World Press Freedom Day Forum in Eldoret Highlights AI’s Role in Journalism
Young journalists were especially urged to use AI responsibly amidst emerging technologies transforming the media landscape.
Journalism student engaging in a discusssion with MCK official.
By Gidion Ngeno
Uasin Gishu Journalists Association, in collaboration with the Media Council of Kenya, UNESCO, Uasin Gishu Civil Society Networks, and the Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA), hosted a regional commemoration of World Press Freedom Day at the Eldoret Mediahub in Uasin Gishu County.
Chaired by James Gitaka, The UJA chairman, the forum hosted renowned journalists and media practitioners from Uasin Gishu and the Rift Valley region to talk about the changing face of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism and challenges confronting the press in a changing media environment.
There was a panel discussion within the conference on how the media is being affected by AI and, in particular, its role in reshaping the journalism profession.
Gitaka, who is a Chairperson at the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association, praised AI for being capable of providing efficiency in data analysis, content creation, and audience communication.
But he cautioned against excessive reliance on AI, challenging journalists to use it as a tool to support their skills and not replace critical thinking and creativity. “AI can shape your career, but it should not define it,” Gitaka emphasized.
Young journalists were especially urged to use AI responsibly amidst emerging technologies transforming the media landscape.
In a 2023 report, the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) reported 73% of the world’s newsrooms are testing AI tools for applications such as automated fact-checking and transcription, citing the increasing impact of the technology.
But the forum also brought up AI’s limitations, such as ethical concerns in storytelling and publishing online, like the potential to disseminate misinformation or biased outcomes.
The forum also discussed the broad concerns facing journalists in Kenya. Members cited threats to press freedom, including threats to life and blackmail by sources, which have risen over the past few years.
A 2024 report by the Media Council of Kenya showed that 42% of Kenyan journalists reported being harassed or intimidated while carrying out their work, pointing to the unsafe working conditions for media workers.
Despite these challenges, the Association and veteran journalists urged their colleagues to report fearlessly, as per the role of a free media in democratic society.
The forum ended by urging media professionals to move forward with technological advancement while maintaining journalistic integrity.
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