Challenges and Reluctance: The Slow Embrace of AI in Tanzanian Media

Tanzanian media professionals are hesitant to embrace AI due to concerns about misinformation, job security, and a lack of training. A study by UNESCO reveals that while many journalists see AI’s potential, significant barriers remain, including skepticism about its role and insufficient structured training. The integration of AI could improve newsroom efficiency, but careful consideration is needed to address ethical implications and trust issues.

In Tanzania, media professionals are grappling with the implications of artificial intelligence (AI), as highlighted by a recent study commissioned by UNESCO. While there is recognition of the transformative potential of AI in media operations, concerns regarding misinformation, job security, and ethical implications prevail. Many journalists view AI more as a competitor than a beneficial resource, creating a reluctance to adopt it widely in newsrooms.

The report, titled The State of Artificial Intelligence for Media Development in Tanzania, was conducted by Tech & Media Convergency (TMC) in collaboration with UNESCO. It revealed that, despite 95 percent of respondents expressing interest in AI as a journalistic tool, access to structured training remains limited. Furthermore, only 22 percent of newsroom managers have taken initiatives to discuss AI policy integration.

With 73 percent acknowledging AI’s potential to revolutionize journalism, fears persist over its capacity to disseminate misinformation, especially politically charged content. A significant majority (84 percent) believes that AI skills should be included in the curricula of local journalism schools.

The report underscores AI’s role in enhancing newsroom efficiency, advocating for its integration while addressing concerns about misinformation. Practical applications such as automating content preparation and improving research have already been noted. However, there are calls for caution to preserve content originality and audience trust.

Challenges unique to Tanzania—such as the availability of localized data and language tools—have hindered effective AI training. Additionally, the study points to a cultural hesitance in adopting AI, as many journalists regard it as a threat rather than an asset. This skepticism is compounded by worries about AI-generated misleading or biased content, which may reinforce disinformation cycles.

Even as a government committee recommended the development of AI integration guidelines for the media sector two years ago, little progress has been observed, placing the onus on industry professionals to navigate the evolving landscape of AI in journalism.

In conclusion, the reluctance of Tanzanian media to embrace AI is influenced by a combination of factors, including a lack of training, cultural hesitance, and concerns regarding misinformation and job security. Nonetheless, there is a significant interest among journalists to learn about AI, and its potential for enhancing efficiency in newsrooms is promising. Addressing these challenges is essential for the future integration of AI in Tanzanian journalism.

Original Source: www.zawya.com