Media Mantra Group, hosted '”#MMDialogues365 – Decoding Effective Communications” –to celebrate the first anniversary of its knowledge-sharing initiative #MMDialogues.

Here are the key takeaways from leading journalists speaking at the conference:

 Shweta Punj, economic editor, Moneycontrol.com:

• Print vs. Digital – Print has permanence, while digital content can go viral much faster and create an immediate impact

• AI in Journalism – While AI bots are sometimes used, they cannot replace human-driven storytelling. Creative work and deep narratives require human insight.

• PR & Journalism Synergy – PR professionals and journalists share a collaborative relationship, often leading to the creation of good stories.

Pankaj Doval, national editor, Times of India:

• Importance of Print Stories – A well-crafted story gets published in print, and people often share clippings on X (formerly Twitter), reinforcing its credibility and reach.

• AI in Media – AI can be beneficial if used for efficiency, but the key lies in how it is utilized. A major issue is that people often input queries into ChatGPT without verifying factual information. Understanding how to leverage AI effectively is crucial.

• Mutual Learning Between PR Professionals & Journalists – PR professionals and journalists can learn from each other, as the collaboration often leads to strong story ideas and meaningful narratives.

Shishir Sinha, associate editor, Hindu BusinessLine:

• Significance of Print Media – India has 10,000 daily newspapers with a circulation of 22.3 crore, catering to a population of 146 crore. While 7 crore people read a specific newspaper, a survey indicates that trust in print remains higher compared to digital. Digital content may go viral faster but doesn’t create the same lasting impact in people’s hearts.

• AI as a Tool, Not a Master – AI, ChatGPT, and aggregation of sources can enhance content presentation, but AI should be used as a supporting tool rather than replacing human input. The key is to control AI usage rather than letting it control the narrative.

• The Power of Storytelling – In PR and journalism, storytelling remains the most crucial element in building impactful narratives and fostering strong relationships.

#MMDialogues365 began with a special address by Pankaj Pachauri - veteran Journalist & Founder of GoNewsIndia, who shared his experience and learnings spanning his journey from journalism to entrepreneurship, offering insights on adaptability and the changing expectations from news media. 

Reflecting on the journey of MM Dialogues, Udit Pathak, founder and director of Media Mantra Group, said, "A year ago, MM Dialogues was launched with a simple vision of bridging the knowledge gap in the PR and communications industry by bringing together the best minds for candid, and impactful conversations."

Speaking on Media Mantra’s commitment to learning-driven initiatives, Puja Pathak, founder and director of Media Mantra Group, said, "PR and communications is a field that thrives on agility, innovation, and continuous learning. With #MMDialogues, we wanted to ensure that our teams engage with the brightest minds in the industry, gaining perspectives that go beyond textbooks."

 Rahul Mehta, CEO, of Media Mantra Group, said, "MM Dialogues is a knowledge-sharing initiative facilitating a dialogue between leading professionals from the communications and media fraternity. It has has covered diverse topics ranging from ideating strategic PR campaigns, digital transformation, impactful storytelling and effective media engagement strategies."