Panel One Recordings

AI as a Collaborative Ally in Journalism: A Strategic Approach to Overcome Its Limitations

Adi Wibowo Octavianto

Universitas Multimedia Nusantara

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into journalism is on the rise, presenting novel opportunities for content generation, data-driven reporting, and workflow optimization. Nonetheless, issues such as AI bias, lack of algorithm transparency, and hallucinations have sparked skepticism and resistance within journalistic circles. Rather than perceiving these challenges as unavoidable risk, this paper argues that AI should be regarded as a collaborative partner in journalism. By encouraging synergy between journalist and AI developers, media institutions can proactively address AI’s limitations through strategic interventions.

This paper proposes three key strategies: (1) Mitigate bias by fine-tuning AI models with diverse datasets to ensure fair reporting; (2) Reduces inaccuracies through Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), using verified sources; (3) Enhance transparency with structured prompts and advanced AI reasoning models such as Deepseek R1 or GPT o3. By adopting these approaches, newsrooms can take an active role in refining AI systems rather than passively adapting to their flaws.
This paper examines the collaboration between AI and humans in journalism through both experiments and conceptual study. The utilization of AI chatbots employing Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) techniques can minimize inaccuracies by anchoring responses in verified sources. Applying a “thinking model” to guide news writing, where AI elucidates its decision-making process, provides valuable insights for practical recommendations. These findings indicate that specific interventions can enhance journalistic integrity and optimize newsroom efficiency. Media professionals should consider AI as a tool to uphold journalism’s core values, rather than fearing its limitations.

Exploration of AI-powered Journalism in Nigeria

Ngozi Comfort Omojunikanbi, Victor Charles Njinmah, Toluwanimi Grace Omojunikanbi

University of Port Harcourt, Landmark University

The purpose of this study is to determine the role of AI in Journalism practices, using Journalists in South-West experience in Nigeria as a case study. With increase in the use of AI by different professional bodies, including the media practitioners, individuals and government entities, etc. it is imperative to study how journalists in the South-West Nigeria are experiencing the role AI performs or can perform in their newsroom as news outlets are turning to AI technology to assist in various aspects of producing and disseminating information. The method used is the qualitative research method with in-depth interviews with the journalists. The theory adopted for this study is Diffusion of Innovation theory and it is believed by the researchers that this theory will provide a comprehensive analysis. The theory addresses the perception of the Journalists in South-West Nigeria on AI-powered journalism and the difficulties experienced in exploring AI-Powered journalism in the course of their duty. This study, it is believed, addresses a timely and relevant topic within the field of journalism, exploring how AI’s role in newsrooms are perceived by journalists in South-West Nigeria with emphasis on members of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Lagos and from a developing country context. It is recommended that the Nigerian journalists should stay ahead and explore the opportunities presented by AI.

Navigating the Future of AI 

Anshu Arora

Amity School of Communication

With previously unheard- possibilities for effectiveness, customization, and creative narrative, artificial intelligence is quickly revolutionizing journalism and content production to a great extent . This study investigates how AI is revolutionizing various fields by looking at its uses in data journalism, audience engagement, and automated content creation. But there are also serious ethical issues with AI integration, especially with regard to the possibility of bias, accountability, and transparency (Diakopoulos, 2019).

This study uses a mixed-methods approach, integrating a qualitative examination of case studies and ethical frameworks with an extensive literature assessment of previous research and publications. The case studies highlight the real-world ramifications and moral conundrums of AI-driven content, while the literature review summarizes the state of the art on AI applications in journalism and content production. By offering a sophisticated grasp of the intricate relationship between AI, journalism, and ethical issues, this study adds to the body of knowledge already in existence and emphasizes the pressing need for strong legal frameworks and moral standards.

Additionally, it highlights how crucial critical thinking and media literacy are for navigating the always changing information ecosystem (Ireton & Posetti, 2018). In order to ensure that AI’s revolutionary potential is used ethically and sustainably, this study emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address the ethical concerns posed by the technology (Lewis & Molyneux, 2020).

AI Applications to Fight Misinformation

George Latif Sedhom

Galala University

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence has ushered in powerful tools that both fuel and fight the spread of misinformation. This presentation, titled “AI Applications to Fight Misinformation”, explores how emerging technologies—particularly Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Generative AI—can be utilized to detect, debunk, and reduce the impact of fake news in today’s digital media landscape.

The session begins by classifying the most common forms of misinformation: false information, misleading content, satire/parody, manipulated media, conspiracy theories, clickbait, and biased reporting. Real-world examples, such as deepfake videos and doctored headlines, are analyzed to underscore how such content can mislead audiences and influence public opinion.

A core focus is placed on the challenges posed by misinformation, including the speed at which it spreads, the role of confirmation bias, and the complications introduced by anonymity, information overload, and technological advancements. To combat these issues, the workshop introduces an array of verification tools—such as reverse image search engines, content archiving platforms, and AI detectors—to equip participants with practical skills for authenticating digital content.

Additionally, participants are introduced to methods for creating ethical and engaging content across platforms, from writing credible posts and building audience personas to leveraging AI for content generation. The presentation concludes with a hands-on, project-based approach that guides attendees through launching their own fact-driven media channels, supported by AI-enhanced visuals, logos, avatars, and storytelling.

Overall, this workshop empowers content creators, educators, and media professionals with both the theoretical knowledge and practical tools needed to navigate and counter the complex world of misinformation in the AI era.

Reimagining Hyperlocal: The Role of AI in Reinventing Local Journalism

Dipannita Das and Ashwani Kumar Upadhyay

Symbiosis International (Deemed University)

The intersection of journalists and technology has redefined journalism. This transformation is evident in newsrooms, making it imperative to investigate how they are coping with the incursion of digital technology, especially in local news media.

This article undertakes an empirical case study of two local Indian newspapers, integrating in-depth interviews with editors, journalists, and designers. The study explores the perspectives of news professionals on the adoption of generative AI, the transition in their editorial decisions, and how it is influencing their work in the selection of story ideas, news content, and delivery.

This exploratory study examines how AI can help in connecting with local communities, both in print and in its digital versions, as well as the challenges in procurement and the use of tools in regional language newsrooms. The study employs a labour lens to focus on the transition in journalism by analyzing how digital labour and work practices are connected. This study focuses on labour-capital dynamics that target reducing labour costs and rationalizing production to escalate profits.

The findings reveal the news organizations’ dependence on new tools, especially audience analytics tools, for their routine work. The boardroom meetings now involve the discussion of the usage of digital tools in the coverage of a specific event. The adoption of AI tools will become a reality soon, as they are still in their experimental phase. Mostly free available AI tools are used but face challenges with language transcript, lack of resources, awareness, and training. The staff replaced during COVID-19 are young newsmakers who are more attuned to technology. The objective is to bring about a surge in productivity with fewer staff. It concludes with a discussion on the inferences drawn from the findings for future research on digital technologies in journalistic labour.