Editors, Journalists Urged To Adapt To AI, Emerging Tech Challenges

Editors, Journalists Urged To Adapt To AI, Emerging Tech Challenges

Editors and journalists have been urged to brace for the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI), social media, and other emerging technological trends.

The call was made during a paper presentation on the second day of the ongoing All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

Azu Ishiekwene, Senior Vice Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Leadership Newspapers, addressed the topics “Good Practices for Viable Sustainable Media Financing” and “AI-Generated Storytelling: Opportunities and Challenges.” He encouraged editors and reporters to adapt to these evolving trends.

Ishiekwene acknowledged that while AI poses challenges, it could be used effectively to enhance performance. He noted, “AI can improve productivity, but if we are not careful, it could replace some journalism jobs. In some places, AI already writes stories faster and better than reporters.”

He advised the industry to incorporate AI into its processes, citing examples from organizations like The New York Times, which have successfully used technology to generate revenue.

Mr. Martins Onoja emphasized the need to manage the intersection of the internet, the economy, and AI effectively. “We must learn to turn these trends into business opportunities,” he said.

Session chairman, Mr. Taiwo Obe, urged media managers to dominate digital platforms, understand their audiences, and leverage their data for growth. “Do you know where your audiences are? How do you convert them into loyal followers?” he asked.

The President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr. Eze Anaba, told reporters that editors and journalists should “weaponize” AI to enhance their craft. He emphasized, “AI should not paralyze us. We must use it to our advantage, as modern journalism requires us to evolve with technology.”