Imphal: The first Manipur Digital Media Conclave 2026 and Journalism Awards was held on January 29 at Sangai Hall, Hotel Imphal. The event was organised by Manipur Update.
The conclave included technical sessions on ‘Paradigm Shift from Traditional Media to New Media,’ presented by Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of Imphal Review of Arts and Politics. Another session, ‘Role of Digital Media in Conflict and Peace Building,’ was delivered by Dhiren A. Sadokpam, independent researcher and editor-in-chief of The Frontier Manipur.
Awards were presented across various categories. The Digital Journalist of the Year Award was conferred on Vangamla Salle of East Mojo, while the Promising Digital Journalist Award went to Naorem Tanoranjan of Echel News Network. The Distinguished Service in Digital Journalism Award was presented to Sobhapati Samom, the Best Credible Digital Media Page/Channel Award went to Wari Singbul, and the Jury’s Choice Digital Journalism Award was conferred on Rebika Moirangthem of HY News.
Asem Bhakta Singh, president of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union, along with senior journalists, reporters, and representatives from various print and digital media platforms, attended the event.
Speaking as the chief guest, Ahanthem Subash Singh, director of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Government of Manipur, emphasized that modern journalism extends far beyond the printing press. He said digital media allows news to reach a global audience quickly but also presents challenges in producing fast, fact-based, and responsible reporting. He added that digital media holds significant influence in shaping public perception, making credible journalism more important than ever.