At the World Book Fair 2026 in New Delhi, experts discussed the role of artificial intelligence in media, emphasizing that AI should assist journalists rather than replace them. Panelists highlighted the importance of ethical use of AI in reporting and content creation, stressing that AI can enhance productivity but cannot replicate the critical thinking, emotional nuance, and ethical judgment of human journalists.
Sanjay Kapoor, president of the Editors’ Guild of India, noted that firsthand reporting and storytelling are uniquely human skills that AI cannot match. He cautioned that overreliance on AI for news gathering risks reducing journalistic depth and weakening the profession’s ethical standards. Human oversight and emotional engagement remain essential to prevent misinformation and maintain credibility.
An academic from Jawaharlal Nehru University added that AI can support tasks such as grammar checking or generating references, and help bridge language barriers, but excessive dependence may stifle creativity and critical thinking in both journalism and research. He emphasized that AI should complement human expertise, not replace it.
Senior analyst Asad Mirza pointed out that fully AI-generated content, while technically competent, often lacks human emotion and connection with readers. He concluded that AI can support content production, but human involvement is necessary to preserve quality, engagement, and ethical standards. Religious perspectives were also discussed, with speakers agreeing that responsible AI use is acceptable when it serves humanity positively.
