Press Freedom Day 2025: AMDF Calls for Responsible AI Use in Journalism

By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

As the world commemorates World Press Freedom Day, the Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) has called on journalists across the continent to embrace and adapt to the rising influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in media, while upholding ethical journalism and combating misinformation.

In a statement issued on Friday, AMDF Manager for Press Freedom, Zhiroh Jatau, emphasized the importance of safeguarding press freedom in the digital age and urged media professionals to lead responsible discourse on AI’s role in journalism.

This year’s global theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom,” highlights the evolving relationship between media and technology. AMDF described the theme as timely, noting that AI is already reshaping newsrooms, content delivery, and audience engagement across Africa.

“AI has come to stay. With it comes a baggage of advantages and new challenges. Journalists and the media at large must be challenged to develop practical approaches in maintaining ethical practice, high-level professionalism, and sustaining jobs,” the statement read.

The foundation raised concerns about the potential misuse of AI, especially in spreading false and misleading information. It also warned that media independence could be threatened if digital gaps continue to widen, particularly for outlets that are slow to adopt new technologies.

AMDF urged journalists to take the lead in shaping how generative content and AI tools are used within the industry. 

“Journalists should be the major information hub for any generative news and media content online. African journalists should take full responsibility in learning and adapting to the use of AI,” Jatau said.

The foundation also called for inclusive dialogue involving governments, civil society, tech companies, and media professionals to address AI-related challenges to press freedom and media viability.

As part of its reflections on the day, AMDF paid tribute to journalists who have lost their lives or faced persecution in the pursuit of truth and transparency, while celebrating the resilience of those who continue to work under difficult conditions.

AMDF reaffirm its commitment to supporting free, ethical, and sustainable journalism across Africa.