By Ameh Gabriel
As part of activities to commemorate this year’s World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has unveiled an innovative visual brief that underscores the critical importance of ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism, particularly within the Nigerian media space.
The brief, developed in line with the 2025 global theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” highlights both the transformative potential and emerging threats AI poses to media freedom and independent journalism in Nigeria and globally.
Speaking in Lagos, MRA Programme Officer Mr. John Gbadamosi noted that AI is rapidly reshaping the way news is gathered, produced, and disseminated. “AI tools can be invaluable for journalists—enabling faster data analysis, breaking language barriers, and reaching underserved communities with vital information,” he said.
However, he cautioned against the unchecked use of such technologies, warning that AI can also be weaponized to spread falsehoods, create deepfakes, and suppress independent journalism. “While AI holds immense promise for media innovation, it also presents new dangers: algorithmic bias, disinformation, surveillance, and the erosion of public trust in news,” Mr. Gbadamosi added.
The visual brief explains key concepts such as misinformation, disinformation, mal-information, and information overload and sheds light on how these challenges are increasingly shaping Nigeria’s digital media environment. It also raises concerns about AI-facilitated political manipulation and the marginalization of local and community-based journalism.
Through this initiative, MRA is advocating for:
- Stronger protections for independent media organisations;
- Transparent, inclusive AI governance frameworks tailored to Nigeria’s socio-political context;
- Widespread digital literacy to equip citizens with the tools to navigate the evolving information landscape; and
- Greater accountability from technology companies for the content and influence of their platforms.
Mr. Gbadamosi called on all stakeholders, including journalists, civil society actors, policymakers, and tech companies, to support efforts aimed at ensuring AI is used responsibly and ethically in the media sector.
“Press freedom is the cornerstone of any democratic society. As we embrace technological advances, we must also safeguard the integrity of journalism and ensure that AI is harnessed to empower not endanger free expression,” he said.
Media Rights Agenda reaffirms its commitment to promoting press freedom, transparency, and responsible digital innovation in Nigeria and urges continued vigilance to ensure that media remains independent, vibrant, and resilient in the face of technological disruption.
For media inquiries, please contact:
John Gbadamosi
Programme Officer, Media Rights Agenda
Email: info@mediarightsagenda.org
Phone: +234-XXX-XXXXXXX
Website: www.mediarightsagenda.org
