In a compelling address during the inaugural function of National Press Day at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar underscored the moral duty of the media to uphold truth and integrity. Emphasizing that credibility is the foremost challenge facing the media today, the Vice President called on journalists and media owners to prioritize truthfulness in their reporting.
Addressing the audience, the Vice President acknowledged the pivotal role of the media in the functioning of democracy, emphasizing that it is not a power center or stakeholder in realpolitik. He expressed concern over instances where journalists attempt to alter the course of the democratic process, contrary to the sentiments on the ground, and cautioned against such practices.
Dhankhar highlighted the challenges facing the media, describing it as commerce-driven and often becoming a stakeholder in agitation sustainability. He called on the Press Council of India to swiftly intervene against those spreading fake news and compromising professional ethics. Stressing the media’s role as a watchdog of government, the Vice President stated that it is tasked with holding those in power accountable.
In acknowledging the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on journalism, the Vice President raised concerns about misinformation, deep fakes, and the creation of echo chambers, emphasizing the potential for chaos and instability in society. While recognizing AI as an integral part of the technological landscape, he expressed apprehension about the threat it poses to jobs, particularly with the rise of AI-driven language models capable of autonomously generating media reports.
Jagdeep Dhankhar urged journalists and media outlets to adhere to the highest standards of integrity in the face of AI’s influence on the media landscape. He stressed the importance of fact-checking, rigorous source verification, and unwavering editorial independence. The Vice President called for a balance between embracing the potential of AI and upholding the principles of journalism that have served society for generations.
He expressed hope for a unified capacity to navigate this new era, ensuring that a progressive media continues to stand as a beacon of truth and accountability within the democratic framework. The event was attended by notable figures including Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, and Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, Chairperson of the Press Council of India, among other dignitaries.
