Experts Counsel Journalists On Emerging Technologies, Digital Safety
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Some experts have advised Nigerian journalists to strengthen their understanding of emerging technologies, legal boundaries and digital safety in order to remain relevant in modern journalism.
The experts’ advice formed part of the key messages delivered during the ongoing 2025 Retreat of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Kaduna,with the theme: “Emerging Trends In Journalism: Impact of AI, News Sources & Digital-Driven Newsroom In Modern Journalism; Task Before Journalists.”
One of the experts, Barr. Yusuf Abdul Salam, while presenting a paper titled: “The Defamatory Border Lines in Media Reports: A Legal Perspective,” said Nigerian journalists must pay closer attention to the legal implications of their language use and sourcing practices.
“In Nigeria, what exists is right of expression, not freedom of the press,” adding that careless reporting could easily lead to libelous or defamatory publications.
In her paper, “AI in Journalism and Mass Communication: Scope and Values,” Ms. Hajia Sani urged journalists to upgrade their knowledge of emerging media technologies or risk being left behind.
“If you don’t know how to utilize devices, you are left behind,” she said, adding that while Artificial Intelligence supports content production, it also comes with ethical and social implications journalists must be cautious about.
Speaking on digital trends, Abdullateef Abubakar Jos, who delivered a presentation titled: “Digital Media: Emerging Opportunities, Challenges,” highlighted the distinction between digital and new media, lamenting that journalists, especially online publishers, are increasingly becoming victims of cybercrime.
Jos urged media practitioners to verify information and uphold professional ethics, despite the pressure of the digital environment.
The chairman of the Retreat, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa,who is also the Director-General, Media and Public Relations at the Kano State Government House,commended the resource persons for their knowledge-driven sessions.
Bature, who is the spokesperson to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, cautioned journalists on excessive dependence on Artificial Intelligence.
“Artificial Intelligence generates information through human beings. We should not entirely succumb our creativity and professionalism to AI,” he said, while stressing the need for journalists to follow digital trends without compromising their craft.