AI was a major topic discussed by participants at the 3rd Nigerian Media Leaders’ Summit held recently in Abeokuta, Ogun State, which focused on the theme: Market Squared: Turning connections into Gold in the AI age.
We asked TiTo, the AI Assistant, for the summit organised by Journalism Clinic on usage experiences shared by participants. Here’s a summary of some of the key applications mentioned and planned to use in their work.
* **Content Creation:** AI tools like ChatGPT were mentioned for generating story ideas, outlines, summaries, headlines, and complete articles. However, speakers emphasised the importance of using AI responsibly and avoiding plagiarism or sacrificing originality. AI can be a helpful assistant, not a replacement for human journalists.
* **Audience Engagement:** AI can help analyse audience data, personalise content recommendations, and moderate comment sections. Some platforms are using AI-powered chatbots to engage with users directly and provide personalised information.
* **Language Translation and Accessibility:** AI can translate content into multiple languages, making it accessible to a wider audience. Text-to-speech features can also improve accessibility for visually impaired users.
* **Content Optimisation:** AI can analyse search trends and optimise content for better visibility online. This includes generating search-optimised headlines, summaries, and keywords.
* **Research and Data Analysis:** AI can assist with data collection, analysis, and visualisation, helping journalists uncover insights and trends more efficiently.
* **Fact-Checking and Misinformation Detection:** AI can be used to identify and flag potentially false or misleading information, helping journalists verify the accuracy of their reporting.
READ ALSO: Nigerian media leaders meet on maximising connections with audiences
* **Automating Repetitive Tasks:** AI can automate tasks like transcription, social media posting, and content tagging, freeing up journalists to focus on more complex and creative work.
While the potential benefits of AI in media are significant, participants also acknowledged the challenges and ethical considerations. These include the potential for bias in algorithms, the importance of maintaining human oversight, and the need to avoid over-reliance on AI at the expense of journalistic skills and judgment. The overall message was that AI can be a powerful tool for enhancing media work, but it must be used thoughtfully and responsibly.
Nimi AI
The founder of Women Radio, Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, discussed Nimi AI, a virtual assistant designed specifically for Nigerian women. She highlighted its ability to provide information and support on various topics, including domestic violence.
Nimi AI was designed to offer a safe space for women to seek help and access resources, particularly for those who may be hesitant to speak out publicly or lack access to traditional support systems. This app reflects Women Radio’s commitment to using technology to empower and support its target audience.
