Pan Atlantic University Hosts Media Roundtable 2026 Webinar
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform newsrooms globally, experts and academics warn against viewing the technology as a replacement for the foundational principles of accurate, ethical, and human-centered journalism.
During Pan-Atlantic University’s (PAU) 2026 Media Roundtable, which focused on the evolving landscape of journalism in Africa under the theme ‘The Future of African Media: AI, Monetization and Editorial Integrity,’ participants emphasized that AI should serve to enhance journalism rather than undermine it.
Richard Ikebe, Chairman of the Board of Businessday Media Limited, highlighted that Africa’s primary challenge is not the technology itself, but rather the limited capacity to effectively integrate and utilize it. He insisted that AI should act as a supportive tool for journalists while underscoring the irreplaceable value of human judgment.
Ikebe noted, “African media should not aim to replicate global models blindly. Its future lies in becoming more authentic and distinctive, fostering originality while enhancing visibility and trust.” He remarked that while AI cannot salvage subpar journalism, strong, well-structured journalism can leverage AI to improve efficiency and depth.
For AI to deliver meaningful results, Ikebe stressed the need for media organizations to strengthen their data management systems, overhaul newsroom workflows, establish clear governance policies, and uphold robust editorial oversight. Without these foundational elements, the integration of AI is unlikely to yield sustainable benefits in journalism.
International journalist Mike Okwoche discussed the potential for AI-powered transcription technologies to enhance the accuracy of speech recognition across diverse languages and accents. He emphasized that these tools should aid media professionals rather than replace them, highlighting the essential role of editorial oversight in maintaining accuracy and ethical standards.
Morayo Afolabi-Brown, CEO of MAB Productions, shared insights on utilizing AI to improve operational efficiency and audience engagement. She explained that automating routine tasks can enhance productivity while significantly reducing operational costs, enabling both established media organizations and independent content creators to produce more content with fewer resources.
Afolabi-Brown encouraged independent producers to adopt AI technologies to enhance their creative output and maintain competitiveness in the fast-evolving digital media environment. She asserted that technology should supplement human creativity, not supplant it, revealing its true value when it enhances storytelling and editorial judgment.
Elizabeth Moussa, program leader and anchor at Business Day TV, emphasized AI’s crucial role in optimizing journalistic practices, particularly during breaking news events. She pointed out that AI facilitates swift information collection, processing, and dissemination, thereby enabling quicker decision-making in newsrooms.
Pan-Atlantic University faculty member Jeremiah Bandel asserted the importance of transparency in AI implementation within journalism. He urged professionals to disclose when AI is employed in content creation or editing to foster credibility and strengthen audience trust.
Bandel emphasized that journalists must acknowledge their collaborative work with AI and ensure audiences understand the role of technology in the content creation process, thereby promoting accountability and upholding editorial integrity. The consensus among speakers was clear: while AI offers significant opportunities for enhancing efficiency, productivity, and audience engagement, it must be implemented ethically and responsively within organizations committed to journalistic integrity.
Ikebe concluded that the future of African media hinges on the development of resilient institutions that embrace innovation and create solutions tailored to the unique needs of African audiences.
