Artificial intelligence takes centre stage at 80th Inter-American Press Society assembly in Córdoba

Artificial Intelligence Takes Centre Stage at 80th Inter-American Press Society Assembly in Córdoba

CÓRDOBA, Argentina – In a gathering that has sparked intense discussions and showcased innovative technological advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as the focal point of the 80th Assembly of the Inter-American Press Society (SIP), which concludes today in Córdoba. With widespread attention on its potential to revolutionise journalism, AI is being seen as a catalyst for significant change within the industry.

The assembly has brought together notable figures in journalism, who collectively acknowledge that AI is poised to transform traditional media practices. The presence of AI in global media landscapes is no longer a novelty but a reality that demands adaptation and embraces pioneering methods.

Highlighting the adaptation and resilience of journalism under oppressive regimes, one of the assembly’s standout showcases is the project by Venezuelan editors known as Operación Retuit. This initiative employs AI avatars, indistinguishable from actual human beings, to disseminate news on social media, thereby protecting journalists’ identities and safety in a nation grappling with restricted freedom of expression under Nicolás Maduro’s regime. Through these AI-driven avatars, Operación Retuit has successfully reported significant human rights abuses during recent protests, including 1,000 detentions and 23 fatalities, garnering 41 million interactions on social media.

Furthermore, the assembly spotlighted Semafor, an American digital-native news platform that utilises AI to provide location-specific content, thus tailoring news to users’ geographical contexts. Established by former New York Times and Bloomberg journalists, Semafor has rapidly emerged, paving the way for individually curated news experiences.

The host of the assembly, Argentine newspaper LA NACION, has been integrating AI into its work, most notably during last year’s presidential debate between Sergio Massa and Javier Milei. AI was instrumental in analysing candidates’ gestures and emotions, offering insights into their debate performances. Moreover, LA NACION plans to employ AI-driven voice cloning technology to enable readers to listen to articles in the authentic voices of its columnists.

While the advantages of AI infiltrate conversations with optimism and intrigue, the assembly has addressed the technology’s potential pitfalls. AI’s capability to generate misleading or fabricated content remains a prominent concern. Instances such as AI-manipulated images of noteworthy figures and misleading political endorsements highlight the necessity for caution in maintaining journalistic integrity.

The introduction of AI into journalism coincides with discussions about the evolving media landscape, which now includes influencers and digital content creators. These figures, often perceived as journalists by some audiences, exert an influence that challenges traditional media outlets. As expressed by Hernán Cappiello, communications director at the Argentine Catholic University, influencers possess the ability to captivate audiences through personal, engaging narratives, a contrast to journalists’ commitment to objectivity and factual reporting.

Against the backdrop of advancing media technologies, the assembly contemplates the enduring role of journalism amid increasing pressures from authoritarian governance in the Americas. Esteemed professor Rosental Calmon Alves provided a historical perspective, suggesting that storytelling’s adaptability since ancient times should instil optimism regarding journalism’s future.

Amid these discussions, the rise of authoritarianism and its impacts on free expression have been acknowledged as challenges for democratic stability across the region. Notable instances of press freedom erosion were highlighted by SIP members, including the dire circumstances faced by journalists like Fabián Medina of La Prensa in Nicaragua, who has been forced into exile due to oppressive governmental actions.

In Argentina, concerns were raised about President Javier Milei’s derogatory remarks towards journalists, reflecting a global trend of political figures undermining press credibility. At the same time, Carlos Jornet of La Voz del Interior noted that a deluge of electoral events across the Americas obscures deeper democratic deficiencies, accentuated by sustained attacks on journalistic independence.

As the SIP assembly draws to a close, attendees witnessed a contrast between political leadership and journalistic advocacy, marked by Milei’s absence at the inauguration and his correspondence acknowledging journalism’s importance. This juxtaposition serves as a reminder of the media’s role amidst evolving challenges, where AI stands as a powerful, albeit complex, ally in shaping the future of journalism.

Source: Noah Wire Services