Story by Peter Chivhima
ZIMBABWE joined the rest of the world in marking World Press Freedom Day, with a call for media houses and training institutions to embrace Artificial Intelligence(AI).
A strong call has been made for media houses and journalism training institutions to embrace AI, viewed as a game-changer in transforming storytelling and keeping pace with the fast-evolving media landscape.
“We should always embrace new technology. It should not appear as if it is a threat to us, but it complements our work. It helps us in compiling our news or gathering our news and so forth. It is important that journalists also make use of accuracy in media ethics so that the stories are not fake and that we guard against misinformation, hate speech and outright lies that can be created by technology,” Veteran broadcaster, John Masuku said.
Echoing this sentiment, Classic263 Station Manager, Terrence Mapurisana stressed the importance of integrating AI into newsrooms and journalism training.
“We are calling on media houses and training institutions to embrace AI, as it is increasingly becoming integral to modern news gathering processes. However, while AI can enhance efficiency and access to information, journalists must continue to prioritise the verification of facts to maintain the integrity and credibility of journalism.”
This year’s World Press Freedom Day was commemorated against the backdrop of significant progress made by the Second Republic in promoting media diversity and inclusive development through the establishment of community radio stations in previously marginalised areas across the country.
“In Zimbabwe, important strides have been made in terms of promoting press freedom and creating a conducive environment that allows media practitioners to do their work. There is a continuous review of existing laws and policies. There are also laws such as the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act that have been done away with because government listened to the concerns that were raised by stakeholders, including media advocacy organisations, that this policy or piece of legislation stifles press freedom,” Zimbabwe Media Commission’s Commissioner, Dr Phillip Pasirayi said.
This year’s celebrations are running under the theme “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”.
