Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping almost every sector today. Its presence is so pervasive that ignoring it is no longer an option; adaptation has become inevitable. Regardless of where AI technologies are developed or controlled, their products are consumed globally in an increasingly digital and hyper-connected world. Naturally, those with greater resources benefit more quickly, while others struggle to keep pace.

In fields ranging from health and education to journalism, the impact of AI has sparked intense debate. While some fear the erosion of traditional skills and jobs, others see AI as a powerful tool that enhances professional efficiency and productivity. In journalism, AI can streamline workflows, assist in data analysis, support content production, and amplify the reach of stories. However, overreliance on AI, particularly entrusting it with final editorial responsibility, poses risks. AI is not a substitute for human judgment but rather a tool designed to strengthen human capability. It complements journalism by enhancing skills, not replacing them.

As AI continues to influence global media practices, Nepali journalism is no exception. Understanding how AI is being adopted in Nepal’s newsrooms and academic institutions is crucial to assessing the country’s preparedness in the face of this technological wave. In this context, the book Patrakaritama AI (AI in Journalism) by Ajay Sharma and Shiva Puri offers timely and valuable insights.

Although concise, the book offers a comprehensive overview of AI from both national and international perspectives, presented through a journalistic lens. It examines how Nepali newsrooms are adapting to AI while incorporating international research findings, expert opinions, policy frameworks, and examples from global media houses.

The book is structured into eight chapters. The first chapter introduces AI, outlining its principles, types, and evolution. The second chapter focuses on AI in journalism, discussing its necessity, benefits, and challenges. The third chapter examines AI’s role in newsrooms. Subsequent chapters explore global legal frameworks and strategies on AI, Nepal’s experiences with AI in media, issues of crime and cybersecurity, and technical terms such as machine learning, algorithms, agentic AI, and digital footprints. The final chapter offers practical guidance for journalists.

Notably, the second chapter provides a thorough explanation of why AI is becoming increasingly indispensable in journalism. The authors argue that AI enhances efficiency through automation, enabling journalists to quickly prepare financial reports, summarize sports events, and produce breaking news. AI also aids in information gathering, trend analysis from social media platforms, data journalism, audience mapping, translation, and fact-checking. These applications demonstrate AI’s potential to improve newsroom productivity and resource management.

However, the authors repeatedly caution against allowing AI to operate without human oversight. Journalism’s core values-truth, balance, and credibility-cannot be guaranteed by algorithms alone. The book consistently emphasizes the importance of human judgment and editorial responsibility in AI-assisted work.

The authors cite examples of international media organizations such as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, and the BBC, along with news agencies including Xinhua, Reuters, AP, and AFP, all of which have integrated AI into their operations. These institutions have adopted AI not merely as a technological novelty but as part of long-term strategic development.

Importantly, the book incorporates interviews and mini-surveys with Nepali editors and journalists to gauge their perspectives on AI. Most respondents believe AI will not replace journalists but will transform their profession. They stress the need for media professionals to develop AI literacy to maximize its benefits. Some Nepali media outlets have already begun using AI for summarizing reports, verifying originality, and extracting data from large datasets.

Concerns remain, however, particularly regarding the credibility of AI-generated content and the potential erosion of creativity. Bishnu Gautam, Acting Chief Editor of The Rising Nepal, noted that AI tools are used to verify whether submitted opinion pieces are original or AI-generated. Similarly, Pavan Acharya, Chief Editor of Radio Kantipur, warned that AI’s misuse could increase the risk of misinformation in the future.

Overall, Patrakaritama AI serves as an accessible and informative resource for journalists, students, and educators seeking to understand the implications of AI in media. Published by the Office of the Media Registrar under the Bagmati Province Government, the book encourages journalists to embrace AI as a tool, never as a replacement for human integrity and editorial responsibility.

In an era defined by rapid technological transformation, this book makes a persuasive case: AI adoption is essential for the modernization of journalism, but its use must remain firmly guided by human ethics and professional standards.