GENERATIVE AI IN JOURNALISM: BALANCING INNOVATION WITH ETHICAL CONCERNS AT KPF CONFERENCE

By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali

SEOUL, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- The integration of generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) into journalism is emerging as a significant tool that can enhance journalists' productivity, yet it also stirs ethical concerns regarding transparency and accountability.

This was the focal point of discussion at the second pre-session on the second day of the 2024 Korea Press Foundation (KPF) Journalism Conference, today (November 14).

During the session discussing the topic “AI Utilisation in the Newsroom: Asia Cases”, Cambodia’s Khmer Times Deputy Editor Taing Rinith said that while AI facilitates the work of journalists writing in English, significant challenges remain for AI applications in the Khmer language. 

He pointed out that AI tools frequently produce errors when translating or generating content in Khmer, indicating a need for further development and refinement to ensure accuracy and reliability in this context.

Rinith believes that AI is the future and a tool to improve quality in journalism, but shouldn't replace human activity.

AI should support journalists without diminishing the importance of human insight and creativity. 

“AI should be treated like any other invention, such as the calculator, a tool to assist individuals, not to make them obsolete,” he said. 

He also mentioned that in Cambodia, many educational institutions still prohibit the use of AI tools due to concerns that students might misuse them and become overly reliant, potentially leading to a decline in critical thinking and effort.

Meanwhile, Bernama Journalist, Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali, shared his perspective that AI tools are aiding journalists in gathering information and generating new story ideas. 

However, he noted that AI still struggles with language processing for Bahasa Malaysia, particularly when translating from English to Bahasa Malaysia.

"In Malaysia, we lack content that is purely in Malay. Many young individuals today speak in a mix of English and Malay, rather than using pure Malay,”

"We face a problem due to the lack of input in Malay, which results in AI tools incorporating Indonesian terms when translating English content into Malay,” he said

He added that this is problematic as some terms and grammatical structures in Indonesian language differ significantly from those in Malay, and AI needs more work to adapt to the Malay language. 

While AI can enhance efficiency, it is crucial to maintain human oversight to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the information disseminated. 

According to SPH Media Associate News Editor, Ng Soon Kiat, his organisation has established guidelines and principles in adopting AI tools in their work and decided that all content produced must involve human oversight at every stage of the process.

He mentioned that SPH Media is adopting a more cautious approach to AI use.

Confidential or embargoed information is not to be processed through any AI platforms, and AI-generated pictures are not used in the stories they publish.

As the media industry continues to evolve with technological advancements, the dialogue at the 2024 KPF Journalism Conference underscores the need for a conscientious approach to integrating AI in journalism, one that harnesses its benefits while vigilantly addressing its ethical challenges.

The conference also featured panel discussions on AI Innovation and co-existence of its utilisation in journalism by local subject matter experts in generative AI. 

--  BERNAMA