JOURNALISTS' PERCEPTION OF THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, AI IN NEWS REPORTAGE IN IMO STATE

This study was focused on Journalists’ perception of the usage of Artificial Intelligence in News reportage in Imo state. The objectives of this study are to; examine the level of awareness of AI among journalists in Imo state, evaluate the extent to which AI tools are currently being used in newsrooms within Imo state and evaluate the perception of Imo state journalists towards the use of artificial intelligence in news reportage. The study was anchored on Technological Determinism and Media Metamorphosis. The survey research design was adopted for this study and questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. The study used a population size of 200. For manageability, the entire population was studied. The study adopted multistage sampling technique. Findings of this study revealed that there is a high level of awareness of Artificial Intelligence AI by journalists in Imo State. Further findings revealed that respondents have positive perception towards the use of AI in news reporting. This study concluded that the usage of AI by journalists in news reporting is influence by their level of awareness. This study recommends that journalists should be trained on how to effectively use AI generated information in order to maintain the ethical standards of the profession.