05/06/2026
DW Editor from Germany Addresses Mass Communication Students on Ethics of AI in Journalism
The Department of Mass Communication at Assam University, Silchar organised an insightful online special lecture on Friday 5 June 2026, on the evolving role of technology in the media landscape. The session, titled “AI in International Journalism: Practices and Ethical Issues,” featured Ms. Shabnam Surita, Editor at Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s international public broadcaster, as the keynote speaker.
Ms. Surita provided a comprehensive overview of how Artificial Intelligence is transforming modern newsrooms across the globe. She urged students and faculty to prioritise the ethical and responsible application of these tools, balancing innovation with the core tenets of the profession. Her presentation meticulously mapped both the transformative benefits of AI and the significant hurdles it introduces, specifically regarding the spread of misinformation, the risk of algorithmic bias, and the urgent need for transparency in reporting.
Drawing directly from the operational practices at Deutsche Welle, Ms. Surita illustrated how leading media organisations are successfully integrating AI tools to enhance workflows while strictly upholding established journalistic standards. She emphasised a crucial distinction, AI should serve as a powerful complement to a journalist's toolkit rather than a substitute for human judgment, critical thinking, and editorial responsibility.
“The technology is an aid, but the final accountability must always rest with the human editor,” Ms. Surita noted, highlighting the irreplaceable nature of human empathy and context in storytelling.
Earlier, the event began with an introductory address by Prof. Charvak, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, who set the stage by underscoring the critical intersection of rapid technological advancement and journalistic integrity.
The session concluded with a vibrant interactive discussion. Students took the opportunity to engage directly with Ms. Surita, sharing their perspectives and asking poignant questions regarding the future of the industry, the survival of traditional reporting roles, and the long-term impact of automation on democratic discourse.
