Noida, India – March 2025: The 13th Global Festival of Journalism & AVGC Noida 2025 hosted an insightful seminar on “The Role of Independent Media in Strengthening Democracy,” emphasizing the critical importance of unbiased journalism in today’s world.
The seminar was inaugurated by Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Festival President, who initiated the dialogue by highlighting the pivotal role of independent media in fostering transparency, accountability, and democratic values. He underscored the responsibility of journalists in upholding truth and integrity amidst evolving media landscapes.
A distinguished panel of media professionals, journalists, and content creators shared their insights, discussing the challenges and opportunities for independent journalism in the digital age: Awanish Singh, Digital Content Creator, emphasized the power of digital platforms in shaping public opinion and how independent voices are now more influential than ever. Mayank Mishra, Digital Creator, shed light on the responsibility of content creators in ensuring credibility and combating misinformation. Monika S. Bhattacharya, Anchor at News India 24×7, spoke about the challenges faced by mainstream media in maintaining impartiality and journalistic ethics.
Anurag Mishra, Executive Editor of Dainik Jagran, reflected on the evolving role of print media in upholding democratic values amid the digital revolution. Amitabh Srivastava, Entrepreneur, Strategic Advisor & Media Consultant, provided insights on the business aspect of independent media and the need for sustainability without compromising editorial integrity. Kaveree Bamzai, Indian Journalist, Author & Film Critic, expressed concerns over the influence of corporate and political interests on news narratives and stressed the need for independent editorial voices.
Ramesh Chandra, Media Professional, discussed the impact of emerging AI-driven journalism and its implications for press freedom. Shyam Sahay, Senior Journalist & Editor at Sansad TV, highlighted the significance of responsible journalism in policy-making and governance. Dr. Harish Chandra Burnwal, Senior Journalist & Author, summarized the session by stressing the collective role of journalists, media houses, and content creators in preserving democratic values through free and fair reporting.
The seminar concluded with an engaging Q&A session, allowing the audience to interact with the speakers, further deepening the discourse on media’s evolving role in democracy.
The 13th Global Festival of Journalism & AVGC Noida 2025 continues to serve as a platform for thought leaders, media professionals, and aspiring journalists to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of journalism and media ethics.