In a thought-provoking gathering of media professionals, the IIMC Alumni Association (IIMCAA) Mumbai chapter hosted its annual “Connections Mumbai Meet” at the iconic Royal Bombay Yacht Club, bringing together journalists, creators, and industry leaders to discuss the evolving role of artificial intelligence in journalism.

AI Reshaping the Newsroom

The central theme of the event revolved around how artificial intelligence is transforming the media landscape. Experts highlighted that AI is increasingly being used for:

• Automated news gathering
• Data-driven reporting
• Personalised content delivery

These advancements are enabling faster production cycles and wider content reach, fundamentally changing how news is created and consumed.

Concerns Over Misinformation and Ethics

While acknowledging the efficiency gains, speakers also raised serious concerns about the risks associated with AI. Issues such as misinformation, deepfakes, and declining editorial credibility were key points of discussion.

Industry experts stressed that as technology evolves, the responsibility on journalists to maintain accuracy, credibility, and ethical standards becomes even more critical.

Need for Upskilling in the Industry

Participants emphasized that journalists must adapt to this rapidly changing environment by upgrading their skills and understanding AI tools. The consensus was clear—technology should support journalism, not compromise its core values.

Key Speakers and Participation

The session was presided over by Braj Kishore and featured prominent speakers including Kalyan Ranjan, Prasad Sanyal, Gayatri Srivastava, Prabhash Jha, and Krishna Pophale, among others.

The event was hosted by actress Rayana Pandey, adding a vibrant touch to the evening.

Special Felicitation

As part of the association’s silver jubilee celebrations, filmmaker Manoj Maurya was felicitated for his contributions to the industry.

Part of Nationwide Initiative

The Mumbai meet is part of a broader IIMCAA alumni engagement series that began in Delhi and has been conducted across multiple cities, including Guwahati, Kolkata, Patna, Raipur, and Bhopal.

The Bigger Picture

The discussions at the event highlighted a crucial turning point for journalism. While AI offers unprecedented opportunities for innovation and efficiency, it also brings challenges that require careful navigation.

As the industry evolves, the focus remains on striking a balance between technological advancement and journalistic integrity.