Artificial Intelligence has opened doors for media but ethics must always prevail
Ten years ago, if you bandied around the word Artificial Intelligence in a Kenyan newsroom, you would be branded an illusionist, today it is the buzz word.
AI, machine learning and data processing are fast becoming essential in any newsroom that hopes to survive the digital revolution avalanche. In fact, job titles such as data scientist, data analyst, content strategist, content engineer and impact editors are fast gaining currency in media houses deemed digital journalism early adopters. Today, it is almost impossible to distinguish between an article authored by a machine and that written by a journalist, AI has enabled editors to figure out their audiences needs to granular levels and offer them articles that “speak to their souls”. If the trend of automation of journalism catches on in the continent fast enough, in a few years it would be difficult to tell if the news anchor calling you “mpendwa msikilizaji” is a robot or human.
Despite the fears that adoption of AI portends massive job losses in the media, it offers an array of opportunities for an industry struggling to survive in the face of dwindling revenues.
Post Covid, the opportunities provided by digital media have ensured that media is able to remodel its approaches in content generation, distribution and advertising to guarantee its sustainability.
It is therefore no coincidence that the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) which will be celebrated on September 28, will focus on AI, e-governance and the right of citizens to seek, receive and impart information.
Even in an environment where information is everywhere and anyone can access it at a click of a button, citizens still rely on the media to dissect, analyze and make it palatable for them and therefore we cannot talk about access to information without discussing press freedom and mulling over the sustainability of quality journalism.
As the 2019 New Powers, new responsibilities: A global survey of journalism and artificial intelligence aptly put it “algorithms will power the systems, but the human touch, insight and judgement will be at a premium”.
It is therefore important for media to re-examine its public service role by ensuring that the adoption of AI does not compromise the ethics of the profession and they remain true to their duty of comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable.
The opportunities presented by digital media cannot be overemphasized; however, it is also important to appreciate the importance of digital security on both individual journalists and the profession.
The digital space is wide and present many changes when it comes to regulations, however Journalists and media practitioners cannot escape the obligation of maintaining professional ethics online, just as they do offline.
There is need therefore for media institutions and professionals keen on utilizing the digital space, to invest in digital security tools. For starter misinformation, Misinformation and disinformation have become the bane of digital journalism. It therefore behooves us an industry to protect our digital space by investing in cyber security tools, fact-checking and remaining conscious of the prevailing legal and regulatory environment.
This will protect the digital media environment in the wake of evolving security challenges online.
Kenya is one of the global leaders in the Open Governance Partnership which has been adopted in Kenya’s National Action Plan on open governance, number 3&4. In 2011 Kenya established Kenya Open Data Initiative (KODI) with the goal of making “core government development, demographic, statistical and expenditure data available in a useful digital format for researchers, policymakers, ICT developers and the general public KODI makes available large data sets from the Kenyan government (e.g., census, public expenditure, data from health and education ministries).
However, implementation of open governance has had challenges. There is evidence to show that public officers have not been proactively releasing information to the public and media as required by the law. There are also difficulties experienced whenever journalists and members of the public seek information as requests either remain responded to or replies are inordinately delayed. This often creates mistrust between journalist/public and news sources/subjects and exposes the media to negative consequences of breaching the Code of Conduct for the practice for the practice of journalism in Kenya.
Universal access to information means that everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information. Access to information is more and more recognized as a prerequisite for sustainable development and for maintaining human rights. With SDG 16, the target (16.10) to promote access to information is also anchored in the 2030 Agenda.
Therefore, the government and the media play a dual role in the digital dispensation by ensuring that citizens have access to information to foster development but in so doing, all ethical considerations are put in place in the spirit of do no harm.
The Authors work at the Media Council of Kenya
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.