Grand North: Journalists drilled on Artificial Intelligence usage.

This was in a seminar that took place in Maroua, Far North Region from July 10 to 11. Facilitators told pressmen that Artificial Intelligence is now being used throughout the newsgathering and production process in many parts of the world though some media practitioners still have a poor understanding of what it is all about.

It was therefore necessary to acquaint journalists in Northern Cameroon on the use of Artificial Intelligence in their daily work.

Various sessions on what AI is all about and how it is used in journalism, available AI tools and how to implement them in the journalistic process; AI, Democracy and Society, AI and the Promotion of Peace amongst others were, explored by seasoned journalists and facilitators. 

Facilitators stressed on the uses and importance of AI in making work less stressful and efficient.

Gisele Nnemi Nga, an official of AUB and facilitator at the seminar, said: "Artificial Intelligence is a very useful tool to collect and treat information. It is spontaneous. You can use it to detect a problem before it happens and propose solutions as well”.

“Information on the farmer-grazier conflicts in the Far North can be gotten through AI and then journalists can use that information to help prevent future conflicts. With AI, journalists should be able to produce engaging reports," Nnemi Nga added. 

On her part, Dr Evelyne Mengue A Koung, representing the General Manager of state media, Cameroon Radio Television, CRTV, said “many are still unaware of this new technology and so journalists should use the AI tools they have learnt to do quality stories and verify any information”.

Renowned journalism lecturer at the Advanced School of Mass Communication, ASMAC, Prof Baba Wame, said: “AI saves time for journalists, but media men and women should be honest to tell their audience what AI helped them to do”.

Participants said such a training will help them work with ease as they now have an idea of AI. 

"Before attending this seminar, the word AI was so far-fetched, but now it has been demystified. I will work smarter now as I have learned how to transcribe my interviews using AI,” Rebecca Sintebe, journalist working with L'œil de Sahel in Maroua, said.

Joseph Ayang Kaina, a reporter based in Maroua also said he has learnt how to identify deep fake, fake news and be cautious with any information he sees online.

The now equipped media practitioners said they are going back home with a renewed commitment to implement AI in their reporting. 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3170 of Tuesday July 16, 2024