Artificial Intelligence isn’t just helping journalists—it’s changing the very way news is created, delivered, and consumed. And according to top media executives from around the world, the disruption is only just beginning.
At the International Editors-in-Chief Roundtable, hosted by Global Times and Huanqiu.com, media leaders from China, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Rwanda, and beyond came together to unpack how AI is transforming journalism—from newsroom workflows to ethical responsibilities.
Themed “AI Development and Transformations in Media,” the second edition of the forum spotlighted both the promise and perils of a rapidly evolving tech landscape in news.
AI as the New Newsroom Assistant
Bai Long, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Global Times, explained how AI is streamlining repetitive tasks—automating financial updates, sports scores, and even suggesting personalized content to readers. These tools, he said, are not just about efficiency—they’re about meeting modern audience expectations in real time.
From Transcription to Translation: AI Gets a Byline
In Kazakhstan, Olzhas Murzagaliyev from Tengrinews shared that AI is already being used for audio transcriptions, data retrieval, and real-time comment moderation, freeing up journalists to focus on deeper, investigative stories. He noted: “When AI handles the basics, journalists can dive deeper into what really matters.”
But What About Truth?
With all the speed and automation, the big question loomed: Is the truth being left behind? Bai Long stressed that human oversight is essential—“AI should never replace editorial judgment. It should support it.”
Bridging Languages, Borders, and Bias
AI is also proving useful in global storytelling. China.org Editor-in-Chief Wang Xiaohui explained how tools like virtual hosts, multilingual dubbing, and social media bots are helping to bridge language gaps and boost international reach.
Still, he warned: “This power must be handled with care. Transparency and regulation are critical.”
Journalism Needs a Reboot—Fast
Mike Urinzwenimana, from Africa-China Review, argued for international collaboration on AI ethics. As AI reshapes how stories are told, journalists will need new skills—data analysis, coding, and ethical tech use.
Echoing that, Nigeria’s Onochie Bridget Chiedu of The Guardian and Saud Faisal Malik of Observer Diplomat Magazine stressed the urgency of reskilling journalists, developing fresh revenue models, and rethinking the newsroom entirely.
Mind the Digital Divide
But not every newsroom can keep up. Baharu Ydnekachew from Ethiopia’s Fana Broadcasting raised concerns about access inequality. High costs and limited infrastructure, he warned, are creating a widening tech gap in global journalism.
He called for training, open-source tools, and cross-border cooperation to make sure no country is left behind in this new media era.
The Final Word: Collaboration or Chaos?
Murzagaliyev wrapped up the forum with a clear message: If we don’t work together on standards and transparency, AI might erode public trust instead of earning it. The future of journalism, he said, must be guided by ethics as much as it is by code.
