To Identify Fake Journalists, DIPR Launches Exercise in Budgam | Demand Grows in Jammu Division

To Identify Fake Journalists, DIPR Launches Exercise in Budgam | Demand Grows in Jammu Division

In a move to curb the growing menace of fake journalism and to ensure that only bonafide media professionals operate in the field, the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) has launched a verification drive in Budgam district.

Through this exercise, individuals posing as journalists without any affiliation to recognized media organizations will face strict action, officials said.

The DIPR has directed all 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 be forwarded to the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Jammu and Kashmir for record verification and accreditation processing.

Officials noted that yellow journalism has been on the rise, with several self-styled individuals posing as reporters or establishing unregistered media outlets. These individuals allegedly misuse press cards to gain unauthorized access to restricted areas or attempt to influence officials.

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According to police sources, several such cases have already been registered against individuals found misusing fake identity cards.

“To safeguard the integrity of the noble profession of journalism, the department has initiated this exercise,” an Information Department official said. “This is not meant to target anyone but to protect the credibility of genuine journalists,” the official added.

The department has also appealed to all genuine and accredited media professionals to cooperate in the verification process to preserve the dignity and trust of the profession.

In recent years, the misuse of journalistic identity has raised serious questions about the integrity of the field. Many individuals have been found representing themselves as reporters or correspondents without any legitimate credentials, leading to public confusion and mistrust.

As the exercise drive has taken its course in Budgam, now the demand of this drive is being called in parts of Jammu Division also. People are now demanding the action against the self-styled media professionals who are never accredited and affiliated with media agencies, posing as journalists on Facebook and other social media platforms. This boogie in this noble field is killing the spirit of the professional field and raising the questions on the integrity of the profession which needs to be tackled.