Mumbai: At the FICCI-FRAMES 2025, Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, delivered an insightful address that underscored the rapid transformations in the media landscape. Congratulating the organizers for their dedication in putting together the much-anticipated annual report, he highlighted the significance of the report in offering fresh insights and trends in the industry.
Dwivedi acknowledged the evolving discourse surrounding the media sector, particularly the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. Drawing an analogy, he described AI not as an elephant in the room but as a dragon—one that can either be tamed as an ally or emerge as a formidable force. He emphasized the need for the industry to evolve its perspective on these technological shifts.
Major Trends Shaping the Industry
Dwivedi identified three major trends shaping the media and entertainment sector today:
- Consolidation vs. Democratization: The industry is witnessing significant consolidation, with some of the largest mergers in India’s history currently underway. At the same time, content creation and distribution have been democratized, empowering young creators from remote regions to reach massive audiences through technology. Both trends are unfolding simultaneously, carving distinct spaces in the minds of audiences.
- Technology’s Expanding Role: From the advent of printing to the rise of digital streaming, technology has always played a crucial role in media. Today, however, it is not only revolutionizing content creation but also redefining distribution models. While these advancements create immense opportunities, they also present challenges—particularly in the form of misinformation and disinformation. AI-generated content, often indistinguishable from reality, necessitates heightened vigilance in ensuring the authenticity of news.
- Government Initiatives: The Government of India has launched several initiatives to address these evolving challenges. One notable step is the establishment of the Institute of Creative Technology, which aims to bridge the gap between content creation and technological innovation. The institution is envisioned to attain the stature of premier institutes in technology and management, fostering a new generation of talent equipped to shape India’s creative economy.
The Waves Summit: A Landmark Event for Media and Entertainment
Looking ahead, Dwivedi announced the upcoming Waves Summit, slated to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 1, 2025, at the Jio Centre. The event will bring together media, entertainment, and technology leaders from across the globe to discuss the industry’s future. Key highlights include:
- Prime Minister’s CEO Roundtable: A closed-door discussion featuring leading CEOs from global media and technology companies.
- Global Media Dialogue: Co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Information & Broadcasting Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, the session will engage senior political representatives from multiple countries on the future of media regulations and technological innovations.
- Industry Panels & Cultural Showcases: The summit will feature 25-30 panel discussions and keynote sessions addressing critical industry trends, complemented by a series of cultural events, the details of which will be unveiled soon.
Dwivedi extended an invitation to industry leaders, content creators, and stakeholders to participate in this landmark event. He also acknowledged the strong support from the Government of Maharashtra in making the summit a reality.
