“Journalists Speak Out on Misinformation, the Declining Standards of Journalism, and the Fight to Preserve Credibility”
Samastipur | November 16, 2025 — Editorial
National Press Day is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of the responsibility the media holds as the conscience of democracy. The press conference organised by the Information & Public Relations Department at the District Guest House in Samastipur brought this reality into sharp focus.
This year’s theme — “Protecting the Credibility of the Press Amid Rising Misinformation” — could not have been more relevant. It exposed both the pressure and the pitfalls that the profession faces in an era when information spreads faster than truth.
A Disturbing Decline: When Integrity is Traded for Incentives
Veteran journalists attending the event did not hesitate to acknowledge an uncomfortable truth: the erosion of journalistic standards is not only due to external pressures but also internal compromises.
In the race to publish first, accuracy often becomes the biggest casualty. Some individuals in the profession, driven by small financial temptations or personal gains, bypass verification and publish unfiltered, unreliable content.
This behaviour, journalists admitted, does not merely damage personal reputation it weakens the credibility of the entire media fraternity.
It reflects a deeper crisis: a profession built on trust is being chipped away from within.
Misinformation: No Longer a Challenge, But a Threat
The discussion highlighted how misinformation has evolved into a systemic threat. Social media platforms, while amplifying voices, have simultaneously blurred the lines between fact and fiction.
Journalists unanimously stressed the urgent need to strengthen:
Fact-checking mechanisms
Editorial scrutiny
Training for new reporters
Ethical guidelines and newsroom discipline
“Speed must never overpower truth,” several speakers asserted.
Press Freedom and Safety: Not Optional, But Essential
Participants also raised concerns about threats, pressure groups, and the lack of adequate protection for field reporters.
They emphasized that expecting fearless reporting without ensuring the safety of journalists is both unrealistic and unjust.
Credibility is the Backbone of Democracy
The session concluded with a powerful message: the press must rebuild its integrity from within.
A credible press strengthens democracy; a compromised press weakens it.
National Press Day should, therefore, serve not only as a celebration but as a moment of introspection — a reminder that the responsibility of truth cannot be compromised, no matter the temptation.