The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presided over the 19th Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards ceremony, emphasizing the pivotal role of free and fair journalism in a thriving democracy.
Addressing an audience of distinguished media professionals, President Murmu spoke about the essence of ground reporting and accuracy in news, calling them the “soul of journalism.”
The President underscored the need for newsrooms to foster creativity, invest in research, and prioritize reporting that upholds democratic ideals. She also highlighted the challenges of adapting to hybrid funding models, urging media organizations to place readers at the center of journalism while balancing quality and sustainability.
Touching upon the transformative role of technology, she noted that artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping journalism by assisting in news compilation and editing. However, President Murmu stressed that empathy remains a unique quality that gives journalists a crucial edge over machines. She urged the media to educate citizens, particularly the younger generation, about identifying biases and combating misinformation, such as deepfakes.
Expressing optimism, the President envisioned a future where journalism rooted in human values would prevail, ensuring authenticity in the face of technological challenges. She concluded by reaffirming her belief that malicious content would eventually be eradicated, paving the way for a brighter era in journalism.
