Srinagar, October 12 : The Kashmir News Service group of publications on Sunday held its annual media workshop at the prominent hotel Radisson, M.A. Road, Srinagar, with correspondents from districts and Srinagar city, senior editors, and KNS journalists participating in the day-long programme.
The workshop focused on reinforcing responsible journalism at a time when unverified content on social media is diluting public trust.
Speakers said the unchecked growth of Facebook pages and anonymous news handles, operating without editorial scrutiny or accountability, has created confusion and pushed professional journalists to work harder to protect credibility. They added that newsrooms now face the dual task of reporting and correcting misinformation circulating online.
Participants said that responsible journalism must counter the noise of social media with verified facts, editorial discipline and accountability. They added that speed cannot come at the cost of accuracy, and rumours cannot be allowed to pass as news.
Editor KNS, Shabir Malik, opened the session by reflecting on the organisation’s three-decade journey. He said KNS has survived pressures, financial challenges, and digital disruption by consistently upholding ethical reporting. He described credibility as the defining strength that has sustained KNS over the years.
Maqsood Uri, former Editor of Shaherbeen, spoke about KNS’s contribution to the media landscape in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the agency has produced journalists who now work across major platforms and called for similar workshops at the district level to train reporters outside Srinagar.
Shafat Malik, who began his career as a sub-editor with KNS, recalled how the agency shaped his entry into journalism. He said the editorial discipline and exposure he received at KNS helped him build a career in the field. Editors now working in national and regional media echoed this, crediting KNS with giving them a professional base.
Sajad Lone, online editor at KNS, said traditional media cannot retreat in the face of digital noise. He added that the rise of unverified content must be met with greater factual rigor, editorial checks, and professional responsibility.
The workshop also saw participation from Tasaduq Rashid, South Kashmir Bureau Head of KNS, who held the dice; Syed Ajaz, Editor KNS Urdu; Rahim Rizwan, Executive Editor KNS; Sagar Firdous, Online Editor KNS ,Correspondent Aqib Khan; Senior Correspondents Syed Fayaz, Bilal Rehmani, and Mohd Lateef Bhat. They shared their experiences, put forward suggestions for newsroom improvements, and reflected on KNS’s journey, highlighting how the agency shaped their professional growth.
During the open session, participants sought training support, better field coordination, and stronger newsroom systems. They called for regular engagement and logistical facilitation for reporters working in remote districts. The Editor-in-Chief assured prompt action on the issues raised.
Editor-in-Chief Mohammad Aslam Bhat, while addressing the gathering, said the work of a correspondent is demanding and that the quality of any news report depends on the accuracy of the details they provide.
He said that credibility has always been a constant priority for KNS, and the agency has never published news without verifying facts.
He urged reporters to first establish the details of an incident on the ground and only then approach concerned authorities for official statements.
He also underlined the need for close coordination with the editorial desk to ensure factual correctness and produce trustworthy news for readers.(KNS)
