The Integration of Generative AI in Journalism: Opportunities and Challenges
The integration of generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) into journalism is emerging as a significant tool that can enhance journalists’ productivity, yet it also stirs ethical concerns regarding transparency and accountability.
Challenges in AI Utilization
During the session discussing the topic "AI Utilisation in the Newsroom: Asia Cases", Cambodia’s Khmer Times Deputy Editor Taing Rinith highlighted the challenges in using AI applications in the Khmer language. He pointed out that AI tools frequently produce errors when translating or generating content in Khmer, indicating a need for further development and refinement to ensure accuracy and reliability in this context.
Rinith believes that AI is the future and a tool to improve quality in journalism, but shouldn’t replace human activity. "AI should support journalists without diminishing the importance of human insight and creativity. AI should be treated like any other invention, such as the calculator, a tool to assist individuals, not to make them obsolete," he said.
Language Processing Challenges
Meanwhile, Bernama Journalist, Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali, shared his perspective that AI tools are aiding journalists in gathering information and generating new story ideas. However, he noted that AI still struggles with language processing for Bahasa Malaysia, particularly when translating from English to Bahasa Malaysia.
"In Malaysia, we lack content that is purely in Malay. Many young individuals today speak in a mix of English and Malay, rather than using pure Malay,” he said. "We face a problem due to the lack of input in Malay, which results in AI tools incorporating Indonesian terms when translating English content into Malay,” he added.
Human Oversight Crucial
While AI can enhance efficiency, it is crucial to maintain human oversight to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the information disseminated. According to SPH Media Associate News Editor, Ng Soon Kiat, his organisation has established guidelines and principles in adopting AI tools in their work and decided that all content produced must involve human oversight at every stage of the process.
Conclusion
The integration of generative AI in journalism presents both opportunities and challenges. While AI can enhance efficiency and accuracy, it is crucial to address the ethical concerns regarding transparency and accountability. As the media industry continues to evolve with technological advancements, the need for a conscientious approach to integrating AI in journalism is essential.
FAQs
- What are the challenges in using AI applications in the Khmer language?
- AI tools frequently produce errors when translating or generating content in Khmer, indicating a need for further development and refinement to ensure accuracy and reliability in this context.
- How does AI affect the role of human journalists?
- AI should support journalists without diminishing the importance of human insight and creativity. AI should be treated like any other invention, such as the calculator, a tool to assist individuals, not to make them obsolete.
- What are the language processing challenges in using AI for Bahasa Malaysia?
- AI still struggles with language processing for Bahasa Malaysia, particularly when translating from English to Bahasa Malaysia, due to the lack of input in Malay and the incorporation of Indonesian terms.