The Use and Dependency on AI by Journalists in Kaduna for the Development of Media Content

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) and its implementation in the journalism field is transforming the profession, allowing journalists to practice in new ways, but also creating new ethical and operational issues. This paper explores how AI technologies have been adopted and their effects on the practice of journalism in Kaduna, including the tools involved, effects on journalistic practices, and advantages and limitations of their use. The study is based on the Diffusion of Innovations Theory, which explores the process of adoption and adaptation of AI technologies in journalistic workflows. A descriptive survey research design was employed, and a structured questionnaire served as the primary data collection instrument. The researcher used 299 journalists from several media houses in Kaduna State as the sampling population, which gave quantitative data of how they have encountered AI tools. Results showed that journalists extensively apply AI to perform content generation, identify images, and conduct analysis, making it more efficient, productive, and accurate. Nevertheless, difficulties in the ethical issue, artificial intelligence bias, high price, and lack of creativity were observed. Although AI has a positive impact on journalistic endeavours in terms of automation and fact-checking, some worry about oversaturation and eventual loss of the old-fashioned ideals of journalism. The research suggests specific training of journalists to enhance their knowledge and ethical application of AI tool,s as well as policies to tackle the economic and ethical issues associated with the implementation of AI in journalism.