The Tunisian Association of Media and Artificial Intelligence (Atmedia) Hosts a High‑Profile Debate on AI’s Role and Ethics in Journalism
March 6, 2024 – Tunis
Overview
On 6 March, Atmedia organized a gathering at a downtown hotel to discuss the challenges and ethical questions surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) in the media sector. The event attracted a large audience of journalists, journalism students, tech experts, and representatives of various associations, all eager to explore the current state of journalism and its future in the age of AI.
Opening Remarks
In her opening address, Atmedia President Dr. Souhir Lahiani reminded attendees that the newly‑founded association aims to foster collective reflection and provide support to journalists as the media landscape undergoes digital transformation.
The discussion was moderated by Ms. Rabeb Aloui, Atmedia’s Vice‑President. The panel included:
- Mr. Manoubi Marrouki, President of the Press Council
- Ms. Jihen Louati, member of the Executive Board of the Tunisian National Union of Journalists (SNJT)
- Mr. Taieb Zahar, President of the Tunisian Federation of Newspaper Directors (FTDJ)
- Mr. Kamel Rezgui, expert in digital law
- Mr. Moez Belhaj Hmida, AI specialist and member of the Tunisian AI Society
Should We Fear AI?
The debate opened with the provocative question: “Should we be afraid of AI?”
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Kamel Rezgui argued that the question is “outdated by time and events.” AI is no longer optional; it is an unavoidable reality. The focus should shift to how to harness this technology to enhance journalistic quality while addressing legal and ethical concerns.
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Jihen Louati clarified that the issue is not about “fear” in the ordinary sense, but about confronting new challenges: Will AI replace journalists? Could it undermine core journalistic values? How are current decision‑makers tackling these dilemmas? She emphasized self‑regulation, noting that the regulatory framework remains vague and reminding the audience that “there is no artificial intelligence without human intelligence.”
Credibility Above All
Taieb Zahar described the media sector as being at a “pivotal moment in its history.” Digital transformation is simultaneously technological, cultural, and organizational—no longer a pilot project but a survival condition. Production methods, distribution channels, the relationship to information, and economic impact are all being re‑examined.
For Zahar, credibility is the key differentiator. In an era of fake news and automatically generated content, only human journalistic expertise—investigation, analysis, and contextualisation—can preserve public trust.
He added that AI can act as a catalyst for modernization and an accelerator of economic change, but its impact depends on the strategy adopted: “Either we endure it, or we integrate it with clarity.” Low‑value editorial tasks can be automated, but continuous training for journalists and managers is essential. He also called for a re‑thinking of content to retain readers, especially younger generations who consume news differently.
A National Media Strategy Is Needed
Manoubi Marrouki presented alarming statistics:
- 73.3 % of Tunisians rely on television for news, versus 37 % for radio and only 5 % for print.
- Facebook, with nearly 8 million users, is the most used platform (penetration rate 96.9 %).
- 64.1 % of Tunisians—particularly young people—do not trust the media.
“We and the younger generations each live in our own bubble,” Marrouki noted.
He stressed the need to protect the existing (though limited) audience while devising ways to reach a broader public. He also highlighted the absence of a public media policy to address AI’s rapid incursion and warned that Tunisia is far from achieving a successful digital transition across all sectors.
Key obstacles include limited access to modern software and tools due to hardware constraints and the need to pay in foreign currency. Approximately 1,800 journalists work in the field, one‑third of them as freelancers.
Insufficient Legislation
Moez Bel Haj Hmida raised concerns about data protection on news websites. Kamel Rezgui pointed out that no specific regulation governs AI usage, leaving a strategic vacuum.
Critical questions raised:
- Copyright: To what extent is AI‑generated content protected? If the output lacks originality under traditional criteria, how can the creator’s rights be safeguarded when others monetize it?
- Liability: Who is responsible for AI‑driven fake news, defamation, or harmful content that can influence personal lives, political decisions, or global crises? How can victims seek justice under a cascading‑responsibility model?
Direct Impact on Journalists
Jihen Louati noted the lack of academic training on AI at the Institute of Press, aside from a few professor‑led initiatives. Existing training cycles are insufficient.
She stressed the ethical dimension and asked whether, given financial constraints and the precarious status of media professionals, journalists can be reassured about AI’s rise. Panelists largely answered no, whether for print or digital formats.
According to Marrouki, 11 % of global news organisations already rely exclusively on AI.
A Success Story
Mahmoud El Ghoul, founder of the media outlet l’Instant M, showcased a successful AI integration: the “Assistant M” chatbot that interacts directly with readers, enhancing engagement.
Recommendations from the Forum
- Revise media content to be more diverse and aligned with current audience interests.
- Move beyond being a mere information conduit; leverage digital advances to develop new approaches and boost attractiveness.
- Foster an association that represents the public, ensuring consumers feel involved in content creation.
- Recognize the state’s role in legislation and financing.
- Prioritize young journalists’ suggestions, as they are adept at capturing new mindsets and delivering information through innovative formats.
Keywords: AI in journalism, media ethics, digital transformation, Tunisian media, fake news, AI regulation, journalistic credibility, media policy, AI training for journalists
