Shimla: Governor Kavinder Gupta today here called upon the media to uphold truth, credibility and public interest, stressing that free, independent and responsible journalism was essential for a healthy democracy.

Presiding over the Gems of Himachal Awards-2026, organised by News 09 channel in Shimla, the Governor said that the media played a vital role in informing citizens, highlighting public issues and strengthening the relationship between the government and society.
Highlighting the challenges posed by digital platforms and artificial intelligence, he cautioned against misinformation, fake content and unverified reports, which could undermine public trust and social harmony. He stressed that accuracy and credibility must take precedence over sensationalism and the race to break news.

The Governor further said that the media could contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat by spreading awareness about government welfare schemes and highlighting implementation-related concerns, thereby strengthening public participation and accountability.