Bridging the gap between truth, technology and climate reporting – ABU

Bridging the gap between truth, technology and climate reporting

As the frequency and severity of climate-related disasters continue to increase, journalists are challenged to provide timely and accurate information and combat misinformation.

At ABU’s 2024 Global Journalism Forum, media professionals from some of the most climate-vulnerable regions shared insights on how to address these challenges through inclusion, civic engagement and technological innovation.

Pipope Panitchpakdi, a freelance journalist and documentary filmmaker in Thailand, stressed the importance of inclusivity: “We have to find a way to use our technology to involve as many people as possible,” he said. Panitchpakdi promotes the role of citizen science, where individuals contribute data to help understand and report on environmental change. This approach not only enriches the information available, but also promotes collaboration between the media and the public.

Incorporating citizen journalism into mainstream reporting can bridge the gap between professional journalists and local communities, which often have first-hand knowledge of climate impacts. Panipathy believes that journalism must evolve from traditional models to a more collaborative framework. “Our job is actually before the disaster happens,” he points out. “What can we tell them, even in a small way, so they know what to do?”

Dr. Tasmina Ahmed, Deputy Director General (News) of Bangladesh Television, detailed how Bangladesh is a model of disaster resilience. Bangladesh has established a strong early warning system and actively involves volunteers in disaster relief efforts. “We are proactive, not reactive, in managing disasters,” Dr. Ahmed explained, stressing the importance of planning and community engagement. Bangladesh Television (BTV) is committed to ensuring that its coverage is accurate and credible, even in the face of sensational reporting by some commercial broadcasters.

Fighting disinformation

The spread of false information, especially on digital platforms, presents a significant obstacle for newsrooms. Indra Singh, news director at FBC Fiji, stressed the need for reliable sources to counter false reports. “It’s key to have reliable sources,” Singh said, noting that working with familiar, reliable individuals can provide timely and accurate updates from remote locations.

The challenge is exacerbated in Fiji, where there is a stark divide between rural and urban populations. Singh stressed the importance of working with larger broadcasters, such as the ABC, to ensure that smaller newsrooms have access to accurate information and resources.

Leveraging AI and technology

The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and journalism presents both opportunities and challenges. AI can improve the speed and accuracy of data processing, but requires careful oversight to prevent inaccuracies. “We should use AI to clean gutters, not write poetry for us,” Panipathy commented, stressing that AI needs to support, not replace, human judgment.

AI’s potential for visualizing climate data can be particularly beneficial for making complex information public. However, Panipathy cautions against over-reliance on AI and ensuring the quality of the input data. “Without reliable data,” he warns, “AI will only deceive.”

Insights from the panel highlighted the need for a balanced approach that leverages technology while maintaining the core values ​​of journalism: accuracy, trust and inclusivity. They agreed that by embracing collaboration and innovation, newsrooms can effectively meet the challenges of climate journalism in the digital age.