NJOMACS

This study investigated the ethical concerns surrounding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in news production, focusing on the perceptions of journalists in radio stations across Kwara State, Nigeria. This research employed a descriptive survey method involving 67 journalists drawn from four NUJ-registered radio stations in the state. Findings revealed that AI adoption in radio journalism remains limited, with most respondents reporting only occasional or rare use. Among those who use AI, the most cited ethical concerns were loss of editorial independence, job displacement, and bias in AI-generated content. Additionally, a significant majority disagreed that replacing human journalists with AI is ethically acceptable, even amid economic pressures. In terms of ethical safeguards, the most common practices include verifying AI-generated content and collaborating with human editors. However, transparency remains a concern, as only 10% of respondents disclose AI-assisted content to their audience. The study concluded that while journalists in Kwara State acknowledged AI’s benefits, they remain cautious of its ethical implications and prioritize human oversight. It recommended the development of clear ethical guidelines, training programs on AI literacy, and mandatory disclosure practices to ensure trust, accountability, and journalistic integrity in AI-assisted newsrooms.