Should Nigerian journalists worry about AI taking their jobs?

There are claims and counter claims about what the likely impact of AI can be on journalism practice now and in future. We asked ChatGTP it gave the comprehensive responses below.

As AI continues to reshape industries globally, journalists in Nigeria are right to ask: Is my job at risk? The honest answer is yes, but only if we ignore the shift.

⚠️ What to Watch For

🔹 Routine Tasks Are Being Automated

AI can already write simple news stories, transcribe interviews, summarise reports, and generate headlines — especially threatening to entry-level newsroom roles.

🔹 Content Farms on the Rise

Global media is increasingly experimenting with AI-generated content at scale. This raises questions about relevance and job security in smaller newsrooms.

🔹 AI-Driven Audiences

From personalised news summaries to AI-powered news feeds, how people consume journalism is evolving — and traditional roles are being challenged.

💡 But There’s a Big Opportunity

✅ AI Can Be Your Assistant

From transcriptions to story ideas to basic editing, AI tools like ChatGPT, Otter, Grammarly, and Canva AI are already helping Nigerian journalists work smarter.

✅ Human-Centred Journalism Still Wins

AI can’t:

Interview a grieving parent
Investigate hidden corruption
Understand cultural nuances
Navigate a dangerous beat

These are roles only real journalists can play.

✅ New Roles Are Emerging

AI-savvy editors
Automation leads in the newsroom
Fact-checkers for AI-generated misinformation
AI literacy trainers for journalists

🚨 The Real Risk

It’s not that AI will take your job. It’s that another journalist who understands how to use AI better might.

🎯 What Journalists Should Do

Start Learning AI Tools Now
Use them for speed, clarity, and better storytelling.
Push for Policies
Many journalists are using AI without guidelines. Newsrooms must develop policies that protect standards and staff.
Focus on Deep, Context-Rich Stories
Go local, go investigative, go human. That’s where machines can’t follow.
Build a Personal Brand
AI can mimic tone, but it can’t build trust. You can.