STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Renowned television journalist, Pradeep Dutta, Senior Editor Times Now, underscored the pivotal role of investigation and verification (IV) as crucial pillars in upholding the credibility of a seasoned journalist-a credibility that takes years to build but can be forfeited in the blink of an eye.
In an engaging session with the Journalism club at Jammu Sanskriti School, Dutta, who has reported from conflict zones like Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas, shared harrowing experiences of close encounters with death. Despite the perilous situations, his unwavering commitment and that of his video journalists led them to brave the battlegrounds, tirelessly striving to deliver the most accurate reports and updates from ground zero-a place even eagles feared to tread.
Dutta elucidated on the unique challenges faced in conflict reporting, emphasising that it’s effortless for critics in the comfort of drawing rooms to condemn or troll reporters. “During war, people evacuate danger zones, but a journalist is a tribe that moves towards the danger zone to bring you the latest updates,” explained Pradeep Dutta.
Highlighting the significance of passion and a keen nose for news, Dutta asserted that these qualities, coupled with an ability to withstand criticism, pave the way for an individual to evolve into an exceptional journalist. Drawing from his own career, he encouraged youngsters not to be weighed down by criticism, emphasising that it serves as a catalyst for journalistic growth.
The interactive session also saw students pose diverse questions to gain a deeper understanding of journalism and mass communication. The Principal of the school, Rohini Aima, commenced the event by presenting Dutta with a floral bouquet – specially made by students.
Subsequently, Shivani Jamwal, a faculty member and head of the Journalism Club, bestowed upon him a memento, while also showcasing a hand-written magazine produced by students and illustrating their fieldwork as part of practical assignments.