The rise of Artificial Intelligence isn’t the “death knell” for journalism it’s a digital evolution. That was the core message from the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) during a recent address on the changing media landscape.
While the fear of automation looms over newsrooms globally, the NUJ leadership insists that the human element remains irreplaceable provided journalists are willing to evolve.
The message was clear: AI won’t replace journalists, but journalists who use AI will replace those who don’t. The Chairman emphasized that the profession is undergoing a fundamental shift. Automation can handle data-heavy tasks, but it lacks the nuance of human experience. AI can verify data, but humans verify intent, Algorithms can’t feel the pulse of a protest or the tension in a courtroom, AI lacks the moral compass required to handle sensitive human-interest stories.
Rather than viewing AI as a rival, the NUJ is encouraging members to see it as a high-powered intern. By mastering these tools, journalists can actually enhance their storytelling.
The NUJ Chairman urged media practitioners to move beyond traditional reporting and embrace digital literacy. The union is now pushing for more workshops and training sessions focused on. Learning how to talk to machines to get better results. Using AI to spot deepfakes and misinformation. Combining AI-generated graphics with human led narratives.
The pen remains mightier than the sword, but today, that pen is powered by a processor. If you refuse to plug it in, you’ll eventually run out of ink. -NUJ Leadership
