‘Embracing AI amid changing nature of press’

November 17, 2024 3 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 17

In an age of rapidly advancing technology those who fail to keep pace would be left behind, said K Temjen Jamir, editor of the Ao vernacular newspaper, Tir Yimyim. He noted that AI has become indispensible for most people today, with AI tools possessing the ability to write books, speeches, poems, compose music and even coding programmes.

Jamir made the remark during the annual National Press Day celebration, on November 16, organised by the Dimapur Press Club. The press day theme for 2024 was the ‘Changing nature of press.’

He went on to describe how AI has begun to replace humans. “Imagine, using AI to edit news, cross check reporting and editorial discussions,” he remarked.

Despite the perceived ability of AI, he asserted that the final call rests with the human/user.

On the part of journalists, Jamir reminded that while new technology has made tasks easier, it is all the more necessary to be held accountable “on quality and reliability of our reports.”

“The sole purpose of media, be it print or electronics… or New Media, is to reach out with a message,” he said, while stating that the “nature of press” may have changed but its purpose has not. The primary responsibility, he added, has been to inform and educate, while also keeping them informed so that they are neither deprived nor misled.

Jamir reminded of the power that lies with the press to change and mould societies, governments and individuals alike. He said that it is with this understanding that the press must be arbiters of truth, accuracy and efficiency so as to bring about positive changes in the lives of people.

‘Principles and foundation of a free press remain unchanged’
Dr Aküm Longchari, editor and publisher of The Morung Express, who also spoke on the occasion, meanwhile remarked that the evolving press is more about form than essence. He stated that the principles and foundation of a free press remain unchanged.

The real challenge lies in how these principles are applied within these new formats, he added.

Among the emerging trends, he noted what was described as a growing gap between “facts and feelings,” or between what really happened on the ground and the emotions or perceptions of others.

He said that when society is built on feelings rather than fact and truth, its policies, analyses, and understanding are driven by emotion. He underscored the need for media professionals to reflect and engage in honest self-criticism as to understand the changing form and nature of the press.

According to Dr Longchari, the concept of breaking news no longer applies to newspapers, as this responsibility has shifted to digital media. On “paid news,” he added that it is difficult to speak out against a culture of corruption if the media itself accepts resources, as it creates a contradiction between values and ideals they claim to stand for.

As such the credibility of the media becomes important and that if they want the public of Nagaland to invest in the media as an institution of public service, he said the members of the media need to undergo some radical transformation.

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President of DPC, Imkong Walling, in his opening remarks said that the 2024 press day theme was an apt reminder of a “rapidly evolving media landscape in which we are operating.” According to Walling, the digital (news) revolution vis-a-vis instant news has reshaped “our profession in ways we could have never imagined.”