By Michael Ukonu
Just a decade ago, we were talking about electronic reporting as the new frontier. Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the force reshaping our field at breakneck speed.
We are at a pivotal moment—a critical juncture in journalism’s history—not merely asking whether AI will transform journalism (because it already has), but how we define journalism’s role and identity amid these changes.
* The Crisis of Authority, Credibility, and Function
Technology has historically shifted journalism: From print to radio; From radio to television; From television to new media and now to AI.
Today, journalism faces three critical challenges:
1. Authority – Journalists were once the unquestioned gatekeepers of verified information.
2. Credibility – Now, anyone can publish content; the public struggles to differentiate reliable sources from falsehoods.
3. Function – The most crucial question: What is the role of journalism in modern society?
Our profession stands at a complex crossroads. We must define our identity in an era where citizen journalism, decentralized content creation, and democratized media platforms dominate.
* Technology and Journalism: A Historic Relationship
AI is not the first technology to shake journalism. Historically: Gutenberg’s press revolutionized mass communication. Steam-powered presses, wire telegraphs, radio, and TV all disrupted journalism. The World Wide Web blurred lines between media platforms.
Today’s AI dissolves the boundary between medium and message—your wristwatch can now function as a TV or radio. This history teaches us an essential lesson: Technology should not dictate journalism’s core functions. Journalism has always adapted—this time is no different.
Why AI is Different. AI is unique because it: Automates news gathering, production, and dissemination; Challenges the distinction between human reporting and machine-generated content; Introduces ethical complexities unseen in previous technologies. In the past, shifts like radio or TV caused traditional media to adapt their focus. AI, however, does not just shift focus—it fundamentally questions journalism’s relevance.
* The Ethical Dilemma of AI
Ethical boundaries become blurry in the AI era:
Case 1: New York Times vs. OpenAI & Microsoft — AI trained on copyrighted content without consent.
Case 2: Hollywood Writers’ Strike — Concerns about AI-generated scripts, replicas, and lost livelihoods.
Case 3: Polish Radio AI Incident — AI-run news misfired, scheduling interviews with a man who had died in 2012. The result? Public outrage and shutdown.
These cases underscore that while AI can aid journalism, unchecked automation can damage credibility and public trust.
Ethics as Our Compass: Ethics is simply about obligations within a context—knowing what is acceptable and what is not:
Ethical journalism respects truth, fairness, accuracy, and accountability. AI cannot replace human judgment on what is fair or truthful. Journalists must focus on AI augmentation—using it as a tool to enhance work, not as a substitute for critical thinking. Journalism remains a profession—yes, despite its challenges.
* AI Adoption Among Journalists:
My research across regions in Nigeria shows that many journalists are aware of AI—but this awareness often does not translate into deep understanding or proper usage.
While journalists may know about AI tools like ChatGPT or automation bots, many lack the skills to apply them ethically and effectively.
* Conclusion & Call to Action:
We must not fear AI—it is a continuation of the technological forces that have always shaped our profession. However, we must:
Clearly define our role in society; Uphold our ethical standards; Use AI to augment, not replace, our work; Ensure that technology serves national development and preserves professional integrity.
AI is here to stay. But journalism must remain the conscience of society—holding power accountable, telling authentic stories, and informing the public with integrity.
(Michael Ukonu is Professor of Journalism and Media Sociology
Head, Department of Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and delivered this lecture at the State House Press Corps Capacity-Building Retreat and Workshop in Enugu, with the theme: Artificial Intelligence Utilisation for Effective Journalism)
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