Jammu, 09/07/2020: Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India organised the Webinar which included speakers from Print and Electronic Media as well as Media Students and academicians. The Webinar was done in collaboration with Central University Jammu and was jointly presided by Smt. Devpreet Singh ,Addl. DG, North Region and Professor Ashok Aima ,Vice Chancellor, Central University Jammu.
The webinar focussed on various aspects related to awareness generation , information dissemination, fighting misinformation and challenges faced by Media person during Covid19 crisis. The session was moderated by Neha Jalali, Deputy Director, PIB Jammu.
In the Introductory address Addl. DG, Press Information Bureau, Northern Region said that despite challenges being faced during Covid19 crisis Digital online communication has offered opportunities for various private, public and Government organisations to connect through online platform and collaborate on range of issues.
She also highlighted the role of Press Information Bureau in spreading awareness during Covid19 crisis. She further said that collaboration with Central University Jammu in organising the sessions online would bring Government Media, Media Industry and Media Institutes in synergy.
Undoubtedly, Covid-19 pandemic has posed a serious challenge to the governments across the globe, however it has in a unique way presented an opportunity to develop and explore digital media to connect to the people and audiences irrespective of the distance, ADG, PIB added.
Speaking during the webinar, Prof. Ashok Aima, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu said that these kinds of initiatives must be taken to create a synergy at the institutional and personal level. He also expressed willingness to work closer with Media personnel and Government Department in field of capacity building.
Senior Correspondent, Shri Avtar Bhat during his expert talk on Print Media’s role in generating awareness during Covid19 said that Print Media played a pivotal role in generating awareness during Covid 19 times using its digital platform in the form of e-papers.
Principal correspondent, Shri Dinesh Manhotra, in his expert talk briefed about various challenges faced by print media industry and journalists during covid19 pandemic.
Shri Ashwini Kumar, President ,Press Club Jammu spoke about the various initiatives taken by Press Club Jammu in creating awareness about Covid19.
Senior Journalist Shri Sominder Kaul during the webinar briefed about the various challenges and opportunities for the media personnel to authenticate the source, content and steps taken to counter the misinformation. He also explained how field reporting is undergoing a change due to Covid19 crisis.
Sh. Baccha Babu, Professor Department of Journalism, Central University of Jammu briefed the webinar about the role of civil society for engaging in positive information dissemination during Covid19 pandemic.
RJ Juhi Mohan, threw light on the various initiatives taken by private FM channels in spreading awareness during covid19 crisis by bringing the nodal officials, Government Deptt. and Doctors together.
Sh. Abhishek Kumar, Assistant Director, PIB Jammu briefed the webinar about the Social media’s role particularly Facebook and Twitter during covid19 pandemic and told how PIB , ROB and various media units under Ministry Information & Broadcasting have played important role during the Covid 19 crisis in collaboration with State Government Information Department and District Information Offices.
Sh. Mudasir Amin, Media and Communication Officer presented Vote of thanks.
The webinar was also attended by Media Students, PIB and ROB Officials.