The Chairman of the Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN), Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, has urged broadcasters to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to improve newsroom efficiency without compromising professional competence, editorial integrity and human accountability
Ramalan said AI could help journalists with interview transcription, document analysis, statistical pattern recognition, and research, but stressed that journalists must remain responsible for investigating stories, verifying evidence, and distinguishing facts from speculation
In his goodwill, Ramalan, who is also the chairman of Liberty TV and Radio, described the Media Trust’s digital newsroom as a significant milestone in the integration of artificial intelligence and journalism by a private broadcaster
He warned that while AI could accelerate content production and improve newsroom operations, technology should not replace the professional judgement required to deliver credible journalism
“AI should serve as an aid to human expertise rather than a substitute for professional knowledge, judgement and accountability,” he said
He said editorial authority, verification, and accountability must remain entirely human, regardless of advances in newsroom technology
“Technology must support professional judgement, not replace it,” Ramalan said
“The future of Nigerian and indeed West African broadcasting depends not merely on access to advanced technology but on the ability to combine innovation with professional excellence,” he added
“Let machines provide the intelligence that supports our work Let professionals provide the competence, judgement and integrity that give our work meaning,” he added.