Senior journalists urge students to fight fake news and uphold responsible journalism at the state-level media festival
Tumakuru: The two-day state-level media festival “ImPRESSion 2026” began at Tumkur University on Monday with senior journalists and academicians stressing the urgent need for ethical journalism, responsible reporting and language preservation in the modern media era.
The event has been jointly organised by the Postgraduate Department of Journalism and Mass Communication and the Department of Journalism of the University Arts College. Students from various universities and colleges across Karnataka participated in the festival, which included media competitions, cultural programmes and academic discussions.
Senior journalist Ravi Shankar K. Bhatt inaugurated the programme and expressed concern over the growing spread of fake news, misinformation and sensationalism in present-day journalism.
“Today’s journalism is dominated by speed and urgency. In this era of rushed news, guidance from experienced journalists has become extremely important,” Ravi Shankar K. Bhatt said.
Senior Journalists Raise Concern Over Fake News Culture
Speaking at the event, Ravi Shankar said that modern journalism has changed significantly compared to earlier decades, when verification and credibility held greater importance.
He warned that society is increasingly accepting misinformation and malicious content without questioning authenticity.
“There is an atmosphere today where people struggle to identify what is true and false. Without discretion, we end up encouraging fake and harmful writing,” he stated.
Bhatt also raised concern over the declining use of Kannada language among students and stressed the importance of preserving linguistic accuracy in journalism and education.
He noted that many students are struggling even to read Kannada fluently and said more literary and cultural programmes are needed to protect the language.
ImPRESSion 2026 Highlights Opportunities in Journalism and Media
Senior journalist Shobha Malavalli, who released the Champion Trophy during the event, said journalism still offers enormous opportunities for skilled and creative individuals.
She encouraged students to improve creativity, preparation and responsible use of social media platforms.
“If social media is used properly, even a small platform can help someone emerge as a hero,” she said.
Principal of University Arts College, G. Dakshayani, described media as a powerful instrument for justice, equality and social protection.
Registrar of Examinations, Mohan H. S., highlighted the importance of extensive reading and language discipline for future journalists.
“Writing effectively within 250 words itself is a major challenge for journalists,” he observed.
Media Competitions and Cultural Events Held at Tumakuru Festival
The first day of Impression 2026 featured competitions including reporting, TV news presentation, radio jockeying, photography, poster design, short story writing, reel-making, piece-to-camera, debate, quizzes, and group dance performances.
The concluding ceremony and prize distribution event will be held today at 3 pm under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor M. Venkateswaralu.
The closing ceremony will also be attended by Santosh Ananthapur and S. Naganna as chief guests.
