Prioritise integrity, fact-checking – Pres. Ali to journalists amid surge of AI in reporting

In observance of World Press Freedom Day, President Dr Irfaan Ali has underscored the importance of responsibility and integrity in the dissemination of information to the public, especially in today’s fast-paced environment when reach and speed are prioritised.

This year’s Press Freedom Day is being observed under the theme: ‘Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.’

Addressing media operatives, government officials and diplomats at a brunch held at State House earlier today, which also featured the inaugural Excellence in Media Awards, the Head of State reminded that it is crucial to uphold journalistic principles.

“The responsibility you bear is immense, and it is vital that you take it seriously. Engage in rigorous fact-checking, pursue balanced reporting, and dedicate ourselves to the ethics of journalism. In doing so, you will not only uphold the dignity of your profession but you will also contribute to building a more informed, cohesive society.”

“Let us elevate our discourse, letting facts be our guiding stars in our commitment to the truth as our compass. The role of the media in educating and enlightening or public cannot be overstated. When media organisations prioritise integrity and accountability, they become vital allies in our shared progress and shared prosperity,” he stated.

President Ali further pointed out that journalistic ethnics are often put on the back burner when reach, influence, and speed come into play – which he highlighted pose a danger, especially when AI is thrown into the mix.

“So, how do we manage in this environment when the speed, accuracy, reliability and relevance go at odds with each other?”

“When you add AI and the power of AI to that formula… it does not require intellectualism or professionalism to define the message anymore. You have the reach, you have the capability and capacity, you then have the intellectual ability of using a tool that requires limited thinking to do whatever you want that tool to do… Is there anything we could do about it – very little at the moment,” he surmised.

According to the Guyanese Leader, it is vitally important that AI is utilised for the right purpose, otherwise it could be destructive.

“If we don’t ensure that AI is utilised [correctly] especially when it comes to the press and information dissemination, [then it could be destructive] because information is so powerful that it can destabilise instantaneously with little time to respond.”

He also outlined the importance of recognising the current changing environment, not just locally but around the world.

“So, media personnel will be operating in different environment as the future evolves… because everyone understands the changing nature of information dissemination, of information access, of information availability.”

“Do facts even have a role to play anymore in this race for information. Does science even have a role anymore? We have to answer these questions because if the media itself or if… the information disseminators themselves are not relying on facts and science and those things, they are more interested in that reach, and impact, and getting there first, then certain things will be sacrificed. And what we’re seeing globally is that the most important aspects of fair and ethical reporting is sacrificed; not only here all over the world.”

In Guyana, freedom of expression, including freedom of the press, is enshrined in the Constitution, but according to the Head of State, this was done at a time when digitisation and AI was not there.

To this end, he underscored the need for these to be taken into consideration during the constitution reform process that has been embarked upon.

“There is a higher degree of burden… that is placed on digital and AI news because that news reach faster, further and quicker so that there is greater responsibility on those that are disseminating that news because of the instantaneous nature and the speed and the reach, the burden of responsibility is different and those are the things we have to look at. The best practices, wherever they exist, to be part of the reform,” the Guyana Leader noted.

Meanwhile, during today’s Press Freedom Day event, several media operatives were recognised for their exceptional work in the fraternity over the years.

Among the awardees was Editor-in-Chief of the Times Media Group – Guyana Times, INews and Evening News, Tusika Martin. She received the inaugural Excellence in Media (Print) Award.

In accepting the award, Ms. Martin said, “There is no greater fulfilment than witnessing the tangible impact of a story—seeing words on a page ignite change in people’s lives. Today, as Editor-in-Chief, the privilege of directing such narratives is both humbling and exhilarating… This year’s theme: ‘Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media’— calls on us to engage with AI not as a shortcut, but as a tool to enhance our craft, always vigilant in preserving the core freedoms that define our work.”

The other recipients were Zenella Tamaira Marks and Merrano Isaacs, while veteran broadcaster, Ronald Ron Robinson, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.