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As the world prepares to mark World Press Freedom Day on May 3, the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has unveiled a new visual brief aimed at promoting responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism, with a particular focus on Nigeria’s media landscape.
The initiative aligns with this year’s global theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.” The visual brief explores both the opportunities and risks posed by AI to press freedom, warning that while AI can enhance journalism, it also carries the potential to undermine it.
In a statement issued in Lagos, MRA Programme Officer Mr. John Gbadamosi highlighted AI’s growing influence on news production and dissemination. He noted that AI tools can assist journalists in analyzing large data sets, translating content into local languages, and extending the reach of critical information to underserved communities with limited media infrastructure.
“AI offers powerful tools to help journalists deliver essential news to communities that might otherwise be left behind,” Gbadamosi said. “But the same technology is also being weaponized to spread disinformation, generate deepfakes, and drown out independent voices with algorithmically driven propaganda.”
He cautioned that the digital threats facing journalists in Nigeria now extend beyond physical risks to include algorithmic and systemic challenges. “We must ensure that AI enhances, rather than undermines, press freedom and that it serves the truth rather than distorting it,” he added.
The visual brief also sheds light on key issues such as misinformation, disinformation, mal-information, and information overload, which are increasingly shaping Nigeria’s digital media environment. It raises alarms about AI-enabled surveillance, political manipulation, and the marginalization of grassroots journalists.
According to Gbadamosi, the visual brief advocates for stronger support for independent media outlets, transparent AI regulation tailored to Nigeria’s unique socio-political context, and widespread digital literacy to empower citizens to navigate an increasingly complex information ecosystem. It also calls for greater accountability from technology companies over the content and influence of their platforms.
Gbadamosi urged all stakeholders—including journalists, policymakers, and the tech industry—to work toward responsible AI use and to defend a free, independent, and professional media environment in Nigeria. “When media freedom thrives, democracy lives,” he emphasized.
World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom and serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the rights of journalists worldwide.
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