Date of Award

1-1-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA) in Digital Journalism

First Advisor

Nyamboga Nyakundi

Second Advisor

Lydia Radoli

Department

Graduate School of Media and Communications

Abstract

Like many other technologies before it, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the media has presented both opportunities and challenges for the industry. One of the opportunities it presents is that it could make the journalists more efficient and productive in their practices such as gathering stories, editing them and distributing them to the public. However, bias, finances, ignorance have kept the media from completely embracing it and only use it for particular purposes. Nation Media Group-Uganda (NMG-U) is one of the companies that has adopted the use of AI, although not officially. The company has been using AI since 2016 but recently began emphasizing the use of particular AI tools to the journalists. This study analysed how journalists at the Daily Monitor newspaper, a subsidiary of the NMG-U, have incorporated AI into their work. The study used qualitative approach and a descriptive case study design to understand how AI impacts journalistic practices. The research used interviews to understand the impact of AI on journalistic practices at the Daily Monitor. It applied the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which explains why people choose certain technologies.The study focused on journalists (reporters and editors) at Kampala’s Daily Monitor newspaper head offices in Kampala. It focused on the period from 2022 to 2023 when managers emphasized the use of AI at the company. The study found that AI’s adoption at the Daily Monitor is a work in progress. While it has helped streamline repetitive tasks and improved productivity, concerns about overreliance, job loss, and ethical issues remain. The study concludes that for AI to reach its full potential in Ugandan journalism, companies need to address these challenges through better training, investment in tools, and clear policies.

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