Story by Siphelani Zirongwe
JOURNALISTS in Mashonaland Central are undergoing training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) steps up efforts to equip media practitioners with digital skills for modern news production.
The capacity-building workshop in Bindura has brought together journalists from across the province, including community radio reporters, to strengthen their understanding and practical application of AI tools in journalism.
The programme is designed to enhance content creation, news gathering and digital storytelling, while helping media practitioners adapt to rapidly evolving technological trends and changing audience preferences.
It also forms part of the ZMC’s broader efforts to modernise newsrooms and improve the quality, speed and efficiency of content production.
ZMC Manager for Research, Training and Development, Ms Tariro Shonhiwa said AI should be viewed as a tool that complements rather than replaces journalistic work.
“Let the Media practitioner know that AI is there to augment their day-to-day job, they do ethically to come up with better articles, content, and better working relationship with technology, as is the mandate of ZMC to make use of technology as it comes.”
Facilitators also highlighted the need for media organisations to respond to shifting news consumption patterns, with audiences increasingly accessing content through mobile and social media platforms.
ZMC resource person, Mr Conrad Mwanawashe said the training focuses on practical application of AI technologies in the newsroom.
“AI, if adopted ethically, helps newsrooms to earn more and bring in more revenue from other sectors. It is the idea we are sharing with colleagues in Mashonaland Province, taking a practical approach to it instead of taking time on definitions and history, but we are imparting practicals.”
Participants attended hands-on sessions covering AI-powered photo enhancement, automated video editing and data-driven infographic production.
“The workshop has been an eye-opener as we managed to learn more about the ever-changing media landscape,” a journalist said.
Another participant added:
“I am from radio but also got to learn about automated video editing, which is essential, especially on social media.”
While encouraging the adoption of emerging technologies, facilitators stressed the importance of ethical use, accuracy and fact-checking, emphasising that AI should support, rather than replace, editorial responsibility and professional journalism standards.
