Shillong, Oct 9: Accuracy over noise, ground over desk — that was the message at the first Hill Myna Media Conclave 2026 held on Thursday at Moreau Institute, Shillong.
Organised by Hill Myna Magazine under the theme ‘On-Ground Reporting in Northeast India’, the conclave brought together journalists, officials, students and young writers to debate ethics, verification and context in reporting from the region.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal underlined journalism’s core duty. “The responsibility of journalism is not simply to tell us what we want to hear, but to tell us what we need to know,” he said.
Senior Deputy Editor at The Hindu, Soma Basu, said authenticity is non-negotiable and it comes only from the field. “When you go to the field, you get multiple voices and different perspectives. Ground reporting builds the architecture of credibility,” she said.
Seasoned journalist Michaeljit Yumnam said on-ground reporting is what helps journalists understand what actually happened and explain ground reality to the public.
Principal Correspondent of The Morung Express, Dimapur, Imkonglemba Ao, said real reporting means “being physically present in the field, rather than relying on phone calls or third-party sources,” cross-checking information and growing professionally through field experience.
The day also featured ‘The Room Speaks’, an interactive session with the audience, and the Northeast Writers Award 2026 honouring literary voices from the region.
Closing the conclave, Hill Myna Magazine Editor and Director Media Lakshmi Kharkongor said, “Our impact is reaffirmed through our readers and contributors who continue to find value in stories that highlight real people and meaningful change.”
The conclave marked Hill Myna’s first attempt to create a sustained platform for conversations on journalism and storytelling from the Northeast.
