The news of Nagaland Page folding after 25 years of service
to the people of Nagaland and beyond might have come as a shock to many, but
not so much to those aware of the current situation of traditional print media
across the world. Founder-editor of the English daily, Monalisa Changkija, has
cited “financial and personal” reason for the decision to close down the
publication. This was precisely why hundreds of newspapers and magazines have
folded over the past decade, and many are struggling to stay afloat as
readership continues to head south amid the younger generation shifting to
social media and other digital platforms including news portals. This sweeping
transformation in the way information is being disseminated and consumed over
the years has become an existential threat to newspapers worldwide as revenue
through ads keeps dwindling. On top of this, the Covid-19 induced lockdown
rubbed more salt to the wounds. Nagaland-based newspapers too have been hit
hard, if not harder. For Changkija and her team, it must be an emotional moment
to bid adieu to the baby (newspaper) they had nurtured for
two-and-a-half-decades with the sole aim of disseminating credible news to the
public, besides acting as a watchdog of the society. For Nagaland, which has
been struggling to make its voices heard at the national level due to various
factors including geographical isolation and lack of big media houses, it’s the
end of an era. Its readers, especially the people of the state, awe to the newspaper
for being their eyes and ears for decades.
The closure of Nagaland Page is a reflection of a broader
crisis plaguing the state-based newspapers caused by poor advertising climate
amid noticeable shift in consumer habit. It is also a walk-up call to adapt to
changes brought about by internet revolution and technological advancements.
The way forward is to swim with the tide and cater to larger audience without
compromising quality and integrity. However, it will be too costly to undermine
the roles of regional newspapers in disseminating verified news, formation of
public opinion, fighting corruption, acting as a link between the government
and the general public, etc. as social media platforms are becoming a haven for
misinformation, disinformation and propaganda. People still rely on traditional
print media for news due to credibility factor. But for small newspapers that
publish hyperlocal news to survive the threat posed by digital media,
policymakers and the public should provide support. Nagaland needs more
newspapers to highlight its unique issues to the Centre, keep an eye on
developmental projects and bring to light the grievances of the citizens.
