AMC: African Journalists Urged to Embrace Potential of AI

Olawale Ajimotokan

The President of Africa Editor’s Forum and the Chairman Africa Media Convention, Churchill Otieno, has challenged African media professionals to embrace the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionise the media landscape in Africa.

He made the appeal yesterday at the opening of the AMC-III at the Accra International Conference Centre, Accra, Ghana.

He said AI technologies have the capacity to enhance journalistic workflows, automate repetitive tasks and personalise content delivery to diverse audiences.

Otieno also echoed the challenges and risks associated with AI, including potential biases in algorithms and concerns about job displacement.

According to him, “As African media professionals, we must engage critically with AI, ensuring that its development and deployment are guided by ethical principles, transparency, and accountability. By harnessing the power of AI responsibly, we can unlock new opportunities for innovation, improve the quality of journalism, and advance media freedom and sustainability across the continent.”

He tasked African editors who convened for AMC-III to serve as custodians of Africa’s narrative, uphold truth, defend media freedom, drive sustainability and evolve homegrown media policies that ensure that the media industry thrives.

Otieno said: “Today, we pay homage to the indispensable role of journalist-the brave souls who illuminate the darkest corners of society, who hold power to account, and who tirelessly champion the cause of justice and democracy. In honoring their dedication, we also remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of truth and justice, as well as those who languish unjustly behind bars for their commitment to journalism.

“In the face of unprecedented challenges-censorship, harassment, and the rampant spread of misinformation-we must harness the power of creativity and innovation to sustain a free and vibrant media. We must embrace new technologies, explore innovative storytelling methods, and forge partnerships that amplify the voices of the voiceless and ensure the truth prevails.”

The President of Africa Editor’s Forum also urged African media to address the issue of fair compensation and fair remuneration for their invaluable work by advocating for equitable revenue-sharing models and copyright reforms.

He also decried the prevailing situation marked by the dominance of big tech platforms, who often sees media organisations struggling to monetise their content while these platforms profit from it.

“By championing fair compensation, we not only uphold the dignity and livelihoods of journalists but also fortify the foundation of a sustainable and thriving media ecosystem

“In addition to fair compensation, another pressing issue that we must address is access to data held by social media platforms. In the digital age, social networks have become crucial sources of information, yet access to their data is often restricted. Journalists rely on this data for in-depth reporting and investigative journalism. However, the opaque nature of social media algorithms and data policies presents a significant barrier. We must advocate for greater transparency and accountability from these platforms, ensuring that journalists have access to the data they need to uncover stories, hold power to account, and serve the public interest. By advocating for access to social media data, we empower journalists to fulfill their vital role as watchdogs of society and strengthen the foundations of media freedom and democracy,” he said.