International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: The rise of artificial intelligence and automated news production systems is transforming the landscape of journalism globally. In Nigeria, the integration of robotic journalism poses both opportunities and challenges for human journalists in the broadcasting industry.
Objective: This study investigates the perception of journalists of the impact of robotic journalism on the roles and responsibilities of human journalists in Nigerian broadcasting, focusing on two primary objectives: to assess how robotic journalism is perceived as a tool complementing human efforts and to examine the ethical and regulatory implications of AI technologies in Nigerian broadcasting.
Method: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, collecting data from broadcast stations across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones to understand the perception of journalists regarding robotic journalism.
Result: Findings indicate that robotic journalism is largely viewed as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for human journalists. While AI technologies enhance operational efficiency and allow journalists to focus on more complex, analytical tasks, there remains a strong appreciation for human skills and core journalistic values. The study also highlights significant ethical and regulatory concerns, with a consensus on the need for clearer frameworks to govern AI use in journalism, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the future of Nigerian broadcasting likely involves a coexistence of human expertise and artificial intelligence, leveraging their unique strengths. It emphasizes the importance of developing integrated newsroom strategies and establishing comprehensive regulatory frameworks to address the ethical challenges posed by AI in journalism.
Unique Contribution: This study provides valuable insights into how robotic journalism can coexist with traditional journalism practices, highlighting the necessity of ethical considerations in the integration of AI technologies.
Key Recommendation: Developing integrated newsroom strategies and establishing robust regulatory frameworks are essential to ensure that AI technologies enhance journalistic integrity while addressing ethical challenges.