“I don’t consider fake news as an issue in journalism because it is fake and hence, not even a news,” said Ariel Sebellino, the key note speaker at the 3rd International Conference organized by the Xavier School of Communications, Xavier University, here on Friday.
He spoke about the “lowdown on social media” focused on the global phenomenon of fake news.
He said, “News is packaged in such a way that it becomes a journalistic product. lines are blurring between legitimate journalism and propaganda, entertainment, self-promotion and unmediated information on internet.”
He informed the students and media scholars that fake news has often been used as “hate news”. “It is a deliberate and systematic propaganda where journalists are under attack for publishing against the Government,” he added.
The conference was inaugurated by Prof Dr Paul Fernandes SJ, Vice-Chancellor of Xavier University Bhubaneswar, Fr E A Augustine SJ, Registrar, Xavier School of Communications, Prof Fr lourudraj Ignacimuthu SJ, Dean of XCOMM, Areil Sebellino, Director of Philippines Press Institute and Dr Sharon Wilson from University Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia.
A book titled “Media and Democracy” which was edited by Dr George Sebastian SJ was released. The members of SAAC (Strategic Academic Advisory Board) of Xavier University, members of leadership team of Sisters of the Holy Cross, students of Naxatra Institute of Media School, Ravenshaw University Cuttack, Berhampur University, and other media scholars and students were present during the event.
The panel discussion was moderated by Anupam Dasgupta, Senior Assistant Director of Times of
India Group with panellists Sebellino, Dr Wilson and Krishna Prasad, former Editor-in-chief of the Outlook. Dr Wilson started the discussion with how the Malaysian Government prohibits the religion and monarchy.