Accra: Professor Kaori Hayashi, a media and journalism studies expert from the University of Tokyo, has urged the training of journalists in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to improve their work. She emphasized that such training would help journalists comprehend AI advancements and seamlessly integrate these tools into their professional routines.
According to Ghana News Agency, Prof. Hayashi made these remarks during a lecture at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chair event, organized in collaboration with the Centre for Asian Studies at the University of Ghana. Her lecture, titled 'From Ink to Intelligence: The Future of Japanese Journalism in the AI Era,' explored the responsible use of AI within Japan's media sector.
Prof. Hayashi also discussed the evolution of Japanese journalism and the dual challenges and opportunities AI presents. Despite recognizing AI's benefits, she warned against its indiscriminate use in journalism, especially in an era rife with misinformation and fake news. She stressed the importance of innovation while safeguarding editorial integrity, highlighting the vital role of journalism in upholding principles in the information age.
In her lecture, Prof. Hayashi advocated for improved regulatory frameworks by national media regulators to protect the media environment from AI's potential adverse effects. Professor Lloyd Amoah, Director of the Centre for Asian Studies at the University of Ghana, echoed her sentiments, suggesting that Ghana's media industry could learn from Japan's careful approach to AI. He noted that Japan, despite being a technological leader, has maintained its cultural and media traditions while incorporating AI.
Professor Amoah remarked, "So I think this is the core of the message that she's sending across - that developing countries, like ours, should begin to look at AI from a more pragmatic and strategic point of view than this romanticised idea that artificial intelligence will completely change our society."
