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TEZPUR: The Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, Tezpur University (TU) organized an interactive session in collaboration with the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on the Safety of Journalists.
The purpose of the seminar is to counter the growing threats of journalists and equip young professionals with safety mechanisms. It was an initiative to encourage students to join this profession and to promote the physical, psychological, and digital safety of journalists globally. Dr Dhanapati Deka, Dean of Research & Development, and some of the local journalists of Tezpur graced the discussion with their presence for the session. The experiences of the local journalists provided some insights to the students. The session covered several topics by both speakers.
Speaker Colin Pereira has worked for more than 15 years to shape the risk management model for journalists operating under threat. Previously he was head of security for ITN and Deputy Head of the BBC High-Risk Team. Colin Pereira extensively discussed the CPJ records that show 2021-2022 was one of the deadliest years for Indian journalists. India ranks 150 out of 180 in the Press Foundation Index and how Indian Newsrooms and Journalism organizations need the culture of safety. He provided information on topics like how to assess risks and what immediate actions should be taken in such cases.
Speaker Kunal Mazumdar shared the rights guide and legal aspects for journalists in India. He is founding editor-in-chief of InUth.com and Catch News. He discussed the increasing legal action and criminalization against journalists in the current scenario and the use of laws like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), and various sections of the penal code.
The event was addressed by Dr Kopou Malakar, Assistant Professor of the MCJ Department. She briefed the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and how the Committee deals with the hurdles faced by Journalists. She also discussed how recent trends and AI-based information has changed the flow of information and created a threat to job opportunities in the field of Journalism. Dr Joya Chakraborty graced the event with a speech on the risk assessment of journalists globally and the need to manage, counter and negotiate those hurdles effectively. After the discussion, an interactive session between students and speakers started.
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