Navigating the evolution of journalism

In an era where news often reaches our screens in real time, it’s hard to imagine a world where breaking news took days to reach the public. Yet, that was the reality when I first stepped into journalism in the late 1960s.

As a young student at DAV College in Jalandhar, I felt a surge of pride and excitement when I received my first appointment letter as a stringer for Hindustan Samachar News Agency on September 12, 1967. Journalism was in my blood, inherited from my father, late Manohar Lal Kaura, who pioneered the region’s first Urdu weekly, Punjab Samachar, in the early 1960s.

Over the decades, I have had the privilege of working with over two dozen media houses, including The Tribune, Punjab Kesari, Jag Bani, Dainik Tribune, Hindustan Times, UNI, Nawan Zamana, Akali Patrika, Daily Ajit and India Post USA. Each name on my resume represents a chapter in my career, each publication a witness to my journey through the ever-evolving landscape of journalism.

But this journey was not without challenges. I was navigating a world where dedication to honest journalism often meant long, sleepless nights and an unwavering commitment to integrity, even when the path was far from easy.

Back in the 1970s, communication was a luxury and getting a story to print required creativity and determination. In Phagwara, news could take days to travel to major cities like Jalandhar or Chandigarh. Urgent news stories were often sent by trunk call — a phone connection that could take hours to establish — or by telegram, which was also not known for its speed.

The journey of a single news report might start with an informant or local politician reaching out. I would draft the story, then send it by post. It was not uncommon for a story sent on the first of the month to finally appear in print a week later. As reporters, we were resourceful, using newspaper delivery trucks or even buses to transport packets of handwritten news articles to Jalandhar. Drivers would collect our reports on their routes, creating a complex but efficient relay system.

With the advent of fax machines, my colleagues and I felt a wave of relief, but even then, the expenses were significant and reimbursement often lagged behind. Despite the hurdles, we persisted. I found myself constantly adapting and innovating, partnering with colleagues to find ways of faster communication, including a unique arrangement with a commuter who travelled from Ludhiana to Jalandhar. We nicknamed him “Baghi,” and he became an essential part of our improvised news relay network.

Today, the notion of sending news by post or fax feels like a distant memory. A simple click on a smartphone can deliver a story from Phagwara to any corner of the globe within seconds. The industry has evolved, with journalists now equipped with mobile phones, laptops and other digital tools. Social media has brought about a new era of immediacy, enabling journalists to report live from any location.

However, with this speed comes a heightened responsibility to maintain accuracy and credibility. Amidst a sea of misinformation and “fake news," the role of print media as a trusted, reliable source remains crucial. While the digital age has democratised information and given rise to citizen journalism, it has also amplified the importance of accountability, ethics and professionalism in reporting.

Throughout my career, I have held firm to a simple pledge: to report with sincerity, honesty and an unwavering commitment to the truth. This commitment was often tested. In small towns, where local influences can sometimes sway news coverage, maintaining journalistic integrity was no small feat. But I remained resolute, relying on the mentorship of my father and the support of trusted editors such as Padma Shri Vijay Chopra, HK Dua, Sham Khosla and VN Narayanan.

In the face of growing challenges, including financial constraints, I remained devoted to my craft. My time with The Tribune, Hindustan Times, Punjab Kesari, Dainik Tribune and UNI — each offered unique opportunities and allowed me to witness how journalism shapes public discourse. The launch of The Hindustan Times from Chandigarh in 2000 gave me new opportunities, but The Tribune marked a new phase in my career. Today, I continue to cover stories from Phagwara, Phillaur and Nakodar with the same passion that sparked my journey more than 50 years ago.

Reflecting on five decades in this field, I see journalism as both a calling and a responsibility. Technology has transformed the pace and reach of news, yet the essence of good journalism remains the same — truth, accuracy and a dedication to public service.

As the digital age pushes boundaries, print media’s authenticity and trustworthiness continue to stand as its defining attributes. Today’s young journalists have tools I could never have imagined in the 1960s, but they also face challenges we never anticipated. The fast-paced world of news, often driven by clicks and algorithms, must remain anchored in ethical standards.

While technology enables instant reporting, true journalism will always be about storytelling, accountability and a commitment to societal good. In this journey, I am reminded that while tools and methods evolve, the soul of journalism — its purpose of informing, educating and empowering society — remains unchanged.

Musings