha), underscored the importance of responsible journalism. He urged journalists to uphold ethical standards and adopt a balanced approach in reporting, focusing on factual accuracy and sensitivity, particularly when reporting on children and related legal considerations.
During the programme, Dr. Snehashish Sur elaborated on the evolution and principles of development and advocacy journalism. He highlighted the ethical considerations and legal frameworks, including pertinent sections of laws such as IPC, Juvenile Justice Act, and POCSO Act, which mandate protection of children’s identities and rights in media coverage.
Amal Sarkar, a senior journalist from Kolkata, shared insights into effective story development and journalistic techniques, emphasizing the role of journalism in highlighting societal issues and proposing solutions.
Suchorita Bardhan, Communication Specialist at UNICEF West Bengal, addressed specific challenges in reporting on children, advocating for responsible journalism practices that respect privacy and uphold child rights. She praised the active participation of journalists from Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Sonada, and Bijanbari in the programme.
Representatives from the Eastern Himalayan Journalists Union (EHJU), including Arun Kumar Rai, Ashap Lama, Mukesh Sharma, Rudra Karki, and Amrit Khati (Ambrose) from Kalimpong district, actively engaged in the sessions. The programme concluded with the distribution of certificates to participants and expressions of gratitude to the resource persons.
In her closing remarks, Bardhan expressed satisfaction with the programme’s outcomes, citing its success in imparting training on development journalism, advocacy journalism, and media ethics. She reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting child rights through collaborative efforts with government agencies, the judiciary, and the media.
The event was marked by a spirit of collaboration and learning, fostering a more informed and responsible journalism community in the Hill districts of West Bengal.