Karnataka seer urges journalists to learn AI skills

At a Media Day function, Sri Allam Prabhu Swami of Naganur Rudrakshi Math said journalists should pick up skills to use artificial intelligence as emerging technologies reshape the profession. He said the field was changing rapidly because of the growth of digital media, and pointed to AI anchors reading news on TV channels and portals. He also voiced concern that some people feared there would soon be no need for journalists at all. His answer was that reporters should improve their skills with the changing times and find a way to fit into the new system if they want to meet the challenge. The seer also called on the state government to provide special support to journalists who work objectively and independently and take responsibility for correcting society’s problems. He said there should be a system to provide journalists with economic and social security. The event was organised by the Karnataka Journalists Association and the Karnataka Journalists Union. C.M. Thyagaraj, the vice-chancellor of Kittur Rani Channamma University, said journalists have a significant responsibility to critically examine the functioning of the government and all aspects of society, and that success in journalism should not lead to arrogance. Murugesh Shivapuji said the Karnataka Journalists Association had been helping provide compensation to journalists in difficult situations. Deputy Commissioner of Police N.V. Baramani warned that in the competition between digital and social media, the rush to be first should not become unhealthy, and said sensitive or religious matters should be reported with restraint and responsibility. Belagavi City Corporation Commissioner Karthik M. urged caution because fake news and misinformation are rising. Recent reporting from DW and Frontline has also shown how AI is already stirring debate in Indian journalism, including the appearance of AI news presenters such as Sana on Aaj Tak, alongside wider worries about job security, bias and disinformation.