AI may be transforming newsrooms, but journalists must remain firmly in control of the information they publish, Australian Associated Press (AAP) representative Andrew Drummond told journalists.

Speaking during the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, Drummond said journalists should embrace experimentation with artificial intelligence and become familiar with how the technology can support newsroom work, but warned that AI must not replace human judgment, verification and journalistic standards.

He said the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation makes the role of journalists even more important, particularly during elections, parliamentary debates and other major public events.

Journalists, he said, have a responsibility to verify information, seek primary sources and provide audiences with facts they can trust.

Drummond said AAP’s approach requires human involvement in processes using AI and emphasises transparency when the technology is applied.

While newsrooms are at different stages of adopting AI, Drummond said journalists should consider how the technology can be responsibly integrated into their work without compromising accuracy, integrity or public trust.

By: Litia Rabua