The problem with new media, as analyzed at the convention, remains the inability to assess the veracity of such reports.

Another heated panel discussion assessed the coverage of the Mumbai attacks that have been criticised for compromising security. Many foreign journalists applauded the Indian television stations for their reporting but their Indian counterparts were far more critical of their own handling of the attacks.

CNN-IBN correspondent Indira Kannan described the 'intensely competitive media environment' back home. 'I don't know if that consciously played a part,' she said. 'You want to be out with the news first.'

At the dinner, awards were given out in 10 categories in business, politics, culture and conflict. The Daniel Pearl Award, instituted in memory of the journalist murdered in Karachi, was won by Frontline/World producer David Montero for his documentary, 'Pakistan: State of Emergency' that investigates how Swat valley became a terrorist hub.

Montero was joined by Kris Hundley of the St. Petersburg Times who won for a special report, 'Testing Grounds: Our medicine at what cost', which explores India's growing drug testing industry and its adverse impact on patients undergoing clinical trials.

(Betwa Sharma can be contacted at betwasharma@gmail.com)