The inaugural 1st Hill Myna Media Conclave 2026, organised by Hill Myna Magazine, publisher of Hill Myna Media Pvt. Ltd., was held on October 7.
The event held in Moreau Institute of Integral Training and Research Society, Shillong, Meghalaya, under the theme “On-Ground Reporting in Northeast India.”
The conclave brought together journalists, media professionals, government officials, students and emerging voices to discuss accuracy, verification, ethics, context and the importance of reporting from the ground.
The Chief Guest, Abhilash Baranwal, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, emphasised the responsibility of journalism, saying:
“The responsibility of journalism is not simply to tell us what we want to hear, but to tell us what we need to know.”
The three speakers shared their experiences and perspectives on on-ground reporting.
Soma Basu, Senior Deputy Editor at The Hindu, said:
“Commitment to authenticity is a basic requirement for every journalist, and this authenticity comes from ground reporting”.
She added, “When you go to the field, you get multiple voices and different perspectives. Ground reporting builds the architecture of credibility and lends a true voice to every story.”
Michaeljit Yumnam, a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in news reporting and digital media, said,
“On-ground reporting helps you understand what actually happened and explain the ground reality to the public.”
Imkonglemba Ao, Principal Correspondent, Dimapur, The Morung Express, said, “On-ground reporting means being physically present in the field, rather than relying on phone calls or third-party sources.”
He said that it means being there and being aware of the ground scenario, while cross-checking the various information that would circulate.
More importantly, being there on the ground helps gain work experience, and hone skills, allowing the journalist to grow professionally, he added.
The programme also featured “The Room Speaks,” an interactive audience session, and the Northeast Writers Award 2026, recognising literary voices from the region.
Speaking at the conclusion, Miss Lakshmi Kharkongor, Director Media and Editor, Hill Myna Magazine, said, “Our impact is reaffirmed through our readers and contributors who continue to find value in stories that highlight real people and meaningful change.”
The conclave marked the beginning of Hill Myna Media’s efforts to create a platform for meaningful conversations on journalism, storytelling and the voices of the Northeast.
