By Paul Williams
Experts in the technology and media sectors have urged journalists, media professionals and public relations practitioners to adopt the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), stressing that ethical standards, accuracy and critical thinking must remain central to journalism.
They maintained that while AI would not replace journalists, professionals who effectively leverage the technology would have a competitive advantage over those who fail to embrace it.
The experts spoke during a one-day virtual training on “Ethical and Responsible Use of AI in Journalism: Opportunities and Best Practices,” organised by the Step Up for Women in Journalism Initiative (SWIJ).
Lead facilitator, Silas Jonathan, Digital Research and Investigations Manager at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), described AI in journalism as the application of advanced computing systems and algorithms to improve various aspects of news production.
He noted that AI remains a tool that requires human oversight, urging journalists to verify and fact-check all AI-generated content before publication.
According to him, although AI presents challenges such as overreliance and plausible deniability, it also offers significant opportunities, including improved efficiency and wider audience reach.
Jonathan, who is also a media research, 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 highlighted tools such as Google Trends, OSINT platforms and Webmii as valuable resources for journalists, adding that AI has 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,” he said.
Speaking on “How to Leverage AI for Career Growth in Journalism,” journalist with The Nation Newspaper, and media trainer, Justina Asishana , said AI has become an equaliser, enabling journalists to overcome resource limitations and compete globally.
She said: “The journalists who will thrive in the next decade are not necessarily those with the biggest budgets or the most powerful computers. They are the ones who know how to ask the right questions and use the right tools to get answers faster.”
Asishana cautioned journalists against relying on AI to write fellowship applications, grant proposals, motivation letters or pitches.
Describing AI as “a co-pilot, not the pilot,” she urged journalists to combine AI-generated structure with their authentic voices, local context and lived experiences.
According to her, international editors and fellowship reviewers can easily identify generic AI-generated submissions, adding that originality remains a key competitive advantage.
She further stressed that AI cannot replace core journalism skills such as curiosity, ethical judgment, sound reporting and strong writing.
“No amount of AI polish can substitute for genuine reporting experience, clear writing and demonstrable impact in your community. AI simply helps you tell your story better,” she added.
Earlier, 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 as well as the opportunities embedded in it.
She observed that while AI has made work faster and more efficient, professionals must ensure that speed does not come at the expense of accuracy, credibility and accountability.
Godwin warned against the growing culture of overdependence on AI, describing the technology as a tool designed to enhance human creativity rather than replace it.
“AI is only as powerful as the person using it. The quality of your prompts determines the quality of your results. When used thoughtfully and ethically, AI can produce remarkable outcomes, but when approached lazily, it merely amplifies poor thinking,” she said.
She also highlighted the economic opportunities available through AI, urging journalists, public relations practitioners, writers and communicators to explore innovative ways of creating additional income streams while maintaining professional ethics.
Godwin noted that SWIJ remains committed to strengthening the capacity of journalists through training and strategic partnerships, adding that the organisation has implemented several capacity-building initiatives with support from other organizations since its inception.
More than 32 participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and other countries attended the virtual training which was moderated by Dr. Aduku Elizabeth Ojonogecha, a Corporate/ Development Communications expert.
