AIB launches Artificial Intelligence Working Group for members

The Association for International Broadcasting has launched a Working Group dedicated to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in TV and radio newsrooms across the globe.

The AIB says it recognises the urgent need for broadcasters to comprehend and effectively harness the power of AI in newsrooms to deliver high-quality journalism and enhance audience engagement.

The newly formed Working Group will serve as a platform for industry professionals, technologists, and AI experts to share insights, best practices, and practical guidance, enabling AIB member companies to navigate the complex world of AI.

By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, the AIB aims to ensure that its members remain at the cutting edge of AI implementation in newsrooms, while upholding ethical standards and preserving the core principles of journalism.

Key areas of focus for the Working Group will include:

• AI-driven content generation: Exploring the use of AI algorithms and machine learning in automating news content creation, from generating scripts to producing video packages, while maintaining journalistic integrity and editorial control.
• Audience analytics and personalisation: Understanding how AI-powered analytics can provide broadcasters with valuable audience insights, enabling personalised content recommendations and enhancing the overall viewing and listening experience.
• Fact-checking and misinformation: Addressing the role of AI in combating the proliferation of misinformation and fake news, leveraging advanced algorithms and natural language processing to verify and validate news sources.
• Ethical considerations: Examining the ethical implications of AI adoption in newsrooms, including bias detection and mitigation, data privacy, and the impact on employment and diversity within the media industry.

Walter Fernandez, Editor in Chief and Chief Sustainability Officer of Singapore’s Mediacorp, and member of the AIB Executive Committee, has led the work to form this new Working Group: “The issues around AI in newsrooms are significant and fundamental. We are at the earliest stages in understanding how AI can benefit our output and audience, and what the effects will be on our newsrooms. Combining knowledge from all AIB members, and listening to experts in the field, will help us successfully navigate the issues – including ethics – around deploying AI extensively in news operations, while preserving the trust of our audiences.”

Simon Spanswick, CEO of the Association for International Broadcasting, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch of the Working Group: “AI presents both exciting possibilities and significant challenges for broadcasters. With the launch of this Working Group, the AIB is proactively supporting its member organisations by fostering a collaborative environment where we can collectively address the complexities of AI implementation in newsrooms. By working together, we can ensure that the power of AI is harnessed ethically and responsibly, enabling broadcasters to deliver quality journalism while maintaining public trust.”

The AIB invites broadcasters, technology providers, and AI experts to join this Working Group and contribute their expertise to the advancement of AI in the broadcasting industry. Together, they will shape the future of newsrooms and ensure the continued delivery of accurate, relevant, and impactful journalism worldwide.