African journalists adopt continental plan on AI, media freedom and decent work
No matter much research on AI and newsrooms is done, nobody can truly and precisely predict its impact on journalism.
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Correspondent
Nation Media Group
African journalist leaders have endorsed a new action plan aimed at improving pay and working conditions, protecting media freedom and ensuring artificial intelligence supports rather than undermines journalism.
The plan was adopted at a Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) meeting in Addis Ababa on October 24-25, where participants examined the growing impact of AI, disinformation and economic pressures on newsrooms across the continent.
Titled Advancing Responsible Artificial Intelligence and Decent Work for Quality Journalism in Africa, the programme brought together journalist leaders and representatives of the African Union Commission (AUC), UNESCO, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the European Union (EU). Discussions centred on the impact of AI on journalism, efforts to counter false information, and the need to improve working conditions across the profession.
Delegates explored how AI can support newsrooms through research, translation and fact-checking, while also examining risks such as fabricated content, the impersonation of trusted sources and the rapid spread of falsehoods. They also discussed measures to protect information integrity and freedom of expression in a fast-changing digital environment.
"Artificial intelligence must not deepen the precarious conditions in which journalists across the continent continue to work. When journalists lack decent working conditions, quality journalism is weakened, allowing disinformation and misinformation to flourish," said FAJ President Omar Faruk Osman.
"Responsible AI, decent work and media freedom are closely linked. Journalists need fair and safe working conditions, editorial independence and the skills to verify information and use technology responsibly. AI should support journalism, not replace human judgement."
The meeting also examined the impact of poor pay and job insecurity on journalism. Delegates highlighted delayed salaries, short-term contracts, limited social protection and growing pressure on editorial independence. They also discussed concerns that automation and cost-cutting could lead to further newsroom job losses, and explored ways of strengthening labour rights and collective bargaining.
Participants also raised concerns about the safety of journalists, citing physical attacks, legal harassment and growing digital threats across the continent. They called for greater accountability for crimes against journalists and discussed measures to improve digital security. Particular attention was given to online abuse targeting women journalists and the need for coordinated action at national, regional and continental levels.
Discussions drew on findings from FAJ's recent survey on journalists' working conditions, safety, labour rights and media freedom. The study, the first journalist-led continental survey of its kind in Africa, collected responses from 1,586 journalists in 45 countries. Delegates said the findings would strengthen advocacy efforts with media organisations, governments and other stakeholders.
The action plan will guide FAJ and its affiliates in promoting decent work, journalists' safety, quality journalism and the responsible use of AI. The federation will pursue these priorities through its member organisations and partnerships with the African Union, regional economic communities, UN agencies, trade unions, human rights groups and other partners. The survey findings will also inform future advocacy and reform efforts.
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