The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), with support from IFEX, convened a Media Stakeholders’ Roundtable to commemorate World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2025, in alignment with the global theme set by UNESCO: “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.” The Roundtable held within the IPC premises in Lagos-Nigeria brought together senior editors, journalists, media owners, academics, civil society actors, and policy advocates to engage in meaningful dialogue on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), press freedom, journalistic safety, and democratic governance. The participants welcomed the growing discourse on the implications of artificial intelligence on journalism practice and emphasised the urgent need for ethical and inclusive policy frameworks to guide the responsible adoption of AI technologies within Nigeria’s media space. Key Deliberations and Observations The Roundtable explored the dual nature of AI, acknowledging its significant potential to improve journalistic work through automation, data analysis, and content translation, while also cautioning against its threats to press freedom. These include the spread of disinformation, digital surveillance, algorithmic censorship, and economic displacement of media workers. Participants also noted with deep concern the deteriorating safety conditions of journalists in Nigeria drawing from the 2024 State of Press Freedom Report released by IPC’s Safety of Journalists Hub at the event, which recorded 45 attacks affecting 70 media practitioners, in 2024 with most violations attributed to security personnel while the violations ranged from physical assault and arbitrary detention to online harassment and denial of access. The Roundtable stressed that these assaults not only endanger individual journalists and their media outlets, but also undermine democracy, public interest journalism, and accountability in governance. Stakeholders resolved that the following measures are central to safeguarding press freedom amid the rise of AI technologies: Policy and Regulatory Frameworks Participants at the roundtable called on relevant government agencies to collaborate closely with media stakeholders in the development of comprehensive national guidelines for the governance of artificial intelligence in journalism. These guidelines, they emphasised, should prioritise ethical standards, ensure transparency in AI deployment, and safeguard the integrity and independence of journalistic practice. Additionally, participants urged institutions such as the Nigerian Press Council to take on a more proactive and strategic role in overseeing the ongoing digital transformation within the media sector, ensuring that technological advancement reinforces press freedom rather than undermines it. Educational Reform and Capacity Development The roundtable urged universities and journalism training institutions to undertake a comprehensive review and update of their curricula to reflect the evolving media landscape. This includes the integration of subjects such as artificial intelligence literacy, data journalism and digital safety to better equip future journalists for the demands of modern newsrooms. Furthermore, participants emphasised the need for ongoing, industry-led training and capacity-building programmes for practicing media professionals, with a focus on emerging technologies, misinformation and disinformation detection, and cybersecurity, to ensure they remain adaptive, informed, and resilient in the face of rapid technological change. Safety and Welfare of Journalists The need for fair labour practices within the media industry was also strongly emphasised. Participants underscored the importance of timely salary payments, provision of insurance coverage, and the creation of safe and supportive working environments particularly for journalists operating in high-risk or hostile settings. The discussion further highlighted the critical need for psycho-social support to address trauma experienced by media professionals, alongside access to digital safety tools and legal assistance. Media support organisations, notably the International Press Centre and Media Rights Agenda (MRA), were acknowledged as vital platforms for delivering these services and for advocating the rights and protection of journalists across the country. Strengthening Media Institutions Stakeholders stressed that there is an urgent need to build resilient and forward-looking media organisations capable of adapting to the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. Participants called for greater collaboration between the media sector, academia, civil society, and the technology industry to develop journalism-centric AI tools and systems that uphold ethical standards and reinforce press freedom. They also advocated stronger institutional frameworks and internal policies that promote editorial independence, protect journalists’ rights, and encourage innovation. Media associations were urged to play a more active role in coordinating professional development, setting ethical benchmarks, and advocating supportive regulatory environments that enable the media to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. Support for Investigative and Public Interest Journalism Participants also noted the importance of prioritising journalistic forms that rely on human creativity, ethical judgment, and critical thinking particularly investigative and data-driven reporting. In the face of growing automation through artificial intelligence, participants agreed that these areas remain vital to holding power to account and serving the public interest. The roundtable also underscored the value of collaborative initiatives, such as the partnership between ACSPN and Dataphyte, which aim to enhance journalists’ analytical and technical capacities through targeted training and mentorship. Such efforts were seen as crucial to strengthening the depth, accuracy, and impact of journalism in an AI-influenced media environment. Conclusion The Roundtable concluded with a reaffirmation of collective commitment to defending press freedom, promoting ethical AI integration, and enhancing journalists’ safety in Nigeria. Participants underscored the necessity of a human-centred, transparent, and accountable approach to AI that serves the public interest and reinforces the role of a free press in a democratic society. The International Press Centre and the Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals of Nigeria extended their appreciation to all stakeholders in attendance and committed to continuing dialogue and partnership in addressing technological disruptions to the media sector. The organisers agreed to convene a follow-up stakeholders’ forum later in 2025 to assess progress on the implementation of recommendations and review emerging developments in the AI-media landscape. Signed:International Press Centre (IPC)Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN)
