CHISHIMBA BWALYA
Lusaka
AS THE use of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to gain prominence in Zambian newsrooms, WAN-IFRA Women in News has urged media institutions to develop clear policies to guide journalists on its application.
Speaking on the sidelines of a media training on AI in the newsroom — which attracted senior reporters and editors in Lusaka — WAN-IFRA Women in News executive director for programme strategy, Susan Makore, said such policies would help ensure ethical practices within the profession.
A study conducted last year revealed that about 60 percent of journalists are already using AI tools in their work.
These include text analytics, chatbots, image and video analysis, social media management, and speech-to-text transcription.
However, Ms Makore stressed that this growing use of AI must be guided by proper policy frameworks.
“It’s worthwhile in terms of maintaining that trust with our audiences, to acknowledge where we have used artificial intelligence beyond just the polishing of the work,” she said.
Ms Makore also urged participants — drawn from the Editors’ Forum representing various media institutions in Zambia — to familiarise themselves with emerging technologies in order to better monitor their impact on journalism.
The integration of AI into media has sparked divergent views in Zambia and globally, with some expressing concern that it could undermine authenticity and credibility in the profession.
Speaking at the same event, WAN IFRA country advisor, Emelda Musonda, who is also Zambia Daily Mail acting managing director, made a strong appeal for scribes not to allow the new technology to redefine journalism.
But while utilisation of AI remains under discussion, others like Southern Africa Editor’s Forum interim chairperson Angela Chishimba are of the view that Zambian media should embrace it.
“Media houses must adopt and adapt to AI because if they don’t, those that will do will certainly have a competitive edge, just like the case was during the rise of social media,” she said.
The training was facilitated by Professor Aaron Zimba, the dean of the School of Computer Sciences at ZCAS. Prof Zimba is also a Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence expert.
Professor Zimba emphasised the need for policy around AI for the media.
He emphasised the importance of tools like generative AI, which he said could be used for misinformation if not monitored.
