The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council, marked the 2025 World Press Freedom Day with a rallying cry for media professionals to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly while safeguarding press freedom. Under the theme “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of AI on Press Freedom and the Media,” stakeholders gathered in Abuja to dissect AI’s transformative potential and ethical pitfalls.
AI in Journalism: Promise vs. Peril
Comrade Grace Ike, NUJ FCT Chairperson, highlighted AI’s dual impact:
- Opportunities: Enhanced fact-checking, streamlined content creation, and personalized audience engagement.
- Risks: Algorithmic bias, threats to authorship, and risks of automated censorship.
“AI is redefining news production, but we must resist tools that erode journalistic integrity. Our mission—truth and public service—must remain uncompromised,” Ike asserted.
She urged journalists to balance global tech trends with local context, warning against over-reliance on AI that could dilute accountability or amplify misinformation.
Collaboration for Ethical Innovation
Reiterating NUJ’s commitment to digital literacy and ethical standards, Ike called for partnerships among journalists, technologists, regulators, and citizens:
“AI must be a tool for progress, not exclusion. Policymakers must ensure its alignment with democratic principles.”
The council also lauded strides in press freedom by government and civil society but stressed the need for stronger safeguards against censorship and journalist safety threats.
A Timeless Mission in a Tech-Driven Era
While AI reshapes media, Ike emphasized that journalism’s core values—truth, fairness, and courage—remain non-negotiable.
“Technology evolves, but our duty to inform and empower the public is eternal. Let innovation amplify, not replace, human judgment.”
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