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How Is Journalism Evolving in the Digital Age? CU Punjab Explores Emerging Trends and Personal Branding

Central University of Punjab hosts expert talks on journalism in the age of algorithms and the importance of personal branding in a tech driven world.


Bathinda, April 6, 2026

What does it take to remain relevant in an age dominated by algorithms, content overload and rapidly changing audience behavior? The Central University of Punjab attempted to answer this pressing question through a series of insightful invited talks hosted by its Department of Mass Communication and Media Studies.

Organized under the patronage of Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Raghavendra P Tiwari, the sessions brought together industry experts and students for a meaningful exchange of ideas on journalism and professional communication in the digital age.

The programme began with a welcome address by Dr Rubal Kanozia, Head and Associate Professor of the department, who highlighted how technology and evolving consumption patterns are reshaping the media ecosystem. He emphasized that such interactions play a crucial role in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real world industry expectations.

The first session featured Priyanka Srivastava, Senior Editor at The Times of India, who addressed a thought provoking theme on keeping journalism relevant in the era of algorithms and click driven content. She pointed out that the real challenge today is not access to information but the ability to verify, filter and present it with context and credibility.

Encouraging students to critically differentiate between authentic reporting and misinformation, she highlighted the risks associated with clickbait practices. While such tactics may bring temporary attention, they gradually erode trust. She stressed that responsible journalism must prioritize depth, accuracy and accountability.

She also underlined that journalism today extends far beyond traditional formats, encompassing multimedia platforms such as video content, podcasts and digital storytelling. However, she reaffirmed that core values such as credibility, questioning and ethical reporting remain unchanged. She urged students to embrace emerging tools like artificial intelligence while maintaining strong ethical foundations.

The second session was delivered by Sandeep Shrivastava, Senior Program Manager at IBM Consulting, who focused on the importance of personal branding and storytelling in a competitive and technology driven professional landscape.

He emphasized that in today’s world, building a personal brand is not optional but essential. Highlighting the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands, he encouraged students to continuously upgrade their skills and stay adaptable.

He explained that strong personal branding is built through visibility, consistency, networking and a well maintained digital presence. He also introduced storytelling frameworks such as STAR, emphasizing that stories often create stronger impact than raw data.

Further, he spoke about the growing role of artificial intelligence and data analytics, urging students to stay ahead by embracing innovation while strengthening communication and adaptability.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof Bhaw Nath Pandey, Dean of the School of Information and Communication Studies, who appreciated the speakers for their valuable insights and commended the department for organizing a timely initiative.

The programme witnessed active participation from students across disciplines including Mass Communication, Computer Science and Law, making it an engaging and interactive learning experience focused on real world challenges and opportunities.

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