By Lukman Abdulmalik
On Thursday, Stallion Times in collaboration with Plateau state council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) trained Journalists on the ethical considerations of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in newsrooms, with a strong call for practitioners to balance innovation with professional responsibility.
The one-day capacity-building workshop was held at the NUJ secretariat in Jos, Plateau State.
In his opening remarks, the Editor-in-Chief of Stallion Times, Isiyaku Ahmed, said the media industry must embrace technological advancements like AI but without losing sight of the profession’s ethical foundation.
“AI offers immense opportunities to improve efficiency in content gathering, analysis, and distribution.
“However, we must never forget that journalism is built on truth, accuracy, fairness, and accountability.
“AI must serve these values, not compromise them.
“I call on journalists to always be mindful of our professional code of conduct while embracing AI in their reportage,” Ahmed stressed.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Ayuku Pwaspo, commended Stallion Times for the initiative, describing it as timely.
She noted that AI is already reshaping newsroom practices globally, and Nigerian journalists must be adequately equipped to navigate its opportunities and risks.
“This training is very important because the future of journalism is here.
“We must be proactive in ensuring that while we leverage AI to improve storytelling, we also protect the integrity of the profession.
“Ethics must always come first,” Pwaspo said.
The NUJ chairman commended Stallion Times for the training and urged participants to reflect what they learn in the discharge of their duties as reporters.
Participants at the training shared positive feedback, highlighting how the session had broadened their understanding of AI in journalism.
Jude Dagwam of Daily Asset newspaper noted that the training has provided insights regarding the use of AI and its ethical standard.
“As an investigative journalist, this training will help me in terms of transcribing interviews, and refining my work.”
Another participant, Karen Keyen of Radio Nigeria said “the training has broadened my knowledge on the use of AI as regards public trust and ethical considerations.
“It has also exposed me to the various AI tools like CHATGPT, Turboscribe which going forward I will use in transcription of audio to text and how to finesse my editing.”
The training, which was both practical and interactive, explored AI tools available for newsrooms, identified ethical red lines to avoid, and outlined strategies for responsible adoption in line with global best practices.
With the growing penetration of AI technologies in Nigerian media, organizers say the workshop marks the beginning of a series of interventions aimed at equipping journalists with the skills and ethical guidance necessary to remain relevant and trusted in the digital age.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
