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Port Harcourt – Experts in the technology and media sectors have cautioned journalists, media professionals and public relations practitioners against overdependence on Artificial Intelligence (AI), urging them to adopt the technology responsibly while upholding ethical principles.
The experts stressed that although AI has become an indispensable tool for improving newsroom efficiency, it should complement, rather than replace, human judgment, critical thinking, accuracy and editorial oversight.
They spoke during a one-day virtual training on “Ethical and Responsible Use of AI in Journalism: Opportunities and Best Practices,” organised by the Step Up for Women in Journalism Initiative (SWIJ).
Lead facilitator, Silas Jonathan, Digital Research and Investigations Manager at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), described AI in journalism as the application of advanced computing systems and algorithms to improve various aspects of news production.
He noted that AI remains a tool that requires human oversight, urging journalists to verify and fact-check all AI-generated content before publication.
According to Jonathan, while AI presents challenges such as overreliance and plausible deniability, it also offers significant opportunities, including improved efficiency, enhanced research and wider audience reach.
The media research, Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and fact-checking expert with DUBAWA said the major challenge was not the technology itself but the failure of users to apply it responsibly.
He highlighted tools such as Google Trends, OSINT platforms and Webmii as valuable resources for journalists, noting that AI has transformed news monitoring, research and content production.
Despite concerns that AI could replace journalists, Jonathan argued that professionals who effectively integrate the technology into their work would have a competitive advantage.
“AI will not take the jobs of journalists. Journalists who use AI effectively will take the jobs of those who do not,” he said.
Speaking on “How to Leverage AI for Career Growth in Journalism,” journalist with The Nation newspaper and media trainer, Justina Asishana, warned journalists against depending on AI to prepare fellowship applications, grant proposals, motivation letters and story pitches.
Describing AI as “a co-pilot, not the pilot,” she urged journalists to use the technology to strengthen, rather than replace, their creativity, authentic voice and local perspectives.
She said AI has become an equaliser that enables journalists to overcome resource limitations and compete globally.
“The journalists who will thrive in the next decade are not necessarily those with the biggest budgets or the most powerful computers. They are the ones who know how to ask the right questions and use the right tools to get answers faster,” she said.
According to Asishana, international editors and fellowship reviewers can easily identify generic AI-generated submissions, making originality a crucial competitive advantage.
She maintained that AI cannot replace essential journalism skills such as curiosity, ethical judgment, sound reporting and strong writing.
“No amount of AI polish can substitute for genuine reporting experience, clear writing and demonstrable impact in your community. AI simply helps you tell your story better,” she added.
Earlier, Team Lead of Step-up for Women In Journalism Initiative (SWIJ), Ann Godwin, said the training was designed to equip journalists and communication professionals with practical knowledge on the ethical and responsible use of AI and the opportunities it offers.
She observed that while AI has made work faster and more efficient, professionals must ensure that speed does not come at the expense of accuracy, credibility and accountability.
Godwin warned against the growing culture of overdependence on AI, describing the technology as a tool designed to enhance human creativity rather than replace it.
“AI is only as powerful as the person using it. The quality of your prompts determines the quality of your results. When used thoughtfully and ethically, AI can produce remarkable outcomes, but when approached lazily, it merely amplifies poor thinking,” she said.
She also highlighted the economic opportunities AI offers, urging journalists, public relations practitioners, writers and communicators to explore innovative ways of creating additional income streams without compromising professional ethics.
Godwin noted that SWIJ remains committed to strengthening journalists’ capacity through training and strategic partnerships, adding that the organisation has implemented several capacity-building initiatives with support from partner organisations since its inception.
More than 32 participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and other countries attended the virtual training, which was moderated by Dr. Aduku Elizabeth Ojonogecha, a corporate and development communications expert.
