Introduction The profession of journalism has never been static. From the era of handwritten pamphlets to the age of live-streamed updates, its form has always evolved to match the tools and challenges of the time. Yet in a technological era, a single fabricated image can travel across continents in seconds; a deepfake video can discredit a public figure overnight; an algorithm can subtly reshape what millions of people believe is true. For students choosing a journalism course today, this reality is both daunting and deeply motivating. The task is no longer only to find and report the truth but to protect it from distortion and rebuild trust in an era where scepticism is high. Modern journalism courses in India, informed by both data and experience, are equipping students to meet these contemporary challenges. A Public Hungry for Truth but Wary of News The demand for trustworthy journalism is stronger than ever, yet public confidence remains fragile. According to the Pew Research Center, 59 % of adults across 35 countries say “made-up news and information” is a significant problem in their country. This is not a marginal issue; it reflects a global climate in which credibility is under constant pressure. Compounding this challenge is the fact that many people are actively stepping away from the news. The Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2024 found that 39 % of respondents now sometimes or often avoid the news. The reasons range from fatigue to frustration, but the outcome is the same, that is, …










