The future of journalism belongs to professionals who use technology to advance truth rather than fear or depend entirely on it, according to Dr. Samson Owolabi, a lecturer in the Department of Public Relations and Advertising at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.
Dr. Owolabi made the remarks while delivering a lecture at an event organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FRCN Ibadan Chapter.
Speaking on the role of technology in journalism, he said:
“The future does not belong to the journalist who fears technology. Neither does it belong to the journalist who worships technology. It belongs to the journalist who is wise enough to make technology serve truth.”
Addressing the growing debate around Artificial Intelligence (AI), Dr. Owolabi noted that AI would not replace journalists as long as media professionals remain proactive, knowledgeable and avoid becoming overly dependent on the technology.
He stressed that AI would not determine the future of journalism, adding that the profession’s future depends on whether journalists remain more intelligent than the machines they use.
According to him, although AI is an important tool for modern and future-ready journalism, it should only support journalists rather than replace their creativity.
“Every writer has a style of writing, and AI should not overshadow such style of writing,” he said.
Dr. Owolabi explained that professional experience remains superior to artificial intelligence and urged journalists to apply their knowledge and expertise wisely when using emerging technologies.
He cautioned that journalists should never rely on AI without verifying information, warning that failure to fact-check could result in the production of unreliable content instead of building public trust.
According to him, professional competence extends beyond technical ability and includes adherence to ethical standards and commitment to serving the public interest.
He further stated that journalists continue to have a responsibility to uphold truth, accuracy, fairness and accountability in their work.
“Professionalism should be more about productivity than activities, and about delivering news that is credible, reliable and accurate rather than promoting fable and falsehood.”
Dr. Owolabi also encouraged journalists to embrace lifelong learning, noting that the profession must continue evolving alongside technological developments and changing audience expectations.
He outlined seven guiding principles for professional journalists, including lifelong learning, prioritising verification over speed, deploying artificial intelligence responsibly, and upholding ethical standards.
Other principles he highlighted include strengthening public trust through transparency, accountability and factual reporting, developing entrepreneurial competencies to ensure the long-term sustainability of journalism, and practising journalism that enlightens rather than inflames society.
The university lecturer emphasised that the future of journalism would not be defined by artificial intelligence but by the intelligence, integrity and courage of media professionals.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Mr. Akeem Abass, said his administration had organised several training programmes for members of the union.
He added that plans were underway to provide additional training on emerging technologies to help journalists improve their efficiency and adapt to the changing media landscape.
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