Adaptations of artificial intelligence (AI) in Tanzanian newsrooms: Opportunities, benefits and threats to journalism professionals

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in newsrooms has significantly reshaped the media landscape and transformed journalistic practices in both developed and developing nations, sparking substantial debate among scholars. Key concerns include the appropriate use of AI, its extent of implementation in newsrooms and the role of journalists in the AI era. Guided by the diffusion of innovation theory (DOI), this study evaluates the integration of AI within Tanzanian newsrooms by examining adoptions, potential opportunities and challenges from the perspectives of editors and reporters. A mixed approach was employed, collecting data from a sample of 262 journalists using a questionnaire and twelve news editors through in-depth interviews. The findings reveal a multifaceted landscape in which Tanzanian journalists demonstrate an understanding and application of AI in newsrooms, with online media journalists and editors utilizing AI technology more frequently than those in traditional media. Common AI uses among journalists include fact-checking, language translation, generating new ideas and editing stories. While Tanzanian journalists appreciate AI for accelerating story delivery and offering innovative writing methods, the adoption of AI in Tanzanian newsrooms faces significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, language barriers, low awareness and the absence of clear policies. Additionally, the study highlights concern about potential threats posed by AI, such as increased fake news, reduced creativity among journalists, loss of the human touch in stories and job displacement. The findings underscore the need for collaborative efforts among media stakeholders to develop strategies and policies aimed at harnessing the potential opportunities brought by AI in newsrooms while creating a balanced approach to mitigate the risks and challenges associated with the use of AI technology in journalism.