Tanvir Hussain
Budgam, Nov 2 :
The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) has begun a verification exercise in District Budgam to identify and take action against individuals posing as journalists without affiliation to any recognized media organization. The move aims to curb the growing menace of fake journalism and ensure that only bona fide media professionals operate in the district.
In a formal communication issued to all media persons, the department has directed working journalists to submit two passport-sized photographs along with authority letters from their respective media organizations within three days to the office of the District Information Officer, Budgam. The collected information will then be forwarded to the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Jammu and Kashmir, for record verification and official accreditation processing.
Officials said the step was necessitated by the increasing number of self-styled “reporters” operating on social media platforms who falsely claim association with established news outlets. Some of these individuals, according to police sources, have been found misusing press identity cards to gain unauthorized access or attempt to influence local officials. In certain instances, police cases have already been registered against such persons under relevant legal provisions.
Authorities have described fake journalism as a practice where individuals or groups falsely project themselves as journalists to extract personal, political, or financial benefits. This includes running unregistered online pages or social media handles that spread misinformation, publish unverified content, or engage in blackmail under the guise of journalism.
A senior official from the Information Department said the ongoing exercise is meant to safeguard the integrity of the profession. “The idea is not to target anyone, but to ensure that only legitimate journalists representing recognized media houses are acknowledged. We are working to streamline the system,” the official added.
The department has also appealed to genuine media professionals to cooperate in the verification process to help preserve the credibility of journalism in the district. [KNT]