06 Artificial intelligence


Bea Bennet reflects on a stellar IFJ panel considering AI’s role in journalism at home and abroad


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ne of the essential aspects of journalism is truth,” said International Federation of


Journalists’ vice-president, Zuliana Lainez, as she reflected on what had become a central theme in the panel discussion on artificial intelligence and its impact on journalists and journalism. Te session, organised by the NUJ as part of the IFJ’s annual general meeting in London, saw lively discussion among global representatives keen to explore what action could be taken to protect the work carried out by journalists worldwide. Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general


secretary, addressing the audience in an earlier speech, stressed the need for global solutions to tackle issues stemming from generative AI. Te audience indicated their agreement with applause, a timely reminder for all that it is our solidarity, and our collective strength in advocating for members, that ensures the protection of journalists’ rights. Te NUJ’s AI campaign, which


calls for transparency by tech giants and an end to the hoovering up of journalists’ content, aligns with IFJ demands that journalists have a seat at the negotiating table if and when licensing decisions are agreed by media companies and developers. Mat Rogerson, former acting chief


(l-r)Mat Rogerson, Tomasz Hollanek, Adam Cox, Charlote Tobit, Zuliana Lainez & Larry Goldbeter


communications and live officer at the Guardian Media Group, offered food for thought when questioning what journalism would mean for the public if the only way to protect it from unlawful use by tech companies was to place it behind a paywall. How would access to information on local communities and scrutiny of our leaders be provided? Te Guardian has been lobbying


government on copyright to ensure the protection of its content and stresses the need for urgent regulatory reform. But what does the public think of AI-generated news? Te Reuters Institute’s 2024 Digital News Report reveals that of 2,000 people sampled in the UK, 63 per cent are uncomfortable using news produced mostly by AI, with only 10 per cent comfortable with this approach. As publishers find ways to adopt AI into workflows, public


atitudes towards AI in journalism should be at the forefront of minds, with consideration given to the impact on our news ecosystem if there is an erosion of trust among audiences. Charlote Tobit, UK editor at trade title Press Gazete, highlighted examples of how AI might be positively used by publishers, for example transcription. But it was her words “for all the things that it may atempt to replace, there’s lots undertaken by journalists that AI cannot replace” that rang true for many in the audience. Te use of generative AI also raises questions on media literacy, as noted by panel members, academics Dr Adam Cox and Dr Tomasz Hollanek; the NUJ has called for a nationwide media literacy initiative to help tackle mis- and disinformation in its revamped News Recovery Plan.


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