15/05/2025
AI in African Newsrooms: Promise, Pitfalls, and the Power of Women Journalists.
Josephine, in her contribution to the "AI and Us: Real Talk for Women Journalists in a Changing World" She spotlighted the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in journalism, especially in boosting newsroom efficiency through transcription, editing, translation, and data analysis.
But she also issued a timely warning:
⚠️ Without ethical frameworks and equitable access, AI could widen existing gaps instead of closing them.
Many African journalists especially women—are already struggling to access basic digital tools and online training.
The high cost of AI subscriptions, limited access to resources, and lack of tailored upskilling opportunities mean that this new tech wave could leave many behind.
Josephine put it plainly:
“Garbage in, garbage out.”
AI is only as good as the input it receives. For women journalists, this means strong foundational skills are non-negotiable. Yes, AI can enhance accuracy and speed but the soul of storytelling still belongs to the journalist.
She raised concerns about rising risks like:
🔹 Plagiarism
🔹 Content manipulation
🔹 Data misuse
Her call to action
✅ Invest in continuous training
✅ Involve African women in AI design
✅ Shape technologies that reflect our stories, values, and lived realities
📘 Read the full AI and Us report here:
https://rb.gy/9lemdu
Josephine Karani IAWRT USA IAWRT - International Association of Women in Radio and Television UNESCO The African Journalism Institute for International Affairs-TAJIIA FOKUS - Forum for kvinner og utviklingsspørsmål Thomson Reuters Thomson Foundation Eastern Africa Editors Society Ethical Journalism Network Uganda Media Women's Association Nankwanga Eunice Kasirye Africa Media Development Foundation Iawrt Nepal Fatuma Matulanga IAWRT Norway Coursera Femnet Secretariat Pulitzer Center Akina Mama wa Afrika Digi24