Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Jul 1: “If Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially Large Language Models (LLMs), gain a foothold in newsrooms, they can handle a majority of editorial tasks such as translation, summarisation, headline generation, copy editing, video transcription, and subtitling. In the coming years, these AI tools may replace nearly three-fourths of desk editors and about 50% of field reporters,” stated senior journalist and columnist Rajaram Tallur.
He was delivering a special lecture on "Media in the Next 10 Years – Media Convergence and LLMs", organised on the occasion of Press Day at the Lions Bhavan, Brahmagiri, Udupi. The event was hosted by the Udupi District Working Journalists’ Association in collaboration with the Udupi Press Club Committee and Udupi Lions Club.
He highlighted that India adopted the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), 2023, and its draft rules have already been released for public consultation. Once implemented, these rules could significantly impact the media landscape.
“In the past, India had weak legal frameworks related to privacy, intellectual property, and copyright. But in the AI era, computers using LLMs can learn human skills. As this evolves, there’s a real threat that AI could use our own skills to replace us in our jobs,” he warned.
Discussing the changing media dynamics, he noted the growing challenge for print media due to the rapid dissemination of news enabled by new technologies. “Hundreds of print newspapers across the globe are shutting down every year. What keeps print media alive today is the loyalty of older generations of readers,” he said.
He added that traditional satellite-based television channels are also facing stiff competition from emerging digital and web-based channels, which are better equipped to adapt to changing technologies. “Though TV channels are not facing a crisis as severe as print, it will be difficult for them to sustain in the long run,” he said.
Tallur also drew attention to the rise of internet-based news channels, which operate with minimal cost and currently face no major legal constraints. “These web platforms are now leaning heavily into clickbait content and their operations are increasingly dictated by social media algorithms,” he observed.
He predicted that future media platforms will integrate the best elements of traditional formats — print, radio, and television — into one seamless, multisensory experience. “This trend has already begun, and in the next decade, consuming news will become a holistic, five-sense experience,” he concluded.
Additional deputy commissioner Abid Gadhial, who inaugurated the event, said, “Journalists are the fourth pillar of democracy. When the other three pillars falter, it is the media that has the responsibility to hold them accountable. A strong press ensures a strong democracy. Upholding press freedom and its sanctity is more important than ever. Media must remain vigilant as the third eye of society to ensure progress on the right path.”
Rajesh Shetty Alevoor, district president of the Association, presided over the programme. Hariprasad Rai, head of Manipal HPR Institutions, presented Awards to meritorious children of journalist members.
Alevoor Dinesh Kini, president of Udupi Lions Club, distributed ID cards to association members. Senior journalist Kunjur Lakshminarayana Kundantaya was honored on the occasion for his contribution to journalism.
Others present on the dais included District Information Department officer Manjunath, State Committee member Kiran Manjanbailu, and Ajith Aradi, convener of the Udupi Press Club Committee.
The list of award-winning children was read by committee member Michael Rodrigues. Secretary Raheem Ujire introduced the guest speaker. General secretary Nazeer Polya delivered the welcome address while treasurer Umesh Marpalli proposed the vote of thanks, and journalist Radhika compered the event.