Journalists should pick up AI usage skills to face challenges posed by emerging technologies, Sri Allam Prabhu Swami of Naganur Rudrakshi Math said in Belagavi on Sunday.

The field of journalism is changing rapidly due to the growth of digital media. Now-a-days, AI anchors are reading news on TV channels and portals, he said.

There are fears that there will be no need for journalists in the coming days. In order to face such challenges, journalists should improve their skills according to the changing times and find a way to fit into the new system, he said.

He was speaking at a Media Day function organized by the Karnataka Journalists Association and the Karnataka Journalists Union.

“The State government should provide special support to journalists who work objectively and independently, taking on the responsibility of correcting the problems of society. A system should be created to provide economic and social security for their lives,” the seer said.

Vital responsibility

Kittur Rani Channamma University Vice-Chancellor C.M. Thyagaraj said that journalists have a significant responsibility to critically analyze functioning of the government and all facets of society.

“However, success achieved in journalism should not lead to arrogance. We should not think that the fate of the world is in our hands. A writer should maintain the humility of being ready to learn all the time,” Prof. Thyagaraj said.

Prof. Thyagaraj appreciated the efforts of Naganur Math to build a hostel for girl students.

The Karnataka Journalists Association has been doing the work of providing compensation to journalists in difficult situations, founder-chairman of the association Murugesh Shivapuji said.

Journalist Vilas Joshi was felicitated with the Samadarshi Award, Srishail Mathad with the Hajsiru Kranti Award, Srikanth Kubakaddi with Gadi Kannadiga Award, Ramesh Hiremath with the Lokvarthe Award and Manjunath Bellary with the Eradane Rajdhani Award.

Web designer Nagesh Vannur was also felicitated.

Deputy Commissioner of Police N.V. Baramani warned that in the competition between digital and social media, the rush to provide news first should not turn into unhealthy.

He advised that religious and sensitive matters should not be exaggerated but should be reported with restraint and responsibility.

Belagavi City Corporation Commissioner Karthik M. urged journalists to exercise caution in an era where fake news and misinformation are on the rise.

Visvesvaraya Technological University Registrar Prasad Rampure, journalist Brahmananda, Kannada Sahitya Parishad president Mangala Metagud, KLM leader Basavaraja Rotti and others spoke.

The seer and other guests felicitated senior journalists.

Published - August 16, 2026 08:09 pm IST