Leading English, Urdu, and Hindi news portals have come together to create a unified platform at the national level. The joint initiative, named “Cogito Media Foundation,” was announced in New Delhi.
During the announcement, The Cogito Media Foundation encouraged alternative media outlets, especially those from minority communities, news YouTube channels, YouTubers, and social media influencers, to join the platform. Membership initiation will be facilitated through an online form.
The foundation’s primary objectives include channelling digital media platforms from the national level to the district and block levels. It also aims to provide journalistic training and establish a self-regulatory system to uphold journalistic principles. The foundation will address legal issues faced by journalists and media institutions, as well as launch campaigns to raise public awareness about the financial challenges faced by media organizations.
Cogito Media Foundation members expressed concerns that the real problems of the country and its people are being overshadowed by political turmoil in journalism.
They noted that issues affecting oppressed and weaker sections, such as Muslims, Dalits, women, and tribals, have been neglected.
The members said that there’s a need to counter the spread of hatred in society through media organizations and redirect focus towards strengthening democratic values.
“To protect freedom of the press and protect journalistic values in the country, digital media platforms have to fulfill their responsibility unitedly which is only possible through mutual coordination and mutual support,” stated the journalists present at the occasion.
The core members of Cogito include 16 digital media organizations, namely Millat Times, Maktoob Media, Muslim Mirror, The Cognate, The Observer Post, Nous Network, Baseerat Online, Stories Karvan, Clarion India, Haque Media, Asia Times, Milli Digest, Insaaf Times, Journo Mirror, and Khabar Adda.
“Today, the real problems of the country are being overlooked in the midst of political chaos in journalism. We aim to bring forward journalism that focuses on the neglected sections of society, highlighting their development, health, education, economy, protection, and social bonds,” the Cogito Media Foundation said.
The foundation has issued membership forms for other media organizations and plans to organize a detailed program with new members soon. Additionally, a major media conclave in the capital is in the works, with details set to be released shortly.
