Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: In a strong affirmation of credibility and responsible reporting in the digital era, Waari Singbul, a media content creation project of Win Foundation, was awarded Best Credible Digital Media Page/Channel at the 1st Manipur Update Digital Journalism Awards 2026. The awards were organised by Manipur Update as part of the 1st Manipur Digital Media Conclave, themed “Beyond Silence”, held on 29 January at Sangai Hall, Imphal.
Instituted to recognise excellence, integrity, and commitment in digital journalism, the awards were presented across five categories, honouring individuals and platforms that have made a meaningful impact through digital storytelling.
Rebika Moirangthem of HY News received the Jury’s Choice Digital Journalism Award 2026, while Vangamla Salle KS of EastMojo was named Best Digital Journalist of the Year 2026. The Promising Digital Journalist Award 2026 went to Naorem Tanoranjan of Ichel News Network. Veteran journalist and Founder Editor of Manipur Update, Sobhapati Samom, was honoured with the Distinguished Service in Digital Journalism Award 2026. Waari Singbul was adjudged the Best Credible Digital Media Page/Channel 2026 for its consistent, responsible, and region-focused journalism.
The awards ceremony formed part of the Manipur Digital Media Conclave, which featured a technical session examining emerging trends, responsibilities, and challenges in digital journalism.
Speaking as Chief Guest at the inaugural session, Ahanthem Subash Singh, Director, DIPR, Government of Manipur, said journalism has moved far beyond the printing press, with digital platforms accelerating the spread of news while increasing the responsibility to report quickly yet truthfully. Warning against self-styled digital journalists driven by monetisation and views, he stressed the need for verified and independent journalism, cautioning that unverified news can harm reputations and erode public trust. He also observed that positive government initiatives often go unnoticed and proposed instituting a journalism award for effective coverage of public welfare schemes, which he expressed willingness to sponsor.
Ng. Uttam Singh, Joint Secretary, Hills & Tribal Affairs, and former Director of IPR, who was Guest-of Honour underlined the growing influence of social media, noting that a large section of the public now relies on digital platforms for information. He further highlighted the critical role of credible digital platforms in serving communities, while also stressing the need for future conclaves to engage those affected by irresponsible journalism to enrich public discourse.
Delivering his address as the president of the inaugural function, Sobhapati Samom, Senior Journalist and Founding Editor of Manipur Update, traced the publication’s journey from magazine to digital platform and, recalling past shifts from radio to television and print to the internet, stressed that the core challenge today is ensuring responsible journalism.
Senior Editor and jury member Irengbam Arun remarked that the conclave received a strong pool of promising entries for the awards, adding that with proper mentorship, emerging digital journalists could raise professional standards further.
The technical session of the conclave featured deliberations by Pradip Phanjanbam, Editor of Imphal Review of Arts and Politics, and Diren A. Sadokpam, independent researcher and Editor-in-Chief of The Frontier Manipur. Their presentations addressed the paradigm shift from traditional media to new media and the role of digital media in conflict and peace-building, touching upon ethical reporting, misinformation, audience trust, and sustainability.
The event was also attended by Asem Bhakta Singh, President, All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU), along with senior journalists and representatives from print and digital media platforms across the state, marking a significant step toward strengthening ethical digital journalism in Manipur.
The awards and discussions together marked a significant milestone in strengthening ethical standards and nurturing a responsible digital media ecosystem in Manipur and beyond.
