Hyderabad(Aug, 10): Jennifer Larson, the Consul General of the US Consulate General in Hyderabad, has highlighted the global threat posed by disinformation, emphasizing its detrimental effect on democracies and urging journalists to remain vigilant. Speaking as the keynote speaker at the concluding session of the “Countering Disinformation for Urdu TV journalists” training project held at the Salar Jung Museum’s auditorium, Larson underscored the critical role of a free and open press in upholding democracy.
Larson stated, “Democracy rests on a free and open press, and if the press doesn’t have accurate information, they cannot help us safeguard our democratic process.” The importance of combating fake news was reiterated by DGP Anjani Kumar, who urged journalists to exercise caution and discourage the indiscriminate forwarding of messages. He highlighted the potential for unverified information to disrupt society and incite violence.
"Delighted to have been part of an insightful programme on countering disinformation and the vital role of fact-checking. In today's information age, ensuring accuracy is paramount. Empowered with knowledge from the training, we can navigate the digital landscape responsibly.… pic.twitter.com/PXZw0vGDkq
— DGP TELANGANA POLICE (@TelanganaDGP) August 10, 2023
Organized by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Osmania University in collaboration with the US Consulate General Hyderabad, the comprehensive eight-month training program successfully equipped thirty-seven Urdu journalists with essential fact-checking skills. Prof. Stevenson Kohir, the Head of the Department of Journalism, expressed gratitude for the Consulate’s support and emphasized the project’s mission to empower Urdu journalists with the tools to counter misinformation’s infiltration into mainstream media.
The blended training program, extending for 40 hours, attracted participation from 35 TV journalists representing prominent Urdu channels and digital platforms. Notably, the training also welcomed a diverse group of participants, including women journalists and students from Maulana Azad National Urdu University, contributing to a more inclusive approach in addressing the issue of disinformation
