Date of Award

2025

Degree Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Nancy Booker

Second Advisor

James Ndone

Department

Graduate School of Media and Communications

Abstract

The 21st century is defined by rapid technological advancements, among which artificial intelligence (AI) stands as a transformative force. AI's integration into journalism has redefined traditional workflows, offering unprecedented automation, efficiency, and audience engagement opportunities. However, these advancements raise significant ethical concerns, including biases, transparency, accountability, and privacy. This study examines AI's integration into journalism, focusing on Kenyan newsrooms Tuko News, Nation Media Group, and BBC to explore its impact on journalistic practices and ethics. Employing a qualitative approach, the research captures insights from journalists, editors, and technical staff, examining the specific AI tools in use, their impact, ethical challenges, and strategies for responsible integration. Findings reveal that while AI streamlines content creation, editing, and dissemination, its uneven adoption stems from gaps in training and localised tool customisation. Key ethical concerns, such as algorithmic bias and misrepresentation, highlight the need for robust editorial oversight and ethical frameworks. The study advocates for structured training, localised AI tools, and collaborative innovation to address these challenges. Newsrooms can leverage AI's transformative potential while maintaining public trust by aligning AI technologies with journalistic values and ethical standards. These findings contribute to ongoing discussions about the intersections of technology, ethics, and journalism, providing actionable recommendations for sustainable AI integration in diverse contexts.

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