1 week ago
Journalism Fundamentals Seen as Key to Restoring Public Trust
N. Ram said news organisations need to return to basic journalism practices to rebuild public trust.
These practices include reporting from the ground, investigating stories and explaining complicated issues clearly.
He supported clear rules for journalists and independent groups that can check whether media organisations follow them.
He also suggested that news ombudsmen could help people raise concerns about journalism.
Ram said digital platforms and YouTube channels will not replace careful reporting.
Other speakers discussed ways for readers and journalists to help fund news organisations.
They also warned that relying too much on large technology companies could create problems.
The panel discussed misinformation, low wages and expensive journalism education.
Media literacy in schools was suggested to help students judge news more carefully.
N. Ram urged media organisations to prioritize ground reporting, investigations, long-form journalism and explanatory writing.
Ram called for transparent codes of conduct, independent self-regulation and legislative backing for journalistic standards.
He proposed news ombudsmen and reader-funded models while warning about media ownership’s effect on journalism.
Panelists discussed misinformation, disinformation, low media wages and high fees at journalism training colleges.
Pratik Sinha and Syeda Faiza Kirmani advocated new economic models and emphasized print media’s continuing importance.
- Who
- N. Ram, Pratik Sinha, Syeda Faiza Kirmani and other participants at a Federation of Press Clubs panel discussion.
- What
- The panel discussed how journalism can regain public trust and address misinformation, economic pressures and changing media platforms.
- Where
- At the National Conclave of the Federation of Press Clubs; the specific location is not stated.
- When
- The discussion was held on Sunday; the article was published on August 23, 2026.
- Why
- The speakers said stronger reporting practices, ethical standards, sustainable funding and media literacy were needed to improve journalism and public trust.
Key facts
- Main recommendation
- Return to ground reporting, investigative journalism, long-form writing, data reporting and explanatory journalism.
- Proposed oversight
- Transparent codes of conduct, independent self-regulation and a news ombudsman.
- Legislative proposal
- Parliamentary legislation should support journalists’ codes of conduct.
- Alternative funding
- Reader-funded journalism and economic models involving journalists and readers.
- Digital concern
- Media organisations should avoid excessive dependence on large technology companies.
- Education proposal
- Introduce media literacy in middle- or secondary-school curricula.
- Additional concerns
- Participants raised misinformation, low media wages and high fees at media training colleges.
Quotes
Pratik Sinha
Co-founder and Editor at Alt News
“Investigative journalism is forte of print journalism. Long-form writing, data reporting and explanatory reports could help the print media strengthen its credibility.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“We need to use open-source software that helps run media organisations,”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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