Learn about GenAI or get left behind – ABU

Journalists and newsroom managers should learn about generative AI and develop the new skills needed to ethically use GenAI content.

That was the view of panelists at the 2024 Global Journalism Forum who discussed the impact of generative AI on the future of journalism.

Professor Edson C. Tandoc of the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, shared a study conducted by the Centre for Information Integrity and Internet at Nanyang Technological University in October 2023. The study showed that the main ways Singaporean journalists use generative AI are idea generation and improvement, transcription, translation and summarization, content improvement, content generation, and writing.

But he noted that only 50% of newsroom managers approve of using GenAI tools.

“I think it comes down to accountability. Who do we hold accountable when things go wrong… If things go wrong, does the machine take the blame? Or does the human journalist? How are new people in the newsroom, like new reporters, new editors, selected — do they need additional capabilities or additional knowledge about AI to be hired?

He added: “I think it’s important from now on for journalists on the ground to understand what’s going on” and what can and can’t be done with generative AI.

While NHK is not actively using generative AI, it uses AI translation for live broadcasts, said Kaori Iida, director of NHK’s digital news department.

NHK recently updated its editorial policy on generative AI and is cautious about implementation, she said, noting that there are intellectual property issues with using GenAI tools to generate content based on other people’s works without their permission.

But she added: “It’s coming whether you like it or not. If you don’t use it, AI will take advantage of you. So I think we should know what’s going on.”

Kanokporn Prasitphon, director of digital media at PBS Thailand, said PBS Thailand uses a range of Gen AI integrated products for content creation and production, including AI anchors and vertical video streaming, while also working to improve workflows.

Journalists must learn about generative AI, improve their skills, try AI tools, and “welcome AI into your life,” she said. They should also improve their fact-checking and verification skills to cope with the surge in GenAI content, she said.

“In the next five years, AI will become even more powerful. At PBS Thailand, our goal is to intensify the use of AI to produce high-quality content with increased output, speed and accuracy. More importantly, we need to focus on improving workflows in our newsrooms.” She encouraged journalists to be adaptable and committed to continuous learning to keep up with the rapid pace of change.

Dr. Jirawat Tangpanitanon, CEO and co-founder of the Quantum Technology Foundation, encouraged media organizations to develop independent AI tools to check and audit their use of GenAI. He said the starting point is to define the organization’s culture, brand and positioning to help audit tools identify potential violations of organizational policies or standards.