By Ukpa Ewa
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has launched a visual brief to mark the 2025 World Press Freedom Day, calling for responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism, particularly in Nigeria.
The visual brief, released under the global theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” highlights the dual impact of AI on journalism offering both opportunities and significant threats to media freedom.
According to MRA Programme Officer, Mr. John Gbadamosi, AI is rapidly changing the way news is produced and consumed. He said it provides tools that can support journalists in analysing data, translating stories into local languages, and expanding access to vital information, especially in underserved communities.
However, he warned that AI is also being misused to spread disinformation, create deepfakes and suppress independent media through algorithmic manipulation. He stressed that in Nigeria, journalists now face not only physical threats but also digital, algorithmic and systemic challenges that could erode press freedom.
He noted that the visual brief explains key issues such as misinformation, disinformation, mal-information and information overload, all of which are shaping Nigeria’s digital media environment while also raising concerns about AI-driven surveillance, political influence and marginalisation of local journalists.
Mr. Gbadamosi said the visual brief was part of MRA’s efforts to encourage support for independent journalism, advocate for effective AI regulation tailored to Nigeria’s context, promote digital literacy and hold tech companies accountable for the content on their platforms.
He urged all stakeholders to commit to the responsible use of AI and to defend a free, independent and professional media landscape in Nigeria, emphasizing that “when media freedom thrives, democracy lives.”
The visual brief is available at https://bit.ly/4cXfVt7.
