PCS & JUS jointly takes strict measures against misuse of media identity

GANGTOK, : The Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) and Journalists Union of Sikkim (JUS) on Sunday held a joint meeting here to discuss on malicious allegations levelled against journalists by certain political workers, and misuse of media’s name by unverified social media users posing as reporters.

The joint meeting was chaired by PCS president Bhim Rawat and JUS president Sujal Pradhan, and attended by a large number of members of both the organisations at PCS Bhawan. After discussions and taking feedback from all members, the joint meeting passed four important resolutions, a press release informs.

It was resolved that the organising committee of State-level events should officially contact PCS and JUS for media coverage. The meeting decided that both the organisations would communicate with the Chief Minister’s Office, government departments, political parties, IPR department and social organisations in this regard.

The meeting also resolved that the PCS and JUS will take responsibility for the support and security of only those journalists who are their members. Disciplinary action will also be taken against those members who violate the associations’ rules or engage in any activities that brings journalism into disrepute. Disciplinary committees would be formed by the PCS and JUS.

“The meeting noted instances where certain students were seen attending programmes wearing press cards and identifying themselves as reporters. Taking a strong note, the PCS and JUS will be now be submitting complaints to the concerned educational institutions and district authorities against such students. Certain government employees are also misusing press cards and if found doing so again, complaints would be lodged against them before their concerned head of department for necessary action.”

It was also resolved to request political parties to provide separate enclosures for mainstream journalists and their party’s social media team at the venues during coverage of their programmes.

During the meeting, the PCS and JUS have noted with all seriousness about the unwarranted comments and allegations made against the entire media fraternity by certain individuals and workers of political parties. Such accusations by placing mainstream journalists and so-called journalists on one platform should immediately stop, the two organisations have urged.

The PCS and JUS said they also welcome complaints against their members if they commit acts which harm the dignity and ethics of journalism.