Broadcast professionals urge ethical AI use, stronger mentorship

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s broadcasting industry on Tuesday called for stronger mentorship, ethical journalism and responsible adoption of emerging technologies to safeguard the future of broadcasting.

The call was made at the maiden Ambassador Segun Olusola Annual Lecture, organised as a pre-event for the 7th Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards at the Afe Babalola Auditorium, University of Lagos.

The lecture was held under the theme, “Passing the Mic: Bridging Generations, Restoring Professionalism and Securing the Future of Broadcasting,” with the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, UNILAG, Prof Sunday Oloruntola, as host and the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, as chief host.

Moderating the event, broadcast journalist Zdon Paporella said the lecture was instituted to honour the enduring legacy of Amb Olusola, whom he described as a pioneer whose contributions to broadcasting, diplomacy and humanitarian service continue to inspire generations.

Paporella said the broadcasting profession had evolved from the analogue era to the digital age and was now grappling with the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence.

“We are here to celebrate the life and legacy of a man whose voice echoed across generations.

“He was more than a broadcaster; he was a broadcaster’s broadcaster, a diplomat and humanitarian who understood the art and science of communication at the highest level,” he said.

He added that the theme of the lecture underscored the need for experienced broadcasters to mentor younger professionals while preserving the ethics that have sustained the profession.

Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the organisers, the convener of the lecture and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards, Ms Agatha Amata, said the annual lecture was established to preserve Amb Olusola’s legacy while creating a platform for critical conversations on the future of broadcasting.

She said the media industry must continue to produce professionals who can adapt to technological advancement without sacrificing ethics, credibility and public trust.

Representing one of the keynote speakers, Dr Victor Ogwueze urged broadcasters to embrace innovation responsibly, warning that artificial intelligence, voice cloning, manipulated images and misinformation pose significant threats to journalism.

“The digital age has introduced new threats. We must verify before we amplify. We must investigate before we report. Ethics are not barriers to success; they are the foundation of sustainable success,” he said.

He urged media practitioners to prioritise credibility over popularity, noting that while social media platforms evolve rapidly, public trust remains the profession’s most valuable asset.

Panellists at the event also stressed that effective knowledge transfer between veteran broadcasters and younger practitioners would be critical to sustaining the industry, insisting that experience, innovation and technology must work together to preserve the integrity of Nigerian broadcasting.

The annual lecture forms part of activities lined up for the 7th Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards, which celebrate excellence in the Nigerian broadcasting industry while promoting professionalism and mentoring the next generation of broadcasters.