ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND JOURNALISTIC PRACTICES IN NIGERIA: NAVIGATING AWARENESS, ADOPTION, AND STRUCTURAL CHALLENGES

Abstract

The introduction of Artificial intelligence (AI) in global newsrooms ushered in a new media landscape. The reality of this new landscape cannot be generalized; rather, it is best studied contextually in consideration of the differences that exist across global divides. Thus, this study tells the Nigerian story by assessing the awareness and adoption of AI in journalistic routines amongst journalists in Nigeria. The study leaned on the Social Construction of Technology Theory (SCOT) to provide a framework for understanding the structural factors that underscored the existing AI-driven News industry in Nigeria. The findings revealed that Nigerian journalists are significantly aware of AI use in the newsroom, but this level of awareness does not correspond to the low level of usage amongst Nigerian journalists. Similarly, the findings established that the adoption of AI depends heavily on three structural elements including technological infrastructure, financial constraints, and organizational culture. The study further highlighted both the potential of AI in improving journalistic practices and the challenges that impede its extensive adoption in the Nigerian media industry. From the findings, it was concluded that there is a need for standardized AI training programs because Nigerian journalists exhibit different levels of technical understanding of artificial intelligence. In general, the study advances discussions about AI journalism in developing countries while providing guidelines to help policymakers, media organizations, and journalists navigate future news production systems driven by AI in Nigeria.