International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed journalism globally by reshaping news production, content distribution, audience engagement, and newsroom operations. Despite these developments, the preparedness of broadcast media organisations in Nigeria to adopt AI technologies remains largely unexplored.
Objective: This study assessed the level of AI training among journalists and the institutional readiness of broadcast media organisations in Anambra State, Nigeria, with particular emphasis on organisational policies, funding, and regulatory frameworks for AI adoption. Methodology: The study adopted a mixed-methods research design. Quantitative data were collected and analysed first, followed by qualitative data obtained through in-depth interviews to explain and complement the quantitative findings. Results: The findings revealed a low level of institutional readiness for AI adoption among broadcast media organisations in Anambra State. Specifically, most organisations lacked formal AI policies, dedicated budgetary provisions, and management-driven initiatives to support AI integration into journalism practice. The study also found that journalists had limited access to formal AI training, whether through employer-sponsored programmes or self-sponsored professional development initiatives.
Conclusion: The study concluded that both journalists and broadcast media organisations in Anambra State are inadequately prepared to effectively adopt and utilise Artificial Intelligence in journalism practice.
Unique Contribution: This study extends existing scholarship by moving beyond perception-based assessments to empirically examine the institutional capacity required for AI adoption in broadcast journalism. It contributes to the growing body of Global South literature on digital transformation and provides evidence for addressing the technological and capacity gaps that hinder AI integration in Nigerian media organisations.
Key Recommendation: Broadcast media organisations should develop comprehensive AI policies, establish dedicated budgetary provisions for AI implementation, and invest in continuous training and capacity-building programmes to facilitate the effective integration of Artificial Intelligence into journalism practice.