Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh), 18 August 2020:  The Arunachal Press Club (APC), Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ), and Arunachal Electronic & Digital Media Association (AEDMA) in a statement extended their gratitude to Chief Minister Pema Khandu and State Cabinet for giving its nod to the Arunachal Pradesh Electronic Media Advertisement Policy, 2020.

 A long-pending demand of the State’s media fraternity, the policy will go a long way to ensure financial security for many of our electronic and digital media outlets functioning under the banner of the AEDMA.

 In the absence of a concrete advertisement policy, electronic news outlets in the State have had to rely on broadcast fees to pay wages to their employees and to stay afloat. With the approval of this policy, it is hoped that such practices will be curbed as journalists and media house owners will feel more secured financially.

 It has been due to the years of constant and unwavering pursuit of the media bodies of the State, and the personal willingness of the Chief Minister that the policy has seen the light of day. Today’s Cabinet decision is also the result of the pursuit by past and present executive members of the press bodies who fought hard to ensure financial security for hardworking and genuine journalists.

 A special mention needs to be accorded here to one of our pioneering journalists, late Taro Chatung who paved the way for many of us to follow. We would also like to express our gratitude to former APC President, Chopa Cheda, for pursuing the matter during his tenure.

 It is our genuine hope that the security and the safety blanket that the policy seeks to provide will enable and embolden journalists to uphold the ethics of a free press and not sway to the winds of populism.