Kenya News Service Holds Annual Workshop, Urges Responsible Journalism Amid Rise in Social Media Misinformation

Kashmir News Service Holds Workshop on Responsible Journalism Amid Digital Challenges

The Kashmir News Service (KNS) hosted its annual media workshop at the Radisson Hotel in Srinagar on Sunday, bringing together district correspondents, senior editors, and journalists for a day-long program focused on reinforcing responsible journalism in an era of rampant misinformation.

The workshop highlighted growing concerns about unverified content on social media platforms that continues to erode public trust in news media. Participants specifically identified the proliferation of unregulated Facebook pages and anonymous news handles as major challenges facing professional journalism in the region.

“These platforms operate without editorial scrutiny or accountability, creating confusion among the public and forcing professional journalists to work harder to protect their credibility,” noted one speaker during the sessions. Newsrooms now face the dual burden of reporting accurate news while simultaneously correcting misinformation circulating online.

Shabir Malik, Editor of KNS, opened the workshop by reflecting on the organization’s three-decade journey in journalism. He emphasized that KNS has weathered numerous pressures, financial challenges, and digital disruptions by steadfastly maintaining ethical reporting standards. “Credibility has been our defining strength that has sustained us over the years,” Malik said.

The workshop featured several prominent media figures, including Maqsood Uri, former Editor of Shaherbeen, who praised KNS’s significant contributions to the media landscape in Jammu and Kashmir. Uri noted that the news agency has produced journalists who now work across major media platforms throughout the region. He advocated for similar training workshops to be conducted at the district level to support reporters working outside Srinagar.

Shafat Malik, who began his career as a sub-editor with KNS, shared how the agency shaped his entry into journalism. “The editorial discipline and exposure I received at KNS helped me build a career in the field,” he said. Several editors now working in national and regional media echoed similar sentiments, attributing their professional foundation to their time with KNS.

Sajad Lone, online editor at KNS, emphasized that traditional media cannot retreat in the face of digital challenges. “The rise of unverified content must be met with greater factual rigor, editorial checks, and professional responsibility,” he stated, underscoring the need for maintaining journalistic standards.

The workshop saw active participation from numerous KNS staff members, including Tasaduq Rashid, South Kashmir Bureau Head who moderated sessions; Syed Ajaz, Editor of KNS Urdu; Rahim Rizwan, Executive Editor; Sagar Firdous, Online Editor; and several senior correspondents including Syed Fayaz, Bilal Rehmani, and Mohd Lateef Bhat.

During an open session, participants raised concerns about practical challenges facing journalists in the field. They requested additional training support, better field coordination, and stronger newsroom systems to facilitate reporting, particularly for those working in remote districts. According to attendees, the Editor-in-Chief promised prompt action on the issues raised.

Mohammad Aslam Bhat, Editor-in-Chief of KNS, addressed the gathering by emphasizing the demanding nature of a correspondent’s work. “The quality of any news report depends on the accuracy of the details correspondents provide,” he stated. Bhat reaffirmed that maintaining credibility has always been KNS’s priority, noting that the agency has maintained a strict policy of fact verification before publication.

He advised reporters to first establish the details of incidents on the ground before approaching authorities for official statements, and stressed the importance of close coordination with the editorial desk to ensure factual accuracy in reporting.

The workshop comes at a critical time when media organizations across Kashmir and beyond are grappling with the challenges posed by social media and the rapid spread of unverified information. By focusing on responsible journalism and maintaining high editorial standards, KNS aims to continue providing trustworthy news to its readers despite the changing media landscape.