International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) and automated reporting are reshaping journalism by improving the speed and efficiency of news production. However, their use raises concerns about misinformation, algorithmic bias, professional judgement, accountability, employment, and public trust.
Objective: This study examined registered journalists’ awareness of the risks associated with automated reporting, their perceptions of its implications for journalism practice, and strategies for mitigating these risks in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive survey design was adopted. The population comprised 342 registered journalists, from which 181 were selected using simple random sampling. Of these, 174 returned usable questionnaires, constituting the final sample. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with an overall Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .87. The data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Results: The findings revealed a high level of awareness of automated reporting risks (Grand Mean = 4.02), particularly those relating to misinformation, algorithmic bias, ethics, and accountability. Respondents also perceived significant implications for accuracy, credibility, professional roles, accountability, and public trust (Grand Mean = 4.09). They expressed strong support for independent verification, professional training, human editorial oversight, organisational guidelines, and accountability procedures as measures for mitigating these risks (Grand Mean = 4.19).
Conclusion: Responsible adoption of automated reporting requires adequate professional safeguards to ensure that automation complements rather than replaces human journalistic judgement, verification, and accountability. Recommendation: Media organisations should strengthen human verification practices, provide regular professional training, and establish clear editorial and accountability guidelines for automated reporting.
Unique Contribution: The study provides state-level evidence of journalists’ perceptions of the risks and safeguards associated with automated reporting, extending Nigerian scholarship beyond the media environments more frequently examined in existing research.