(CLO) Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing journalism globally, but most discussions about its impact focus on perspectives from the Global North.
A new report from the Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF) surveyed more than 200 journalists from over 70 countries in the Global South and emerging economies, to shed light on how AI is being used in the region, what barriers exist, and what the implications are for the future of journalism.
Illustration: AI
1. AI adoption is widespread but uneven
AI has become a vital part of many journalists' workflows, with 81.7% of those surveyed using AI, nearly half of whom use it daily.
Popular tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, Otter, and Canva are used for writing, editing, fact-checking, transcribing, and researching. A journalist from Ghana said AI helps them analyze data quickly, especially in areas like HIV research and environmental reporting.
But adoption is uneven. Some newsrooms are using AI to improve performance, while others still lack full access. This raises questions about the disparity in technology adoption across regions and news organizations.
2. Barriers to access, training and policy
Despite the many benefits of AI, only 13% of journalists surveyed said their newsrooms had a formal AI policy. This lack of guidance leads to inconsistencies in how AI is deployed and raises ethical concerns.
Additionally, many journalists struggle to access AI tools due to high costs, technological limitations, and lack of training. Notably, 58% of journalists using AI rely entirely on self-learning, highlighting the urgent need for formal training programs.
A newsroom manager in the UAE stressed the need for ethical frameworks to ensure transparency and reader trust when using AI.
3. Risks: Misinformation, Bias, and Job Security
Along with the benefits, AI also raises concerns. Nearly 49% of journalists fear that AI could increase misinformation and bias, as much of the training data is Western-centric. Some worry that AI could erode traditional journalistic skills such as critical thinking and independent investigation.
Additionally, AI automating tasks like writing news summaries could lead to job losses, especially at lower levels. A journalist from Kenya expressed concern that AI would put many journalists out of work, while an editor from Saudi Arabia warned that AI could erode the distinctiveness and originality of journalism.
4. The Way Forward: Ethics, Regulation, and Training
More than 57% of journalists surveyed identified ethical issues as the most pressing challenge when using AI. Many called for transparency in the application of AI and for newsrooms to disclose when the technology is used in the news production process.
Additionally, journalists suggested that regulations are needed to control misinformation, protect data privacy, and ensure that AI does not only serve the interests of large countries or news organizations. A Russian journalist expressed concern that some newsrooms are putting commercial interests ahead of journalistic standards when using AI.
5. Solution: Training, policy and cooperation
The report proposes five key solutions for AI to truly benefit journalism in the Global South:
Training and upskilling : Provide AI training to journalists to ensure they use the technology ethically and effectively.
Build an ethical framework : Set clear standards for transparency and accountability when using AI in journalism.
Industry Collaboration : Encourage partnerships between newsrooms, AI developers, and funding organizations to develop AI tools that meet diverse journalism needs.
Regulation and policy : Establish legal safeguards to ensure AI does not undermine the role of journalism and address data bias issues.
Ensuring equitable access : Make it possible for small and under-resourced newsrooms to access and leverage AI.
Despite the profound impact AI has had, only 42% of journalists are positive about the future of the technology in journalism. This suggests that there is still much debate about the long-term impact of AI. Will it be a tool to help or a threat to journalism in the Global South? The answer depends on how the journalism industry manages and guides this technology in the years to come.
Hoai Phuong (according to IJnet, Medium)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/intelligence-human-power-is-changing-newspaper-in-nam-ban-cau-nhu-the-nao-post337503.html
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