Srinagar, Oct 31: In a communique issued by the Joint Director, Information & PR, Kashmir, addressed to all District Information Officers (DIOs), Director, Information & Public Relations, J&K, all Deputy Commissioners, Kashmir Division, all SSPs, Deputy Director, Information PR, Kashmir, and all Accredited/Empanelled Media Houses/Editors, the Jammu & Kashmir Information and Public Relations Department on Friday emphasized strict vigilance against misuse of media identity and impersonation.
In a communique addreswd to DIO’s, SSP’s, DC’s, titled “Vigilance, Monitoring and Reporting of Misuse of Media Identity and Impersonation,” as per news agency JKNS noted that “Repeated complaints have been received from the field officers of different departments, public representatives and media houses from time to time, that certain individuals, without any formal accreditation or authorization, are posing as journalists or correspondents of various media organizations in the field.”
“These persons have, in several instances, been found misusing the name of media for blackmail, extortion, coercion of officials, and circulation of unverified and defamatory material against public institutions and officers. In certain cases, such individuals were apprehended and booked for extortion and misuse of media identity which highlights the seriousness of this matter,” the communique stated.
In this context, all District Information Officers were directed to exercise heightened vigilance and ensure the following measures are implemented in their respective jurisdictions:
1. Maintain and regularly update a verified list of accredited, authorised and bona fide media persons operating within the district, in consultation with the Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) and Media Houses.
2. Ensure that press releases, media invites, and official briefings are shared only with verified and recognized journalists or media outlets through email and social media channels.
3. Keep a close watch and immediately report any person or entity misusing media credentials, indulging in coercion, or attempting to malign officials, institutions, or private individuals for personal or financial gain.
4. Coordinate closely with the concerned Deputy Commissioner and Police authorities wherever such instances are reported, for coordinated legal and administrative action, and provide full factual details to the office without delay.
5. Advise all district-level offices and departments within the district to verify credentials before allowing access or sharing information or hospitality with any person claiming to represent a media outlet.
6. Submit a periodical vigilance note to this office highlighting any such incidents, field inputs, and preventive measures taken.
Further, all DIOs were instructed to sensitize local media houses and advise editors in their respective districts to:
Exercise due diligence while engaging correspondents, freelancers, or stringers in the field, and engage only qualified, credible, and verified correspondents, ensuring issuance of proper verifiable authorization letters and ID cards.
Take disciplinary and legal action against any of their representatives found indulging in unethical, coercive, or defamatory practices.
Disassociate publicly from individuals misusing their organization’s name or credentials for personal gain.
Refrain from lending legitimacy to individuals facing credible allegations of extortion or blackmail under the guise of journalism, or unverified individuals misusing the name of journalism.
The communique concluded, “Uphold the code of journalistic ethics as laid down by the Press Council of India and the DIPR accreditation/empanelment guidelines.”
Officials emphasized that these measures are aimed at protecting the credibility of journalism and ensuring ethical media practices across Jammu and Kashmir. (JKNS)
