Overview

As part of the broader dialogue on integrity, ethical communication, and public accountability, RJ Pratiksha, a media professional and radio presenter at 94.3 MYFM, shared her perspectives on ethical journalism, media responsibility, youth participation, and the social normalization of corruption.

The interview explored how professional integrity is shaped by personal values, mentorship, public trust, and the rapidly changing digital media environment. It also examined the role of students, creators, and young citizens in promoting truthful communication and responsible civic behaviour.

RJ Pratiksha emphasized that ethical journalism is not limited to public appearances, formal discussions, or professional guidelines. It begins with the personal intent of individuals working in media and their willingness to present truthful information without manipulating narratives for popularity or sensationalism.

Ethical Journalism in Practice

When asked what ethical journalism looks like beyond public appearances and scripted discussions, RJ Pratiksha explained that journalism ultimately depends on the intentions of the people working within the profession.

According to her, ethical journalism begins with the personal decision to communicate truthful information and avoid shaping narratives merely to gain popularity, attract attention, or create sensational content.

She highlighted that integrity in journalism is not limited to what appears on television, digital platforms, or radio. It is reflected in the everyday editorial and professional choices made by journalists, presenters, and media creators.

The Importance of Mentorship

RJ Pratiksha emphasized that mentorship plays an important role in shaping the professional values of young media professionals.

She explained that journalists who receive guidance from mentors committed to honesty and responsibility are more likely to maintain ethical standards throughout their careers. Working with professionals who value truth helps young journalists develop the confidence to resist pressure, communicate responsibly, and remain honest in difficult situations.

The discussion highlighted that ethical professional conduct is often strengthened through supportive leadership and value-based guidance.

Integrity in the Digital Media Era

While discussing reels, trends, and viral news, RJ Pratiksha described the relationship between popularity and integrity as a delicate balance.

She observed that remaining honest has not necessarily become more difficult. However, some individuals consciously set aside truthful positions to follow digital trends, attract attention, or increase engagement.

In such an environment, maintaining integrity requires a deliberate and consistent commitment. Media professionals and creators must decide whether their content will be guided by truth and responsibility or by short-term popularity.

Truth and Performance in Media

RJ Pratiksha expressed confidence that young audiences are capable of distinguishing between authentic communication and media performance.

However, she explained that recognizing truth requires courage, awareness, and critical thinking. Young people must be willing to question the information presented to them rather than accepting every narrative without examination.

She highlighted that thoughtful and informed audiences can play an important role in strengthening media accountability by questioning misleading content and supporting responsible journalism.

Normalization of Bribery

When discussing why bribery can appear normal in everyday life, particularly among young people, RJ Pratiksha highlighted the influence of upbringing and social surroundings.

She explained that attitudes towards corruption are often shaped during early socialisation. When children and young people repeatedly observe unethical practices being tolerated or treated as routine, those practices may gradually appear normal rather than illegal or harmful.

The discussion emphasized that preventing the normalization of corruption requires ethical education within families, schools, workplaces, and communities.

Convenience, Silence and Lack of Trust

RJ Pratiksha observed that convenience and weak public trust in institutional systems contribute significantly to the continuation of corruption.

Many individuals choose shortcuts because they believe that official procedures are slow, complicated, or ineffective. When trust in lawful processes declines, corrupt alternatives can appear easier and more practical.

She emphasized that strengthening public confidence in institutions is therefore essential. Citizens are more likely to follow ethical procedures when systems are transparent, accessible, efficient, and responsive.

Role of Students and Young Creators

According to RJ Pratiksha, social change begins with individual responsibility.

Students, content creators, radio listeners, and young professionals can influence the behaviour of their communities by promoting honesty and encouraging open conversations about ethics and accountability.

Young voices have the ability to challenge normalized corruption, question misleading information, and use digital platforms to make integrity more visible and socially relevant.

The interview highlighted that youth participation is essential for building a culture in which honesty is respected and unethical conduct is questioned.

Changing Public Awareness

Reflecting on her journey in media, RJ Pratiksha observed that public awareness regarding governance, transparency, and accountability has increased over time.

She noted that citizens today are more willing to question authority, discuss public systems, and engage with issues related to ethics and governance.

This growing public participation indicates a shift towards greater civic awareness. However, maintaining this progress requires responsible journalism, informed audiences, and continued public dialogue.

Message to Young Citizens

RJ Pratiksha concluded by emphasizing that courage and trust in institutions are essential for meaningful social change.

She encouraged young citizens to recognize that their individual actions and voices matter. Positive transformation becomes possible when people accept collective responsibility and actively contribute to strengthening ethical and democratic systems.

Her message reinforced the idea that integrity is not limited to major public actions. It is built through everyday decisions, truthful communication, responsible participation, and the courage to stand by ethical values.

Key Insights

The interview highlighted several important principles:

• Ethical journalism begins with personal intent and professional responsibility.
• Mentorship plays a major role in shaping honest media professionals.
• Digital popularity should not be pursued at the cost of truth.
• Young audiences must use critical thinking to distinguish authenticity from performance.
• Social surroundings strongly influence attitudes towards corruption.
• Lack of trust in institutional systems encourages unethical shortcuts.
• Students and creators can influence society through responsible communication.
• Public awareness and citizen participation are essential for media and institutional accountability.
• Courage, honesty, and collective responsibility are necessary for long-term reform.

Significance

The interview with RJ Pratiksha demonstrated the close relationship between journalism, public trust, ethical behaviour, and civic participation.

Her observations emphasized that the media has a significant responsibility in shaping public attitudes and strengthening accountability. At the same time, audiences also have a responsibility to critically evaluate information and support truthful communication.

By connecting media ethics with everyday corruption, youth participation, and institutional trust, the interview reinforced the broader mission of promoting integrity as a shared social responsibility.