DIPR Manipur organised a workshop on AI in journalism and media fact-checking, focusing on responsible use, verification and newsroom productivity.
Imphal, June 24: The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Manipur, on Wednesday organised a one-day workshop on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism and media fact-checking at the DIPR Auditorium in Imphal, bringing together journalists, media professionals and government officials to discuss the opportunities and challenges emerging from the growing use of AI in newsrooms.
Secretary, Information and Public Relations, Hungyo Worshang, IAS, attended the programme as chief guest, while Director, Information and Public Relations, Dr Th. Charanjeet Singh, MCS, presided over the event.
Addressing the gathering, Worshang said journalism continues to be centred on collecting accurate information and sharing it responsibly with the public. However, he noted that the rise of social media and digital platforms has significantly changed the way people access and consume news.
He observed that information now reaches audiences almost instantly through mobile phones and online platforms, creating both new possibilities and new challenges for journalists. Referring to the increasing adoption of AI tools, he said the technology should not be viewed as a replacement for journalists but as a resource that can support journalistic work.
According to Worshang, technological change is inevitable and media professionals must learn to adapt to and manage emerging tools effectively. He said AI can assist in areas such as data analysis, information verification and other newsroom functions, but stressed that the responsibility of verifying facts and ensuring authenticity remains with journalists.
He also cautioned that information generated through AI systems should be critically examined and fact-checked before publication. Maintaining accuracy and credibility in reporting, he said, continues to be a core journalistic responsibility regardless of technological advances.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Charanjeet Singh said the workshop was organised to help journalists from different media organisations, along with government officials, strengthen their understanding of AI and its applications in journalism.
He said the digital age has created new challenges, making responsible use of AI and rigorous verification of information increasingly important. Expressing concern over the rise of deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation, he said journalists must remain vigilant to protect the credibility and integrity of the profession.
Dr Charanjeet said three resource persons had been invited to share both technical knowledge and practical experience. He expressed hope that the sessions and interactions would help participants better understand how AI can be used effectively while maintaining professional standards in reporting.
The Director also noted that AI is being adopted across a wide range of sectors, including media and communication. He said AI tools can help journalists prepare reports, curate content and automate routine tasks, improving efficiency and productivity in newsroom operations.
At the same time, he emphasised the need for media professionals to stay informed about rapidly evolving technologies and use them responsibly in an environment where information is generated and circulated at unprecedented speed.
The workshop featured three technical sessions covering different aspects of AI and journalism.
Dr Haobam Joyremba Singh, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Cube Ten Technologies Pvt. Ltd., delivered a presentation titled “AI: Myth and Reality.” His session focused on the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, common misconceptions surrounding the technology and its practical applications across sectors, including journalism and media.
Dr Hanjabam Saratchandra, Head of the Department of Computer Science at Manipur Technical University, spoke on “Foundations of AI in Journalism and Misinformation.” He discussed the role of AI in news gathering, content creation and dissemination, while also examining the risks posed by misinformation and the importance of responsible AI deployment in media work.
Another session was conducted by Dr Angom Buboo Singh, Academic Head of NIELIT, on “AI-Powered Newsroom Productivity and Verification.” He demonstrated how AI-based tools can support newsroom workflows, improve content production efficiency and assist journalists in verifying information before publication.
Journalists from various media organisations, departmental officials and media professionals attended the workshop. Discussions throughout the programme focused on balancing the benefits of AI-driven innovation with the need for human oversight, verification and ethical journalism.
