Media and Artificial Intelligence: From Academic Research to Professional Practice
A conference-debate was organized by the National Radio on Friday to celebrate World Radio Day, with the theme "Media and Artificial Intelligence, from Academic Research to Professional Practice". Experts and professionals from the media sector took turns speaking to address the issue of artificial intelligence in relation to journalistic practice and information in general. Challenges and dangers of AI on information, can artificial intelligence replace journalistic work, integration of AI in public media, AI and professional practice in radio, AI in Tunisia, national strategy and challenges, were among the questions raised during this day. Farah Barika Ktata, a university teacher and president of the Tunisian Association of Artificial Intelligence, discussed the fields of intervention of AI in the creation of media content. She also exposed the dangers and limitations of AI in the field of information. "Artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming media production processes. It intervenes in collection, analysis, writing, and dissemination," she specified. "It modifies the balance between speed, verification, and editorial responsibility," she added. Returning to the challenges related to the use of AI in journalistic work, she cited, among others, editorial responsibility, transparency, and media trust, public reception. The speaker emphasized the importance of defining authorized uses of AI, offering journalists continuous training in both AI tools and the risks they carry. Noting that AI is transforming the journalist's profession, the specialist highlighted that it impacts the profession at all levels, including information research and writing, audio and video production, moderation, data visualization, and fact-checking. However, she emphasized that "AI does not replace the journalist", as it cannot provide editorial judgment, hierarchize information, assume ethical responsibility, conduct field investigations, or demonstrate journalistic courage.
Key Takeaways
- Artificial intelligence is transforming media production processes, including collection, analysis, writing, and dissemination.
- AI modifies the balance between speed, verification, and editorial responsibility.
- The use of AI in journalistic work poses challenges, including editorial responsibility, transparency, and media trust.
- Continuous training is necessary for journalists to effectively use AI tools and understand the risks they carry.
- AI does not replace the journalist, as it cannot provide editorial judgment, hierarchize information, assume ethical responsibility, conduct field investigations, or demonstrate journalistic courage.
