Namibian media researcher Frederico Links called for formal guidelines governing artificial intelligence use in journalism during a Johannesburg conference on Tuesday. Links warned that news organizations increasingly publish AI-created material without disclosing its origin, eroding public trust. He stressed that clear usage standards are essential as algorithms reshape content production across southern Africa.
Zimbabwean journalist Lungile Ngwenya noted newsrooms adopting AI tools risk leaving traditional reporters behind. Her organization employs virtual anchors and AI-assisted reporting while maintaining human-led field interviews. She acknowledged stigma around AI collaboration, with some colleagues viewing it as professional laziness. Academic Sanelisiwe Sibanda highlighted outdated journalism curricula failing to address technological shifts. Many institutions lack updated computers capable of running modern software, hindering practical AI training for students. Sibanda urged educators to visit tech-integrated newsrooms and personally explore these tools rather than solely studying their theoretical challenges. Conference organizers included the Namibia Media Trust and DW Akademie.
Zimbabwean journalist Lungile Ngwenya noted newsrooms adopting AI tools risk leaving traditional reporters behind. Her organization employs virtual anchors and AI-assisted reporting while maintaining human-led field interviews. She acknowledged stigma around AI collaboration, with some colleagues viewing it as professional laziness. Academic Sanelisiwe Sibanda highlighted outdated journalism curricula failing to address technological shifts. Many institutions lack updated computers capable of running modern software, hindering practical AI training for students. Sibanda urged educators to visit tech-integrated newsrooms and personally explore these tools rather than solely studying their theoretical challenges. Conference organizers included the Namibia Media Trust and DW Akademie.
