AI can’t replace journalists’ responsibility, experts tell media practitioners

Michael Olumide Alabi

Media experts have urged journalists and media organisations to establish clear ethical boundaries in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), warning that technological innovation must not undermine accuracy, credibility and public trust.

The experts spoke at a sensitisation workshop organised by The Press Society (TPS) on Thursday, September 3, 2026, where stakeholders examined the opportunities and challenges presented by AI in journalism and other professional practices.

Speaking as a facilitator at the workshop, the Executive Director of Media Career Development Network, Mr Lekan Otunfodunrin, said the emergence of AI had not abolished the Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists but had made adherence to professional ethics even more important.

Otunfodunrin, who spoke on “Ethics, Credibility and Public Trust in the Artificial Intelligence Era,” said AI could change how journalism was produced, but could not change the responsibility journalists owed the public.

He urged journalists to understand and adhere to the Journalism and Broadcasting Code while using AI tools, stressing that AI should assist journalists rather than assume their professional responsibilities.

According to him, journalists must remain responsible for the information they publish, irrespective of whether the content was generated entirely by humans or with the assistance of AI.

Also speaking on “Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and Responsible Reporting: The Role of Telecommunications and Industry in Nigeria,” the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, said AI could significantly improve efficiency but could not automatically guarantee accuracy.

Maida, who was represented by the Commission’s Head of Media Relations, Mr Babatunde Agbeji, said the increasing sophistication of AI-generated content had raised concerns about accuracy, credibility and public trust.

He noted that manipulated images, synthetic audio and misleading content could appear convincing, making verification increasingly important for journalists.

The NCC chief executive stressed that the obligation to verify information remained unchanged, adding that professional judgement, evidence, diligence and accountability remained central to credible journalism.

He urged journalists to understand both the capabilities and limitations of AI, noting that modern newsrooms required professionals who could use emerging technologies responsibly.

He further said technology could accelerate content production and distribution, but could not replace integrity, sound evidence and public confidence.

“As technology develops, regulation must also develop,” he said, stressing the importance of security, fairness, accountability, computer protection, cybersecurity and network resilience.

Representing the Managing Director of Global Transport Policy, Dr Segun Musa, Dr Segun Awe described AI as having moved beyond being merely a tool to becoming an increasingly important part of the modern workplace.

He said AI could help journalists increase content production by suggesting headlines, generating story ideas, transcribing interviews and enabling content personalisation.

However, Awe cautioned media practitioners against excessive reliance on the technology.
He called on media organisations to develop clear AI disclosure policies, particularly on when and how audiences should be informed that content had been generated or assisted by AI.

“AI may generate several angles; the editor must choose which one serves the public interest. AI can transcribe, but journalists must verify at all times. AI can generate, but humans must take responsibility,” he said.

Earlier, the Convener of The Press Society, Mr Abayomi Adagunduro, said the workshop was organised to help journalists understand how to harness the opportunities offered by AI without compromising professional values.

Adagunduro acknowledged that AI could generate stories, images, headlines, videos and voices, but said the technology could not replace the conscience of a responsible journalist.

He noted that while AI could generate words, it could not take responsibility for the consequences of those words.

According to him, AI could create an image but could not determine whether publishing it would damage someone’s reputation or cause unnecessary panic.

He also cautioned journalists against allowing the race to be the first to publish to undermine the principles of accuracy, fairness, responsibility and ethics.

Adagunduro said the future of journalism would depend not merely on the technology available but on how responsibly journalists use it.

“If technology is powerful, then our values must be stronger. If machines may be creative, then our humanity must remain at the centre of journalism. We must learn to use AI as a tool, not as a substitute for professional journalism,” he said.

The workshop also featured presentations by other media experts, including Bukola Adebayo and Lanre Arogundade, who examined the opportunities and challenges associated with AI.

Participants and stakeholders commended The Press Society for organising the sensitisation workshop, describing it as timely given the rapid transformation of the media industry by emerging technologies.

Speaking with journalists, the Chairperson of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State chapter, Mrs Jumoke Johnson, who represented Dr Jide Johnson, one of the keynote speakers, said the emergence of AI had initially generated fears that journalists and other professionals could lose their jobs.

She, however, said the increasing use of AI had demonstrated that human judgment, capacity and moral responsibility remained essential.

Johnson urged journalists to learn how to use AI tools responsibly rather than become dependent on them.

She commended TPS for organising the workshop, saying such awareness programmes could help journalists understand the changing media environment while maintaining professional integrity.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area on Public Affairs and Digital Media, Hon. Damola Tajudeen Jaiyesimi, described AI as a useful tool when applied constructively.

Jaiyesimi urged journalists and young people to avoid using AI in ways that could damage their reputation or negatively affect society.

He stressed that users should control the technology rather than allow the technology to control them, particularly through the quality and accuracy of information supplied to AI systems.

The event also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished partners of the organisers and certificates of participation to registered participants.

Other participants included Conference 57 Chief Press Secretaries led by Mr Abdulsalam Karmardeen, as well as other media practitioners and stakeholders.

The workshop identified several principles for responsible use of AI in journalism:
Transparency: Media organisations should disclose when AI has been used substantially in producing content, particularly where such disclosure is relevant to audience understanding.

In-house AI policies: Media houses should establish clear policies defining acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI.

Fact-checking: Journalists must independently verify AI-generated information because AI systems can produce inaccurate or fabricated material.