Uphold neutrality and integrity in journalism: OTV MD Jagi Mangat Panda at IIMC Dhenkanal

Odisha Television Network (OTV) Managing Director Jagi Mangat Panda urged students to uphold neutrality and integrity in journalism while addressing the orientation program organized by the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Panda discussed the challenges faced by journalists in contemporary society. She emphasized what journalism truly means, how it should be practiced with integrity, and the importance of maintaining neutrality in the profession.

She also shared how OTV has consistently upheld neutrality and credibility over the years. Highlighting the digital revolution, Panda explained how OTV has adapted to new trends in journalism to stay relevant in the changing media landscape.

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Following her address, Panda interacted with students in a question-and-answer session.

"As good journalists, we cover as many sides as possible. A good journalist will cover at least two opposing viewpoints of a story. It is so relevant today. With the explosion of social media, journalists are struggling because there are many people out there with smartphones who don't know what journalism is, and they bring stories and present them as if it is news. But actually, it is only their opinions. And we are not interested in their opinions. People should not be interested in anybody's opinions. People should be interested in facts. People should be interested that you did a good job, a fair job covering from the ground and bring us as many angles of the story as possible so that we, as viewers, will be able to form our own views. And with that in mind, we started this channel, and I am proud to say that even till today, after so many years, we still continue to follow that charter. The journalists who work with us have it ingrained in their DNA because we will not have any other way. We will ensure that at least two opposite viewpoints of the story are coming," said OTV Managing Director Jagi Mangat Panda.

"As a pioneer, leader, and woman entrepreneur, she (Panda) shared her experiences with our students. She shared her experience on how to build a channel. She also shared the core ideals, principles, and challenges of journalism and what the way forward is in the future," said IIMC, Dhenkanal Director Prof Anand Pradhan.

"Today's interaction was very insightful for budding journalists like us. Madam also spoke about how she started a news channel and how it stood out among other news channels in the region. She also discussed the challenges that women journalists face in the field. She also talked about how OTV, as an organisation, has come up with solutions for those problems. It was very nice to know about all the things that she is doing," said Mamata Singh, a student.