OTV Foresight 2026: AI is like Wikipedia, and it cannot replace journalism, says Arnab Goswami

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is ‘highly overrated’ and is like a calculator, said Arnab Goswami, Editor-in-Chief of Republic TV, during OTV Foresight 2026 being held in Delhi on Tuesday.

Speaking at a session titled “Media’s Role in India’s Development Story”, Goswami was responding to a question from Litisha Mangat Panda, Business Head (News and Digital), OTV, on the impact of AI on newsrooms.

“Some jobs like graphics and editing may become faster. In a media context, AI can reduce costs marginally if used intelligently. It can act as a fact-checker. It is basically like Wikipedia and cannot replace journalism. AI can also be dubious, lie, and falsify facts,” Goswami noted.

‘Financial Independence Is Key to Editorial Independence’

Emphasising financial autonomy, Goswami said media organisations cannot be truly independent unless they are financially independent.

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“In media, you must not let the government have any leverage over you. People who think conventionally are fools. You must adopt a principled position of non-dependence on governments that seek leverage. Secondly, you must structure your costs in such a way that you do not need to depend on them. You cannot be independent if you are not financially independent,” he said.

‘Mamata Sends One Lawyer, I Send Twenty’

Stressing the importance of legal preparedness, Goswami said financial strength allows media houses to stand up to pressure.

“Be financially independent. Spend only as much money as you can earn and maintain a legal team stronger than any state government. Today, Mamata Banerjee does not take me on. She sends one lawyer; I send twenty. I have the money to pay legal fees. Only then can you tell your reporters to pursue the stories you want,” he added.

Also Read: OTV Foresight 2026: Smita Prakash flags Delhi-centric bias in national media, calls out audience behaviour

‘If You Turn Hostile, I Will Be Hostile Back’

On his on-air persona, Goswami asserted that authenticity is non-negotiable.

“What do you expect me to do when I am on air? If you turn hostile, I will be hostile back. All media enterprises will amount to nothing if I am not authentic on air. That is my time. It is like a meditation zone, and I am not answerable to anyone,” he said.