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Digital media made journalism in India gain unmatched importance in the modern era. As a democratic watchdog, journalism protects democracy by molding public thought while bringing to light the works and actions taken by high-position people, and creating outlets for unheard voices to speak. However, there are several challenges now that confront the industry which lead to doubts about its enduring stability. This article examines the present situation of journalism throughout India while examining both emerging patterns and potential risks alongside potential prospects.

Traditional and Modern Media

Online news platforms are rapidly growing because of the availability of mobiles and rising internet usage. Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) said that internet users in India will increase up to 900 million in 2025 based on their recent report. The digital era has brought forward new journalistic possibilities that allow reporters to connect with expanding readership bases while developing fresh methods of story presentation.

The backbone of Indian journalism was print and television media but now, they are fighting with the digital platforms. Because of online news portals, social media, and leading independent content creators, the way news is consumed in India has changed dramatically. According to experts, in India, more than 70% of users now rely on digital news they access from their mobile phones. In other words, consumers in India now access news online more than through television and print. However, traditional journalism is expected to work with digital innovation.

Challenges Faced by Journalism in India

The rapid rise of digital platforms does not solve all the existing problems in India's journalism field. The main threat that Indian reporting faces today stems from the continuous deterioration of press freedom. India stands at position 159 among 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index 2024. The rising phenomenon of hateful language, together with the assault and abuse directed against journalists, has established an unfriendly operating climate for reporters. Modi’s government recently faced a lawsuit from X (formerly known as Twitter) regarding its unlawful expansion of censorship powers, which has led to doubts about the news we see. 

Despite these challenges, there are new trends and possibilities in journalism that indicate this field will brighten instead of fading away. The rising digital media provide journalists a better way through which they can expand their readership reach and grab the instant attention of the audience through storytelling. Niche journalism is also a new trend that has enabled journalists to put their focus on data, environmental, and investigative journalism. Moreover, independent media is increasingly becoming popular. Due to social media, these independent journalists have the freedom to investigate in-depth stories and show them to the world because they are not bound to traditional news firms or are asked to manipulate the news. 

Skills and Qualities Required for Success in Journalism

Journalism in 2025 demands students to develop multiple competencies and personality attributes in order to achieve success.

• Digital literacy emerges as a vital skill that permits people to generate and arrange content for digital media such as blogs and podcasts alongside website videos.
• Data analysis represents an ability to gather data which helps in both interpretation and creation of engaging narratives.
• News investigation skill requires students to perform detailed research as well as interview and examine processes for uncovering fresh details.
• People with storytelling abilities create fascinating stories which capture the attention and educate their audiences.
• The skill of critical examination serves professionals who need to break down elaborate information while identifying distorted content and reaching exemplary conclusions.

Career Prospects and Salary Ranges

The journalism industry maintains competitive elements and features various job opportunities that pay different salary amounts.

1. Print media reporters earn between ₹25,000 to ₹70,000 per month while print editorial staff members receive between these amounts.
2. Television reporters, along with anchors receive compensation between ₹30,000 and ₹50,000 per month.
3. News professionals in digital journalism sectors receive monthly compensation between ₹20,000 to ₹40,000, depending on their responsibilities.
4. A freelance journalist earns different rates based on both the publication and assignment type and their current experience level.

Journalism in India functions as a source of positive prospects rather than diminishing light. Journalism in India is expected to flourish in the future thanks to the new trends and opportunities that are emerging despite present industry hurdles. Aspiring journalists who develop essential skills together with the right qualities will find success in this both exciting and rewarding profession.

Mass communication has established itself as a leading career choice in 2025 to mirror the rapid changes in media distribution. The Department of Media and Communication Management serves as a leading career selection due to digital platform expansion and OTT service growth alongside social media's profound impact on information circulation. The widespread transformation has established numerous possibilities for those who possess media expertise skills, which has made mass communication more enticing and profitable.

The Growing media landscape 

Traditional print and broadcast media have experienced major changes because the media industry transformed into a sophisticated digital network. The explosive growth of over-the-top platforms, especially Netflix and Amazon Prime, increased the need for premium content, which generated profitable opportunities for directors and scriptwriters along with editors. Social media dominance has created new career paths in digital storytelling and content creation, exemplifying the industry's capability of adapting to technological advancements.

Diverse Career Opportunities 

Graduates of mass communication obtain access to multiple professional fields which encompass journalism and public relations as well as event management and film production. Mass communication graduates can pursue careers such as journalism along with roles as filmmakers and content creators, among others, because this field offers versatility that matches different talents and interests. Job opportunities become more diverse through this field, which enables professionals to position their careers near their preferred interests.

High Demand for Professionals

Organizations and industries are continuously elevating their need for skilled media experts throughout different sectors. Various organizations continuously hire skilled experts who specialize in public relations and scriptwriting along with digital media to build better connections with their audience base. The growing need for qualified media personnel has driven up student numbers taking mass communication programs because they understand how the field provides both financial rewards and personal satisfaction.

Innovation and Creativity in Careers

The core value of mass communication depends on continuous innovation as well as expressive creativity. Mass communication professionals can shape society through their narrative skills as they manufacture visually effective content for expressing their perspectives to generate societal impact. Through creative freedom, people both enhance their own experience and create value for the cultural and informational framework of society. 

Top Careers in Media in 2025

JOURNALISM 

Journalism continues to stand as the backbone of democratic systems even though it faces obstacles from the spread of untrue information. Major media institutions now value specialized journalists including investigative reporters along with data journalists who work for global news outlets.

DIGITAL MARKETING

The demand for digital marketing expertise has grown rapidly because more companies adopt online operations requiring expertise in SEO and content marketing together with social media management. Professionals from mass communication programs who possess these attributes help improve brand recognition along with engagement levels.

FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION 

OTT platform expansion has increased market demand for original content which opened new possibilities in scriptwriting, directing and editing careers. The combination of artistic satisfaction and monetary gain can be found in these professional positions.

PUBLIC RELATIONS  

Organizations need positive public image maintenance and public relations specialists serve as key operational members who handle communications, event management and stakeholder relationship creation.

The journey toward entering mass communication careers

Given its importance, students need to enroll in an established mass communication program to achieve a successful media career. Several prestigious educational institutions throughout India deliver total curricula that integrate theoretical concepts with valuable practical expertise for preparing graduates to enter the workforce. Future students need to study available programs to find ones which match their future career goals as well as offer excellent education and placement assistance.

Conclusion

The world of mass communication in 2025 is one of immense growth, varied opportunities, and the pervasive influence of media in framing public perception and culture. As the industry develops further, those professionals who are versatile, innovative, and skilled in digital technology will be the leaders, shaping the future and making major contributions to the world's media.

An x user tweeted a screenshot of a discussion where a student who is already part of a dual degree course at IIT nonchalantly talked about earning an All India Rank (AIR) 18 in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). The student, who had seemed to have written the exam for fun, belittled the feat, and there were social media discussions about the work that goes into achieving such positions and the worth of an M.Tech degree from IITs.

The post, posted by user @JustPunforfun, said, "Just another day for kiddo. He took the exam for fun because he is already admitted for a double degree at IIT." The attached screenshot of the WhatsApp conversation reflected the student's message:

"GATE result out. I got all India rank 18."

The student added humbly, "It's good but could have been better."

The post soon went viral, racking up over 80k views and eliciting mixed reactions. While some users appreciated the commitment of students who achieve top ranks, others wondered whether studying an M.Tech from IIT is worth the investment.

One user emphasized the hard work needed to attain such ranks, saying, "I have had classmates in IDD who achieved AIR 10-20 in GATE, and I could see how hardworking they were even in bad semesters. It requires work to develop knowledge, particularly in fundamental engineering. Congrats to him."

But another person doubted the post-M. Tech career opportunities with a comment, "There is no use pursuing M.Tech from IIT since core companies will recruit you at 3-4 LPA after pursuing M.Tech from IIT." 

The GATE 2025 result was announced by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, earlier today.

Snapchat is launching its very first video generative AI Lenses, the firm said to TechCrunch exclusively. The Lenses are powered by Snap's own native built generative video model. The three new AI Video Lenses can be used by users on the app's premium subscription service, Snapchat Platinum, which charges $15.99 a month.

The release follows Snap introducing an AI video-creation tool during its Partner Summit in September last year. A Snap spokesperson said the new AI Video Lenses use subsequent versions of that underlying technology.

Snap has been a leader in AR, but also has been making investments in AI the last several years in tandem with just about every other tech firm. With these new AI Video Lenses, Snap is embracing AI in order to keep up and give its users access to capabilities not yet available on its competitors' platforms, including Instagram and TikTok.

While Snapchat is beginning with three AI Video Lenses at launch, it will be adding more each week. The first Lenses are "Raccoon" and "Fox," both of which bring furry friends snuggling up to you. The third "Spring Flowers" Lens creates a zoom-out effect showing the person in your Snap holding flowers.

You can access the new Lenses via the Lens carousel. You can then choose the Lens, then take a Snap using either your front or back camera. The AI video will create and then save automatically to your Memories.

“These Lenses, powered by our in-house built generative video model, bring some of the most cutting edge AI tools available today to Snapchatters through a familiar Lens format,” the company wrote in a blog post. “We have a long history of being first movers to bring advanced AR, ML and AI tools directly to our community, and we’re excited to see what Snapchatters create.”

As Snapchat points out, it's reasonable for the company to extend generative AI to Lenses, since it's a form users have adopted for years.

Though Snap has previously leveraged AI capabilities from OpenAI and Google to fuel some of its features, it's now also creating its own internal models.

Earlier this month, the company announced an AI text-to-image research model for smartphones that will drive some of Snapchat's capabilities in the months ahead. Snap explained then that by using technology developed internally, it would be able to provide its users with high-quality AI tools at a lower operating expense.

To help media practitioners harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for journalism and content development, Mathrubhumi Media School introduced a specific six-week online course in prompt engineering. The goal of the course is to provide journalists, content creators, and communications specialists with the knowledge and abilities to optimize the accuracy and efficiency of AI-generated material in news reporting and media creation.

For media workers, Mathrubhumi Media School has introduced an online course on prompt engineering. The goal of the six-week training is to give journalists, content producers, and communication professionals the know-how to maximize AI-generated material, guaranteeing accuracy and efficiency in media production and news reporting. Important topics including ethical issues, AI-driven content creation, and sophisticated prompt techniques designed for media applications will all be covered in the course. 

The course, priced at ₹9,999, is expected to benefit media professionals looking to stay ahead in an industry where AI is playing an increasingly significant role. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certification and networking opportunities with industry leaders.

As per Mathrubhumi Media School, the course will be conducted by industry specialists and academic experts who will provide a mix of theoretical knowledge and exposure to hands-on experience. Participants will undergo hands-on training sessions with AI-driven content creation tools, applying techniques learnt to actual projects. This experiential learning is intended to enable professionals to improve their storytelling skills while upholding journalistic values.

The course, which costs ₹9,999, is likely to help media professionals become future-proof in a business where AI is increasingly becoming the driving force. Writing precise and impactful prompts will become essential for journalists to maintain control over AI-generated stories as AI-powered platforms transform newsrooms and content strategy.

Participants' professional credentials will be enhanced by the certification they obtain upon successfully completing the course. They will also be able to meet with professionals and specialists who are investigating AI's role in media through networking opportunities with industry leaders.

The course exemplifies Mathrubhumi Media School's commitment to bridging the technological and journalistic divide so that media professionals can successfully navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The university is addressing the growing need for AI literacy in newsrooms and content-driven industries by offering this course. Limited seats mean the interested ones should register early on the Mathrubhumi Media School official website.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has announced amendments to the Income Tax Act, 1961, allowing Income Tax officers to access taxpayers' email and social media accounts in certain cases. This move aims to combat tax evasion and black money, but may raise privacy and data protection concerns. Taxpayers are advised to comply with tax laws and be cautious about online activities. The new rules are expected to come into effect from April 1, 2025.

From April 1, 2026, the income tax department will have the right to breach into and view your social media accounts, personal emails, bank accounts, online investment accounts, trading accounts, and more if the income tax department suspects that you have neglected to pay income tax or if they have any reason to believe that you possess any undeclared income, money, gold, jewelry, or valuable item or property on which you have not paid any relevant income tax under the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Section 132 of the current I-T Act, 1961, provides that the authorised officers can carry out searches and seize property and books of accounts in case they possess information and believe on reasonable grounds that a person possesses any income, property, or documents unaccounted for which they would not willingly reveal to avoid payment of income tax.

One such way they can do so under existing legislation is by prying open the lock of any locker, box, or door in case their keys are not available and if there is reason to believe that any unreported assets, or books of account, are being maintained there. Even this power of break-in, under the new bill on income tax, has also been delegated to your virtual digital space or your computer system.

As per clause 247 of the Income Tax bill, if an authorised officer suspects that a person has undisclosed income or property that is within the purview of I-T Act, they may "break open the lock of any door, box, locker, safe, almirah, or other receptacle for exercising the powers conferred by clause (i), to enter and search any building, place, etc., where the keys thereof or the access to such building, place, etc., is not available, or gain access by overriding the access code to any said computer system, or virtual digital space, where the access code thereof is not available.".