LPU Convened Renowned Media Voices at New Age Journalism Summit 2026 on the Rise of Decentralized Media

Summit Under EduRevolution Initiative Bridges Classroom Learning with Real-World Media Transformation

Jalandhar: As journalism steadily shifts from traditional newsrooms to independent digital ecosystems, Lovely Professional University (LPU) brought that revolution to the centre stage through the New Age Journalism Summit 2026. Focused on the theme “News beyond Newsrooms- The Rise of Decentralized Journalism,” the summit explored how credibility, technology, and individual voices are collectively redefining the future of media.

The summit brought together prominent voices from the evolving media landscape, including Abhinav Pandey, Founder of News Pinch; Mukul Singh, Senior Reporter at Jist News, Tarun Kedia and Nitin Soni, both independent journalists shaping digital discourse. Their presence, alongside Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU, and Col. Dr. Rashmi Mittal, Pro Chancellor of LPU, added institutional depth to a dialogue centred on the future of journalism.

During the summit, each speaker brought forward perspectives shaped by firsthand experience in the digital news ecosystem. Abhinav Pandey spoke about building independent media platforms from the ground up, stressing that in decentralized journalism, trust becomes the most valuable asset. He discussed the discipline required to maintain credibility in an era where information spreads instantly but verification often lags behind. Mukul Singh reflected on his experiences as a field reporter, underscoring the balance between speed and accuracy. He highlighted how responsible journalism must remain rooted in fact checking and context, even as formats and platforms continue to evolve.

Tarun Kedia addressed the democratization of storytelling, observing how technology has empowered individuals to shape narratives beyond institutional boundaries. However, he emphasized that independence must be accompanied by ethical restraint and professional rigor. Furthermore, Nitin Soni spoke about the changing dynamics of audience engagement, noting that digital platforms have transformed not just how news is delivered, but how it is consumed and interpreted. He encouraged students to build adaptability alongside foundational journalistic principles.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, remarked that such engagements are essential for students, as they provide direct exposure to professionals who are actively leading their arenas, offering lived insights that extend far beyond academic frameworks. Dr. Mittal encouraged students to approach media not merely as a profession, but as a responsibility that demands integrity, courage, and accountability.

Students from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication actively participated, raising thoughtful questions on misinformation, media ethics, sustainability of independent journalism, and the influence of algorithms on public perception. The candid responses from the speakers transformed the interaction into a learning dialogue, allowing students to gain clarity on both the opportunities and responsibilities within contemporary journalism.

Through initiatives like the New Age Journalism Summit under its EduRevolution framework, LPU continues to ensure that its students not only understand evolving professional states but also are prepared to lead within them, equipped with practical insight, ethical grounding, and the confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing ecosystem.