Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming journalism by making newsroom operations more efficient, time-saving and cost-effective, while simultaneously creating new ethical and professional challenges for journalists.
Consequently, young journalists and journalism students must continuously update their technological knowledge and develop the skills required to work responsibly in an increasingly AI-driven media environment.
These observations were made by M Abul Kalam Azad, Editor of TIMES of Bangladesh, while delivering the keynote speech at the inaugural Editor’s Talk on Tuesday.
Organised by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) of American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), the discussion focused on the theme “AI in Newsroom: Opportunities and Risks.”
In his keynote address, Azad highlighted how AI is changing almost every stage of journalism, from news gathering and research to report writing, copy editing and news dissemination.
While these technologies offer significant opportunities for improving newsroom efficiency, he noted that they are also challenging many traditional practices of journalism.
Azad particularly emphasised the importance of verification, editorial judgement and ethical responsibility when using AI in journalism.
He cautioned that using AI without understanding its purpose, limitations and ethical implications may result in factually incorrect, misleading or irrelevant information. Unverified AI-generated content, he noted, can seriously undermine the credibility and reputation of news organisations.
At the same time, Azad emphasised that AI can be a valuable tool for journalists when used appropriately.
According to him, technology can assist journalists in a variety of newsroom tasks, but human intervention remains essential to make journalism meaningful, contextual and human-centred.
He advised students to develop practical competence in using AI while maintaining a strong commitment to journalistic ethics, accuracy and accountability.
The inaugural Editor’s Talk began with a welcome address by Professor Dr AJM Shafiul Alam Bhuiyan, Advisor, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, AIUB. In his remarks, Dr Bhuiyan observed that AI has emerged as a major force reshaping contemporary journalism and newsroom practices.
He emphasised that journalism education must respond to this transformation by preparing students not only to use emerging technologies but also to critically understand their implications.
Dr Bhuiyan noted that AI presents considerable opportunities for newsrooms, including faster information processing, data analysis, transcription, translation, content organisation and multimedia production.
However, he stressed that technological efficiency cannot replace the core values of journalism, pointing out that accuracy, verification, editorial independence, fairness, accountability and human judgement must remain at the heart of the profession.
He encouraged students to view AI as a powerful journalistic tool rather than a substitute for journalists, and urged them to develop both technological literacy and strong ethical judgement.
The event was graced by the presence of Professor Dr Abdur Rahman, Pro Vice Chancellor, AIUB.
In his remarks, Dr Rahman underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration between academia and the media industry to ensure that journalism is practised ethically and professionally in a rapidly changing technological environment.
He emphasised the need for universities and media organisations to work together in preparing future journalists for emerging challenges and opportunities.
The Editor’s Talk marked a significant initiative by the JMC Department to strengthen interaction between journalism educators, media professionals and students.
As a first-of-its-kind event organised by the Department, the programme provided students with an opportunity to engage directly with a practising editor and gain insights into the changing realities of contemporary newsrooms.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Professor Dr Pradip Kumar Panday, Head, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, AIUB.
He expressed his gratitude to the university leadership, speaker, faculty members and students for their participation, and emphasised the Department’s commitment to creating meaningful platforms for industry – academia engagement and professional learning.
The event was organised by Dr Sariful Islam, assistant professor, JMC, AIUB, and moderated by Mst Nasreen Akter, assistant professor, JMC, AIUB.
