In this episode of Industry Spotlight by Creative First, Avinash Kaul, media veteran and co-author of The Next Mountain, joined Lohita Sujith, Sr. Director, Copyright & Digital Economy, to discuss the evolution of Indian television news, the need for reinvention in broadcasting, and the role of human judgment in an AI-driven media landscape.

Reflecting on the growth of private television news since the 1990s, Avinash highlighted its contribution to public awareness and democratic participation. Drawing on his own career, he also spoke about the value of reinvention, the success of The Next Mountain, and the importance of teams working towards a shared vision.

The conversation examined the need for broadcasters to rethink traditional business models. Avinash questioned the sustainability of 24-hour news channels and costly studio-led programming, urging media organizations to adopt leaner operations and respond to changing audience habits across television and digital platforms.

Discussing artificial intelligence, he encouraged young professionals to strengthen their fundamentals and use AI to enhance their capabilities rather than replace human expertise. He emphasized that journalism depends on curiosity, experience, editorial judgment, and an understanding of the real-world consequences of reporting. While AI can improve productivity, responsibility for editorial decisions must remain with human editors.

Looking ahead, Avinash called on media organizations to modernize their infrastructure, invest in talent, and develop long-term strategies that reflect the changing media landscape. He emphasized that sustainable growth will depend on the willingness to challenge established practices and continually reinvent the business.