Experts in the technology and media sectors have urged journalists and other media professionals to adopt the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) to remain relevant in the trade.

The experts gave the advice during a one-day virtual training organised by the Step Up for Women in Journalism Initiative (SWIJ) on Tuesday.

The training had as its theme “Ethical and Responsible Use of AI in Journalism: Opportunities and Best Practices.”

The lead facilitator, Silas Jonathan, said that AI should be seen as a tool that enhances journalism rather than replaces journalists.

Mr Jonathan is the digital research and investigations manager at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development.

He described AI in journalism as the application of advanced computing systems and algorithms to improve news production processes.

He urged journalists to verify and fact-check all AI-generated content before publication, stressing that human oversight remained indispensable in ensuring credibility and accuracy.

“Although AI presents challenges such as overreliance and plausible deniability, it also offers opportunities including improved efficiency, enhanced research and wider audience reach,” he said.

Mr Jonathan, who is also a media researcher, Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and fact-checking expert with DUBAWA, said the major challenge was not the technology itself but the failure of users to apply it responsibly.

He identified tools such as Google Trends, OSINT platforms and Webmii as valuable resources for journalists, noting that AI had transformed news monitoring, research and content production.

“AI will not take the jobs of journalists. Journalists who use AI effectively will take the jobs of those who do not,” Mr Jonathan said.

He said that accuracy, accountability and critical thinking must remain the foundation of journalism.

Speaking on “How to Leverage AI for Career Growth in Journalism,” Justina Asishana, a journalist with The Nation Newspaper, said AI had become an equaliser, enabling journalists to overcome resource limitations and compete globally.

According to Ms Asishana, journalists who will succeed in the future should understand how to ask the right questions and use appropriate AI tools to obtain faster and better results.

She, however, cautioned them against depending on AI to write fellowship applications, grant proposals, motivation letters and media pitches, describing AI as “a co-pilot, not the pilot.”

Ms Asishana advised media professionals to combine AI-generated structure with originality, authentic voices, local context and lived experiences.

She noted that international editors and reviewers could easily detect generic AI-generated submissions.

She further said that AI could not replace essential journalism skills such as curiosity, ethical judgement, sound reporting and effective writing, saying genuine reporting experience remained the profession’s greatest asset.

Earlier, the team lead of SWIJ, Ann Godwin, said the training was organised to equip journalists and communication professionals with practical knowledge on the ethical and responsible use of AI and the opportunities it offers.

Ms Godwin said though AI had made work faster and more efficient, professionals must ensure that speed would not come at the expense of accuracy, credibility and accountability.

The team lead warned against overdependence on AI, describing the technology as a tool designed to enhance human creativity rather than replace it.

She encouraged journalists, public relations practitioners, writers and communicators to explore AI economic opportunities without compromising professional ethics.

Ms Godwin further said that SWIJ remained committed to strengthening journalists’ capacity through training and strategic partnerships.

She said the organisation had implemented several capacity-building initiatives since its inception with support from partner organisations.

Thirty-two participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and other countries attended the virtual training, moderated by Aduku Elizabeth Ojonogecha. 

(NAN)