Upendra Rai, Chairman, Managing Director, and Editor-in-Chief of Bharat Express News Network, took part in the News Next 2024 program organized by ‘Exchange 4 Media’ on Saturday. He was honored during the event and delivered a speech highlighting the opportunities and challenges faced by emerging news channels in India.
CMD Rai underscored the significance of journalism as the fourth pillar of democracy, alongside the legislature, executive, and judiciary. He stressed the collective responsibility of media personnel and urged the public to stay connected with newspapers, affirming the vital role of media in shaping public discourse.
Drawing inspiration from Thomas Jefferson, Rai recalled the esteemed American president’s recognition of the press’ importance in governance. Jefferson’s advocacy for a free press resonated with Rai, who emphasized the need for media integrity and impartiality in today’s era.
Addressing the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), Rai acknowledged the evolving landscape of media competition. While recognizing the threat AI poses to certain aspects of journalism, he assured that individuals with creative writing skills and journalistic integrity would remain invaluable in the face of technological advancements.
Rai proposed embracing a hybrid model in media consumption and societal interactions, citing examples of communities that benefited from diversification. He advocated for breaking down societal barriers to foster intellectual and social growth, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity.
Listen to the full speech of Upendra Rai, Editor-in-Chief of Bharat Express, on our YouTube channel here:
The News Next 2024 program, held at The Imperial Hotel in New Delhi on Saturday, March 30, brought together prominent figures from the media industry. In addition to Upendra Rai, distinguished journalists such as Rajdeep Sardesai, Barkha Dutt, Rahul Kanwal, and others graced the event.
The event also featured the presentation of awards, including the 16th edition of the ENBA News Broadcasting Awards, aimed at honoring excellence in television news coverage in India. Upendra Rai’s presence at the event underscored his significant contributions to the media landscape, alongside other esteemed industry leaders.
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