World News Day: Why trust remains journalism’s greatest asset

Sumit Awasthi, Senior Consulting Editor, Times Now Navbharat, writes the growing challenge of trust, verification and credibility in the age of digital news and AI

by Sumit Awasthi
Published: Sep 28, 2026 3:46 PM | 1 min read

World News Day emphasizes the role of news in shaping societal understanding, highlighting the importance of trust in an era of information overload.
Digital platforms empower citizens to participate in the news ecosystem, allowing local content to reach a global audience, but this does not ensure credibility.
The rise of viral content and artificial intelligence complicates the verification of information, as misleading materials can easily circulate.
Both journalists and citizens share the responsibility of maintaining trust in journalism by verifying facts and distinguishing between news and opinion.

World News Day is a reminder that news is not merely information; it also shapes how society understands the world. In an age when hundreds of updates reach people through their phones, the challenge is no longer access to information but identifying what can be trusted.

Digital platforms have made citizens active participants in the news ecosystem. A video from a small town can reach millions, giving ordinary people a stronger voice. However, reach does not guarantee credibility. Viral content can be misleading, particularly when old videos are presented as new, statements are shown without context or genuine images are paired with false claims.

Artificial intelligence has added another layer of complexity by making manipulated images, audio and video increasingly convincing. Citizens therefore need to question sources and verify information before accepting or sharing it.

The media, too, carries an important responsibility. Journalism must verify facts, ask necessary questions, distinguish news from opinion and provide citizens with enough information to form their own views.

Ultimately, journalism’s greatest asset remains trust. Protecting that trust is a responsibility shared by journalists and citizens alike.