Artificial Intelligence (AI) is altering the task of journalism in the ways the news is collected, processed, and delivered. Through automated summaries or tools that can identify deepfakes, AI provides newsrooms a means to increase productivity and velocity.

But with such powers come profound questions: Can we trust AI-generated content? What becomes of journalists’ jobs? And how do we ensure that ethics remain at the forefront?

As newsrooms, including those in Southeast Asia, press on with AI, it is worth considering both the opportunities and challenges. This article examines what AI can and cannot do for journalism, and how journalists will need to adapt to the new age in which we find ourselves.

AI is not aiming to replace journalists; it seeks to make their work easier. The technology is capable of handling tedious tasks like summarising articles, scanning through vast datasets, and writing initial reports.

However, the artistry of storytelling, emotional understanding, and values-based thinking are uniquely human traits that AI cannot replicate.

A recent instance involving the fabrication of book titles in an AI-generated summer reading list illustrates its shortcomings. Blunders like these demonstrate why human supervision is imperative. Ultimately, AI should be regarded as an alleviating aid, not a substitute.

Journalists must remain in control

Fast forward five years from now, the ideal newsroom is one in which AI is fully integrated, but journalists remain in control.

AI can manage tedious work such as sifting through data, customising content for different demographics, and drafting preliminary versions of stories.

This liberates reporters to focus on investigating, storytelling, and tough ethical decisions. The partnership between AI and human beings is crucial. AI offers up the data, and journalists supply the understanding.

Transparency, accountability, and regular training will ensure that newsrooms remain rooted in journalistic values.

AI excels at handling tasks that require processing large volumes of information. It can generate financial reports, sports news, or weather predictions in moments. It also assists with verifying facts by swiftly comparing various sources.

However, when it comes to comprehending cultural context, interpreting subtle cues, or making moral choices, AI continues to struggle. It lacks human intuition and often amplifies biases present in its training data. This is where human judgement becomes essential.

Across Southeast Asia, news organisations are beginning to adopt AI, although the pace of implementation varies.

In Malaysia, Media Prima had announced plans to integrate AI across its operations by the end of 2024.

BERNAMA is offering AI training for its staff and has previously experimented with AI-generated content, such as an Azan (call to prayer) video during Ramadan.

These preliminary steps show both growing interest and a clear recognition of the caution required in AI integration.

Risks may arise from excessive dependence on AI

While AI can enhance productivity, excessive dependence on it may pose serious risks. It could lead to a decline in critical thinking, weaken ethical oversight, and undermine the human factor that lends journalism its trustworthiness.

That infamous summer reading list with imaginary books is only one example of what can go awry. If news organisations are not careful, over-reliance on AI might erode public confidence. The right balance – using AI as a tool, not a crutch – is crucial.

To maintain journalism’s credibility, a multi-faceted strategy is essential. News organisations should use AI technologies to detect manipulated content while also equipping journalists with digital literacy and critical thinking skills.

Transparency is vital. AI-generated content should be clearly marked, and its role in the reporting process explicitly explained. Above all, media outlets must establish and follow rigorous ethical standards regarding the use of AI. These actions will help preserve public trust.

AI will undoubtedly transform journalism, but that doesn’t necessarily mean job losses. Instead, it’s likely to create new roles focused on managing AI systems, curating content, and ensuring ethical compliance.

For example, Reuters uses an AI tool called Lynx Insight to help journalists identify emerging stories, thus freeing reporters to concentrate on more creative and investigative tasks. What’s needed now is for journalists to upskill — to learn how to work with AI, not against it.

Journalists must acquire knowledge to stay relevant

Journalists must acquire knowledge in data analysis, AI principles, and digital ethics to stay relevant. Understanding how AI functions and learning to interpret data responsibly will be crucial.

In evaluating AI-generated content and guarding against misinformation, reporters will need strong digital literacy.

Even in the AI era, ethics and transparency must remain central values. With the right training, modern journalists can continue to be vital and relevant.

AI is rapidly integrating into the daily routines of journalism. While it offers immense benefits in speed and information processing, it can never replace the thoughtfulness, compassion, or ethical judgement that human journalists bring.

As newsrooms, particularly in Southeast Asia, embrace these technologies, caution, accountability, and a commitment to truth must guide their journey.

The journalists who adapt and learn to collaborate with AI will not just survive the changes; they will shape the future of trustworthy, meaningful journalism.

-- BERNAMA

Prof Ts Dr Manjit Singh Sidhu is a Professor at the College of Computing and Informatics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN). He is a Fellow of the British Computer Society, Chartered IT Professional, Fellow of the Malaysian Scientific Association, Senior IEEE member and Professional Technologist MBOT Malaysia.