Noida, April 14, 2026:
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication at IMS Noida organised a webinar on the theme “New Frontiers of Journalism and Documentary”, bringing together students, faculty members, and media professionals for an engaging discussion on evolving trends in journalism.
The session featured senior journalist, assistant editor, and media expert Khushal Chand Lali from BBC News, who shared his professional experiences and insights into contemporary media practices. The webinar was attended by Advisor Professor J.K. Sharma and Programme Coordinator Professor Sachin Batra, along with faculty members and students of the institute.
During the session, Khushal Chand Lali spoke extensively about the role and representation of women in media. He pointed out that Indian media often overlooks women’s perspectives, particularly in political and policy-related reporting. He emphasized the need to highlight how such developments impact women’s daily lives. He also noted that women are no longer confined to lifestyle or entertainment segments but are actively contributing to investigative journalism, space reporting, and mainstream anchoring.
Highlighting the importance of developmental journalism, Sachin Batra referred to initiatives like “No Negative Monday” and stressed that media should move beyond sensationalism. He advocated for greater focus on solution-based and positive reporting that contributes constructively to society. Supporting this view, Khushal Chand Lali cited the example of floods in Punjab and suggested that journalists should connect local events with global issues such as climate change to provide broader context.
The discussion also covered challenges related to ground reporting and journalist safety. Experts advised students that personal safety should be the top priority while covering protests or sensitive situations. Reporters were encouraged to choose safe and elevated positions for better observation and to avoid potential risks. They were also guided on maintaining a balance between presenting the voices of protesters and respecting the responsibility of law enforcement in maintaining order.
Addressing challenges in the digital era, the BBC expert underlined the importance of accuracy and ethics in journalism. He cautioned against relying on unverified social media sources, particularly for critical public data such as Air Quality Index (AQI), and emphasized the use of scientific and credible sources.
Expressing concern over the rise of fake news, he noted that the race to break news first often leads to dissemination of unverified information, which can harm credibility.
The session also highlighted the need to balance privacy and public interest in reporting. It was emphasized that while transparency is essential, journalists must ensure the confidentiality of victims in sensitive cases as part of their ethical responsibility.
The webinar concluded with a vote of thanks, where Khushal Chand Lali expressed gratitude to IMS President Rajeev Kumar Gupta. Faculty members Asha, Lalitank Jain, and Arun Kumar also extended their thanks. The session was anchored by MAJMC student Sudiksha Tiwari.
