Discussions on impact of AI on media mark National Journalism Day

The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of Vallabh Government College, Mandi, celebrated National Journalism Day with a series of academic and cultural activities. A seminar on the theme “Reporting in a Brave New World: Press, Freedom and the Impact of AI on Media”, besides a speech contest, poetry recital and a poster-making competition were held.

Flying Officer Chaman Lal Kranti Singh, Head of the Journalism Department, presided over the programme while senior print media journalist Dipender Manta was the chief resource person.

Chaman highlighted the crucial role journalists, human rights defenders and Right to Information (RTI) activists played in upholding truth and awareness. He also discussed the ethical challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI), noting concerns such as algorithmic bias, misinformation and threats to employment. He said that AI, if used responsibly, could enhance media efficiency but without safeguards may undermine democracy and public trust.

Chaman also paid tribute to national and international journalists who had sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of truth and reminded students that journalism was a continuous struggle for justice and democratic integrity.

Manta urged aspiring journalists to embrace technology without compromising ethics. He emphasised on credibility and accuracy in the digital age. Assistant Professor Aditi Sharma delivered a lecture on the role of AI in journalism while Senior Professor Rajkumar spoke on the challenges faced by the media industry. Manta was honoured with a Journalism Excellence Award.