There was a time, not so long ago, when the world of news media was something of a far-off land. Only a handful of people had the privilege of shaping public opinion, and those in the newsroom held all the cards, wielding their pens with the power to inform, inspire, or influence. Back then, the media wasn’t as accessible as it is today. It was almost like an exclusive club – members only, please. But now, how things have changed!
Today, the gap between the masses and the media has shrunk dramatically. No longer is news something that feels distant or reserved for a select few. Thanks to the digital revolution, it’s right here, right now, and in your face—literally at your fingertips. With a swipe or a tap, you’re instantly connected to everything happening in the world, whether it’s across the globe or just down the street. The media has become more approachable, more human, and in many ways, more personal. In Assam, the first English newspaper to really shake things up in the region was The Assam Tribune. Launched in 1939, this paper wasn’t just a source of news; it was a movement. It brought the big wide world into the homes of people in Assam and played a crucial role in shaping public opinion during some of the most important moments in India’s history. Whether it was covering the Independence Movement or the Bhaxa Andolon (Language Movement), The Assam Tribune was there, reporting with a pen that was as sharp as it was powerful. Over the years, other newspapers emerged, many capturing the imaginations of Assam’s young and curious minds. Some stuck around, some didn’t, but the love for staying informed remained constant.
But we all know that times change, and so does the way we consume information. Enter the digital age, where everything – from breaking news to adorable cat videos – is available with the simple click of a button. The challenge for news organizations is no longer about reaching people; it’s about cutting through the noise. With so many options available, how do you stand out?
Well, in Guwahati, one name has managed to do just that - GPlus. In a media landscape full of sensationalism, GPlus has found a sweet spot by delivering apolitical, citizen-centric news. In an era where trust in media is often questioned, GPlus has made a name for itself by focusing on issues that actually matter to the people of Guwahati—be it traffic snarls, rising costs of living, or the cultural pulse of the city. What’s fascinating is how GPlus has brought the news back to the basics: it’s not about pushing an agenda, but rather about keeping people informed, engaged, and sometimes, entertained. It’s hyper-local in focus but broad in appeal, making it a go-to for the people of Guwahati. In a sense, GPlus has taken the same role The Assam Tribune played during the Independence Movement, but updated it for the digital age—ensuring that the voices of the people, not just the powerful, are heard loud and clear.
Let’s not forget another key player in the media revolution: you. Yes, you! The rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) has made every single one of us a potential journalist. See something newsworthy? Snap a picture, add a hashtag, and boom—you’re part of the media landscape.
This democratisation of news has blurred the lines between professional journalists and everyday citizens, and while this has its pros and cons, it has definitely made news more accessible than ever before.
In Assam, this shift has been especially visible. With platforms like GPlus embracing citizen journalism, people feel more connected to their local news. It’s no longer about waiting for tomorrow’s paper or the 9 o’clock news bulletin; it’s about staying informed in real-time, and in some cases, being the one to break the news yourself.
The media may no longer be an exclusive club, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less powerful. In fact, it’s arguably more influential now, given the sheer volume of people who can access it. The power isn’t just at the tip of a journalist’s pen anymore—it’s in your hands, in your pocket, and maybe even in the comments section of a post.
So, as we move forward in this digital era, it’s clear that the media isn’t something to be feared or revered from a distance. It’s become a part of our daily lives, something we engage with, contribute to, and depend on.
If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that while the tools might change, the need for quality, reliable news will always stay the same.
(The author is the DIG (Admin & STF), Assam. All views and opinions expressed in the article are the author’s own)