African journalists adopt plan to push for responsible AI in newsrooms
Journalist leaders adopted a continental action plan on AI at a Federation of African Journalists meeting in Addis Ababa on October 24-25. The plan also covers working conditions and media freedom, and draws on a survey of 1,586 journalists in 45 countries.
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,…
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