In a groundbreaking digital conference held for student journalists from four universities in Juba, the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) took a proactive stance in preparing the next generation of journalists for the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancements in the field.
The Chairperson of AMDISS and Station Manager of Eye Radio, Koang Pal Chang, stressed the importance of mastering new digital skills to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving media landscape. This article delves into the conference’s key messages, including the potential impact of AI on journalism, the significance of digital transformation, and the role of responsible journalism in the era of digital media.
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The Threat of AI Advancements in Journalism
Koang Pal Chang, in his address to the participants, expressed concern about the potential job threats posed by the advancements in AI technology. He warned that as AI continues to progress, media employers may opt for cost-effective and efficient AI-powered solutions to entertain, educate, and inform the public, which could potentially replace human journalists. Examples of AI applications in the media industry, such as generating public service announcements using AI-generated voices, were cited to illustrate the growing influence of AI in journalism.
To stay relevant and safeguard their careers, Koang highlighted the importance of journalists updating their skills and transitioning from traditional to digital media. Embracing new digital tools and platforms would enable them to remain competitive and meet the changing demands of the audience. By honing their digital skills, student journalists can enhance their storytelling techniques, adapt to new reporting formats, and explore innovative ways of engaging with the audience in the digital realm.
The conference was made possible with the support of the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) through its media support project. Gathering around 50 participants, the event centred on the theme “Freedom of Expression in the Era of Digital Media.” Koang Pal Chang shared Eye Radio’s successful experimentation with AI in its news programming, underscoring the need for other media outlets to embrace digital transformation.
AI’s Impact on Journalism: The Human Touch
Despite the potential threats posed by AI, Koang reassured the participants that human journalists would continue to play a crucial role in news-gathering. Certain aspects of journalism, such as physically going to the field to collect news and conducting in-depth interviews, are irreplaceable by AI. Maintaining journalistic integrity, ethics, and the ability to provide context and empathy are vital elements that human journalists bring to the table.
Ms. Ayaa Irene Lokang, the Acting Director of AMDISS and Principal of MDI, encouraged student journalists to leverage the AMDISS/MDI Peace and Resource Centre to enhance their digital knowledge and remain competitive in the job market. The resource center offers access to state-of-the-art digital tools and training, enabling budding journalists to build expertise in digital media production, data journalism, and multimedia storytelling.
Responsible Journalism and Media Freedom
With the ever-expanding digital landscape, it becomes crucial for journalists to exercise their freedom of expression responsibly. Ms. Ayaa Irene Lokang stressed the significance of upholding journalistic ethics, respecting media laws, and ensuring the rights of others are respected. Responsible journalism is not only essential for maintaining credibility but also for fostering a trustworthy relationship with the audience in the digital age.
Joyce Maker, the NPA representative, reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering commitment to supporting media activities in South Sudan. She emphasized the value of learning from experienced journalists and understanding the ethical considerations of using digital media as a powerful tool for communication.
Upholding Journalism Ethics
Justice James Alala Deng, who was present at the inter-college conference, offered valuable advice to student journalists. He stressed the importance of adhering to journalism ethics and media laws to avoid errors in their newsrooms. Upholding these principles not only safeguards the credibility of journalists but also ensures accurate and reliable reporting for the public.
The digital conference organized by AMDISS proved to be an eye-opening experience for student journalists in Juba, urging them to embrace new digital skills and remain adaptable in the face of AI advancements in the journalism field. The event, supported by NPA’s media support project, emphasized the importance of digital transformation, responsible journalism, and the continued significance of human journalists in the evolving media landscape. As South Sudan’s media industry strides into the digital era, the knowledge gained from this conference will undoubtedly pave the way for a vibrant and ethical future of journalism in the country.