Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for a Robust Journalistic Practice in Benin City, Nigeria

Background: The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming numerous sectors, including journalism, which is vital for societal information dissemination. As AI technologies evolve, journalists must adapt to remain relevant in an increasingly automated landscape. Objective: This study investigated how journalists in Benin City leverage AI for enhanced journalistic practices, focusing on its impacts on reporting efficiency and quality. Method: Adopting a descriptive survey research design, the study sampled 152 registered journalists from the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benin City Chapter, using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, with a 100% return rate of the distributed questionnaires. Results: The findings indicate that a significant majority (85%) of journalists utilize AI in their work, perceiving it as an improvement over traditional reporting methods. Journalists highlighted benefits such as enhanced efficiency and stress reduction. Moreover, 95% acknowledged the potential impacts of AI on journalism, including improved news accuracy and timely reporting. Conclusion: The study concluded that AI is poised to redefine journalistic practices in Benin City, offering substantial advantages in terms of efficiency and content quality. However, it emphasizes the necessity for journalists to embrace AI technologies to avoid obsolescence and enhance their reporting capabilities. Unique Contribution: This research provided new insights into the relationship between AI and journalism in Nigeria, highlighting the need for educational reforms in journalism curricula to prepare future journalists for an AI-integrated media landscape. Key Recommendations: Training programs should be established for journalists and the public on AI technologies, and journalism education should incorporate technological advancements to adequately prepare students for future challenges.