President Droupadi Murmu Highlights Empathy as Key to Journalism’s Future at 19th Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards.
New Delhi:
In a significant ceremony held today in the nation’s capital, President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presented the prestigious 19th Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards. The event, which honors outstanding contributions to journalism, featured the President’s reflections on the state of media, the challenges posed by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), and the irreplaceable value of empathy in news reporting.
During her address, President Murmu emphasized the crucial role of free and fair journalism in sustaining democracy. “If the citizens are not well-informed, the democratic processes lose their very meaning,” she stated, underscoring the importance of responsible and transparent media in a thriving democracy.
The President also pointed to the evolving landscape of journalism, where traditional business models are increasingly being replaced by hybrid ones. She expressed concern over the challenges posed by new funding sources, including state and corporate entities, but advocated for a model that prioritizes readers. “While funding from the State or corporations has its advantages, it is the reader-centric model that holds the most promise,” President Murmu remarked. She acknowledged, however, that sustaining such a model remains a difficult task.
In addition to discussing the financial aspect of journalism, the President also stressed the importance of quality content creation. She expressed confidence that the future would see the eradication of malicious content and the fading of the “post-truth” era. She noted that technology was being leveraged to combat misinformation, particularly with the rise of deep fakes and other AI-generated manipulations. “Proactive campaigns to educate citizens, especially the younger generation, are essential to equip them with the skills to detect bias and agenda in news,” she added.
Turning to the impact of AI, President Murmu acknowledged its disruptive influence on various industries, including journalism. While machines are already being used to compile and edit news reports, she highlighted a critical shortcoming of AI: the absence of empathy. “AI lacks the human element that underpins true journalism,” she pointed out. “It is empathy—the ability to understand and share the feelings of others—that will allow journalists to retain their relevance and value in the AI-dominated future.”
The President concluded her speech by reaffirming her belief that journalism rooted in human values will never be obsolete. As technology continues to reshape the world, she called on media professionals to embrace their unique role in society, ensuring that journalism remains a force for good in an ever-evolving landscape.
The Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards are among the most esteemed accolades in the Indian media industry, recognizing exceptional work in various fields of journalism, including print, broadcast, and digital media.