EMERGING FRONTIER IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: TRANSFORMING NIGERIAN JOURNALISM PRACTICE IN THE FUTURE.

Abstract

This study examined the emerging frontier in artificial intelligence: transforming Nigerian journalism practice in the future. The technological determinism theory was anchored in this study. This study adopted a qualitative research approach, utilising in-depth interviews to explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on Nigerian journalism. The study's population comprised of professional journalists working across various media platforms in Nigeria, including print, broadcast, and online media. A purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 20 journalists who have experience or exposure to AI-driven media practices. The selected participants were drawn from major media organisations in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, representing the diversity of the Nigerian media landscape. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured in-depth interviews, allowing participants to provide detailed responses and share their experiences regarding AI adoption, challenges, and potential solutions. The interviews were conducted via virtual platforms, depending on participants' availability and preferences. Each interview was recorded with the participants’ consent and later transcribed for analysis. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns and recurring themes within the collected data, ensuring a systematic examination of journalists’ perspectives. The findings revealed that, AI has significantly improved news production efficiency in Nigerian journalism, enabling faster content generation, real-time trend tracking, and personalised audience engagement. AI tools like automated writing software and data analysis systems have streamlined workflows, particularly in data-heavy areas like financial and sports reporting, thus enhancing productivity and accuracy in newsrooms. The study concluded that AI has a transformative impact on news production in Nigerian journalism by enhancing efficiency and enabling more personalised content delivery, suggesting that newsrooms must adapt to these technological advancements to improve both their operational efficiency and audience engagement. The study recommended that Nigerian newsrooms should invest in AI technologies to improve the efficiency and quality of news production, focusing on automation and content personalisation to enhance audience engagement