“From my perspective as someone who started in an era where longhand writing and trips to the library were the norm, witnessing the transformative power of AI has been fascinating. But as with all advancements, AI comes with its benefits, challenges, and responsibilities—especially for journalists who deliver credible, ethical, and balanced reporting.” The opening statement by the founder of TheCable Newspaper, Simon Kolawole, during day two of the Amplify In-depth Media (AIM) Conference succinctly captures the ever-evolving journalism landscape, with the emergence of AI proving to be a revolution and a revelation. He explained that AI has drastically reduced the time and effort required for research, offering editable texts and insights that can be copied into word processors for refinement. According to Kolawole, it is a tool that facilitates speed and efficiency – indispensable qualities in modern journalism. However, he said, “While I appreciate the advancements AI brings, it is essential to approach it with a balanced perspective.”

There’s an underlying fear that AI might replace human journalists, but this is largely unfounded, according to Kolawole. He explained this further: “As I often explain to skeptics, AI cannot source stories or conduct interviews. It cannot call a governor for a statement or chase down a minister for a comment. Journalism requires human intuition, curiosity, and the ability to navigate complex ethical dilemmas – qualities no algorithm can replicate.” He argues that what AI can do and does well is augment human effort. It helps summarise lengthy reports, checks grammar, assists with styling, and accelerates research. But it’s not infallible. For instance, AI cannot distinguish between fact and fiction without human intervention. “If fed incorrect data,” I caution, “it perpetuates misinformation.” In Kolawole’s opinion, this underscores the irreplaceable role of journalists in verifying facts, analysing information, and providing context.

Catch up on day two of the AIM Conference here.

Journalism, according to him, has always been governed by ethical standards – accuracy, fairness, and the obligation to avoid prejudice. These principles must not be compromised, even as AI becomes more integrated into the newsroom. However, in its current stage, AI lacks the nuance to uphold these ethical standards. Instances of bias, such as facial recognition systems struggling with darker skin tones or prejudiced language in AI-generated outputs, underscore the limitations of these tools. Kolawole provided areas where certain guidelines should be embraced in mitigating these issues: Transparency and Attribution, Verification, Copyright Considerations and Ethical Oversight.

Kolawole further highlighted more key areas newsrooms and journalists need to consider to harness AI’s potential while fully mitigating its risks. These include developing comprehensive guidelines, investing in training, encouraging collaboration between journalists and developers, and promoting media literacy by educating the public about AI’s role in journalism to help build trust and reduce the spread of misinformation.

In conclusion, Simon Kolawole emphasised that AI is a powerful tool that can potentially transform journalism. He said, “As we stand on the brink of an AI-driven era in journalism, let us remember that our core mission remains unchanged: to seek truth, hold power accountable, and tell stories that matter. By embracing progress with caution and commitment, we can navigate this new frontier with confidence and purpose, ensuring that journalism continues to be a cornerstone of informed, democratic societies.”