Tanzanian media professionals face challenges in adopting AI, driven by uncertainties about job security, misinformation, and ethical implications. Although a majority express interest in AI training, access to structured programs is limited. The report advocates for enhanced integration of AI for improved efficiency, while addressing concerns about transparency and biases. Cautious attitudes partly stem from viewing AI as competition rather than a tool, necessitating a shift in mindset and policy development.
Tanzanian media is grappling with the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), reflecting a broader global dilemma. A study commissioned by UNESCO highlights that many media professionals in Tanzania are uncertain about AI’s benefits and risks, particularly regarding job security and ethical implications. The industry is proficient in using AI technologies, yet debates mainly center around increasing misinformation and fake news. Award-winning journalist William Shao cautions that AI can distort truth, emphasizing the necessity for vigilance against its potential negative impact.
The report, titled “The State of Artificial Intelligence for Media Development in Tanzania,” unveiled on February 27 in Dar es Salaam, underscores the lack of AI awareness within the sector. Researchers conducted interviews with 350 journalists and media staff, revealing a distinct demand for AI education and comprehensive policies governing its usage in newsrooms. Although a staggering 95% expressed interest in improving their AI knowledge, the availability of structured training is severely limited.
The findings indicate that less than a quarter of newsroom managers have initiated discussions on implementing AI policies. While 73% of respondents recognize AI as transformative, 40% are apprehensive about its ability to disseminate misinformation, particularly in politically charged contexts. A significant majority, 84%, believe AI literacy should be integrated into the journalism curriculum in local educational institutions.
The report advocates for AI as a means to enhance newsroom productivity rather than replace human intelligence. Media organizations are encouraged to embed AI technologies into their operations while acknowledging and addressing concerns surrounding misinformation and biases. AI has already shown promise in automating mundane tasks and enhancing fact-checking processes.
However, existing digital training courses predominantly reflect Western perspectives, neglecting localized challenges such as availability of Swahili-language AI tools. This gap emphasizes the disconnect between global AI innovations and their practical applicability in the Tanzanian context. The study also highlights a slower pace of AI adoption, attributed partly to the perception of AI as a competitor instead of a beneficial tool, aggravating hesitancy toward its incorporation into everyday practices.
Moreover, apprehensions exist about the automation of traditional journalistic roles and the opacity of AI systems. The report calls for immediate action from media professionals and emphasizes the importance of trust in AI systems to alleviate uncertainties about its impact on editorial roles. Despite previous government recommendations for AI integration guidelines, no further actions have been taken, leaving the responsibility for AI adaptation primarily with media professionals themselves.
In summary, Tanzanian media professionals are cautiously navigating the integration of AI technologies. With a significant interest in learning, the lack of structured training and local relevance poses challenges. Concerns about misinformation and job security contribute to a reluctance to embrace AI fully. The industry must address these issues through education, policy development, and a shift in perception, advocating for a collaborative approach to leverage AI’s potential while preserving journalistic integrity.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
