Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 13 Apr: At the launch of the book, ‘Dimensions of New Media’, organised by the Doon Library and Research Centre, today, media experts observed that the future of journalism may increasingly be handled by “robo journalists”. They emphasised the need to strike a balance between emerging media technologies and traditional methods of information gathering.
During the event held under the aegis of the Doon Library, the book Dimensions of New Media was formally released by the distinguished guests. Chairing the event, former Director General of Police, Uttarakhand, and noted author Anil Raturi remarked that while media opens doors to limitless possibilities, it also brings significant challenges. He noted that gadget-based journalism has expanded opportunities for expression, but new technologies have also impacted the quality and influence of information. He stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between technological tools and the practical efforts of journalists.
Senior television journalist Anupam Trivedi highlighted that, while challenges in the media sector are increasing, digital platforms have simultaneously created new opportunities. He pointed out that journalists are no longer dependent on a single organisation; they can now disseminate information through their own digital and online platforms. Raising concerns about quality, he added that, in the future, tasks ranging from news presentation to analysis and design may be handled by “robo journalists”.
Dr Anil Bharti, Programme Head at Doordarshan, spoke about the use of new media technologies in All India Radio and Doordarshan, as well as the growing importance of social media. He observed that future media will differ significantly from today’s media—technology and gadgets will play a greater role, while human intervention may be reduced at several levels. In such a scenario, although the reach of information will expand, its authenticity and credibility will pose major challenges.
In his expert remarks, Dr Taha Siddiqui emphasised the academic dimension of media, stating that closer collaboration between media training institutions and media houses is essential to bridge the gap between academia and practical journalism. Senior journalist Sanjeev Kandwal discussed the transformations in the media landscape over the past two decades, noting that while the flow of information has accelerated, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, its quality has declined. He warned that information often circulates in the form of rumours, making source verification increasingly difficult.
Moderating the discussion, educationist and author Dr Sushil Upadhyay underlined the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the news industry and the challenges it presents. He suggested that instead of resisting AI, it is more important to establish a balanced approach to its use. Co-editor of the book, Prof Yogesh Kumar Yogi, remarked that gadget-based journalism has dismantled many traditional barriers in media. While digital platforms are open to all, effective use of these platforms requires proper training.
The event was anchored by Dr Bharti Mishra, while the welcome address and vote of thanks were delivered by Chandrashekhar Tewari, Programme Officer of the Doon Library.
Among those present on the occasion were Radha Raturi, Chief Information Commissioner; former Vice-Chancellor Dr Sudha Rani Pandey; noted writer and Uttarakhand Sahitya Bhushan awardee Jiten Thakur; former Director, Higher Education, Dr Savita Mohan; Sahitya Gaurav awardee Dr Sudha Jugran; Sheeshpal Gusain; Press Club President Ajay Rana; Dr Sanjay Mohan; Vibhuti Bhushan Bhatt; Arvind Shekhar; Jitendra Athwal; Somwari Lal Uniyal; Prem Pancholi; Rajneesh Trivedi; Jagmohan Mehndi Ratta; Bharat Rawat; Dr DK Pandey; Shiv Mohan Singh; Praveen Bhatt; Dr Lalta Prasad; Sundar Singh Bisht, and many other scholars and media professionals.
