The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, MARCH 19, 2025
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on Wednesday underscored the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the world, including journalism, while asserting that empathy will remain the defining factor that sets human journalists apart. She was speaking at the 19th Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards ceremony held in New Delhi.
Highlighting the indispensable role of free and fair journalism in a democracy, the President emphasized that an uninformed citizenry weakens democratic processes. She stressed the need for media organizations to bolster ground reporting and invest in robust research wings to ensure accuracy and depth in news coverage. “A newsroom thriving with ideas is crucial for the business of news,” she said, calling for greater dedication to investigative journalism and fact-based reporting.
Addressing the evolving media landscape, President Murmu reflected on the shifting business models in journalism. She noted that while newspapers and magazines once thrived on a balance of quality content, reader subscriptions, and advertiser support, the rise of hybrid financial models has brought both opportunities and challenges. She asserted that the true success of these models must be judged by their impact on journalistic integrity. Among the various funding sources — state support, corporate sponsorships, and reader subscriptions — she identified the latter as the most desirable, despite its sustainability challenges.
On the issue of content credibility, the President expressed confidence that malicious content and misinformation will gradually be eradicated with the help of technological advancements. She urged proactive public awareness campaigns to combat deepfakes and AI-driven misinformation, emphasizing the need to educate citizens — especially the youth — on identifying biases and hidden agendas in news narratives.
Turning to the disruption caused by AI in journalism, President Murmu acknowledged that machines are already compiling and editing reports. However, she asserted that artificial intelligence, despite its efficiency, lacks the core human trait of empathy. “Empathy is the one ingredient that will help journalists beat AI,” she said, reaffirming that journalism rooted in human values will never become obsolete.
The Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards, instituted by The Indian Express, recognize outstanding contributions in the field of journalism, honoring those who have demonstrated courage, integrity, and a commitment to truth.
