AI REVOLUTION IN JOURNALISM: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

From Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali

SEOUL, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the landscape of journalism is evolving at an unprecedented pace, presenting both opportunities and challenges for media professionals. 

The International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM) Asia & Pacific Director, Irene Jay Liu, said despite these changes, the essence of journalism remains deeply rooted in humanity.

"Journalism is about telling stories, connecting, and digging into the hidden corners to find those stories that those in power don’t want you to see," she said during her presentation on the topic ‘The AI Revolution and Coexistence’ at the 2024 KPF (Korea Press Foundation) Journalism Conference on Thursday.

She said as journalists navigate the complexities of the digital age, their mission to uncover and report the truth remains unwavering, underscoring the enduring importance of their role in society.

Liu predicted a paradoxical future where the growth of digital content could lead to less accessible information. 

“If machines can unearth content faster and at scale, one way to slow down this discovery process is to take things offline," she explained arguing that this shift will heighten the importance of journalists in uncovering and reporting critical stories.

Liu also stressed that the dire consequences of disinformation on democracy are a global threat that transcends geography and socio-economic status. 

"High-quality information is essential to combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation," 

"In this technological revolution, there is a big distance between where content is created and whether the consumer knows its source,” she said

Liu also called on news organisations  around the world to articulate what sets their content apart in a saturated digital landscape.

Discussing the role of the IFPIM, Liu outlined its mission to address the sustainability crisis in journalism highlighting its multilateral approach, drawing resources from governments, philanthropies, corporates, and civil society organisations.

She said that IFPIM’s role is to address the pressing issue of sustainability in public interest media, particularly in low to middle-income countries. 

“Seventy-six per cent of media organisations are in critical need of funding to support operational costs and overall we’ve seen a significant decline in print advertising dollars,” she said.

She also mentioned that the widening economic gaps exacerbated by technological needs resulted in a predicted 40 per cent decline in print advertising dollars from 2019 to 2024, which she noted has its worst effects on low and middle-income countries due to significant income inequality and scarce economic resources.

Liu said IFPIM focuses on three pillars: countering media extinction or capture, bolstering resilience, and fostering systemic change.

"We are a global coalition aiming to ensure public interest journalism can thrive, especially in lower-income markets," she said.

She described IFPIM’s efforts to support media organisations in crisis, helping them to continue their crucial work during significant events like elections or environmental crises.

She also emphasised the need to develop new business models for journalism, allowing media outlets to diversify revenue sources and enhance their independence.

“The digital revolution has dispersed audiences, making it challenging for journalism to have a broad impact," she said.

However, she still saw potential in this dispersion, as underrepresented groups now have platforms to voice their stories.

In her new role focusing on AI, emerging tech, and regulation at IFPIM, Liu expressed optimism about the future of journalism in the digital age. 

"The challenge is ensuring that high-quality, independent journalism can continue to hold power to account and provide the information necessary for people to make informed decisions in their lives," she added.

— BERNAMA