African journalist leaders have adopted a continental advocacy action plan on artificial intelligence, The Star reported. The plan aims to promote responsible AI, improve journalists' working conditions and strengthen media freedom. It was adopted at the end of a two-day dialogue and training programme. The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) ran the programme in Addis Ababa on October 24-25.
The meeting's theme was Advancing Responsible Artificial Intelligence and Decent Work for Quality Journalism in Africa. Journalist leaders met representatives of the African Union Commission, UNESCO, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the European Union. Participants said AI tools could help with research, translation and fact-checking. They also raised concerns about fabricated content and the impersonation of trusted sources. Another concern was the fast spread of misinformation and disinformation.
The talks covered how AI-driven automation and newsroom cost-cutting could affect jobs, staffing levels and professional standards. Participants discussed labour rights, collective bargaining and digital organising as ways to protect journalists at work. They also discussed the need for journalists and media organisations to adopt practices that protect information integrity, freedom of expression and editorial independence.
FAJ President Omar Faruk Osman said AI must not make already difficult working conditions worse. "Artificial intelligence must not deepen the precarious conditions in which journalists across the continent continue to work," Osman said. He argued that responsible use of technology, decent work and media freedom are closely linked.
The discussions drew on a recent FAJ survey of working conditions, safety, labour rights and media freedom. According to the federation, the survey collected responses from 1,586 journalists in 45 African countries. The findings are expected to support advocacy aimed at media organisations, governments and other institutions.
The ILO, the EU and UNESCO funded the programme. UNESCO's share came through its Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists. Under the plan, FAJ and its affiliates intend to pursue their priorities with the African Union, regional economic communities, UN agencies, labour organisations and human rights groups. The Star noted that the plan's impact will depend on how journalist associations, media employers and public institutions turn its priorities into practical measures.