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Perception of Lagos-Based Journalists on Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools for News Reporting


Authors : Ayodele Oluwafemi

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/34mssz4r

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/9tbdawca

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr007

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Abstract : This study examined the perception of Lagos-based journalists on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for news reporting. The study was motivated by the growing influence of generative AI tools in journalism practice. The study was anchored on the Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) and Mediamorphosis Theory, which provided the theoretical foundation for understanding journalists’ attitudes toward technological integration in the newsroom. A total of 374 Lagosbased journalists were purposively selected from the registered members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Chapter. The study employed a survey method, with a structured questionnaire used as the primary data collection instrument. Data collected were analysed using frequency tables, simple percentages, and criterion mean analysis, with responses at or above the 2.50 threshold accepted. Findings revealed that the majority of Lagos-based journalists (85.3% of respondents) have adopted AI tools for various aspects of news production, including idea generation, transcription, grammar checks, and writing from press releases. However, while journalists demonstrate a positive perception of AI’s usefulness, many remain cautious about the credibility, ethical implications, and accuracy of AI-generated content. The study concludes that while AI offers opportunities for efficiency in journalism, Lagos-based journalists still face challenges in its usage, including high subscription costs and limited internet access. The study further identified key challenges, such as high subscription costs of AI tools, inadequate access to reliable internet, and limited technical expertise. However, responsible adoption of AI tools is necessary to safeguard the credibility of news reporting and journalism practise. Based on these findings, the researcher recommends that media owners, journalism unions, and civil society organisations invest in capacity building, provide subsidised access to AI tools, and develop ethical guidelines to ensure the effective and responsible use of AI in journalism in Nigeria. The researcher also recommends that journalists must ensure that AIgenerated content undergoes additional layers of human verification and vetting before being published.

Keywords : Artificial Intelligence (AI), Journalism, News Reporting, Human Verification.

References :

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This study examined the perception of Lagos-based journalists on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for news reporting. The study was motivated by the growing influence of generative AI tools in journalism practice. The study was anchored on the Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) and Mediamorphosis Theory, which provided the theoretical foundation for understanding journalists’ attitudes toward technological integration in the newsroom. A total of 374 Lagosbased journalists were purposively selected from the registered members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Chapter. The study employed a survey method, with a structured questionnaire used as the primary data collection instrument. Data collected were analysed using frequency tables, simple percentages, and criterion mean analysis, with responses at or above the 2.50 threshold accepted. Findings revealed that the majority of Lagos-based journalists (85.3% of respondents) have adopted AI tools for various aspects of news production, including idea generation, transcription, grammar checks, and writing from press releases. However, while journalists demonstrate a positive perception of AI’s usefulness, many remain cautious about the credibility, ethical implications, and accuracy of AI-generated content. The study concludes that while AI offers opportunities for efficiency in journalism, Lagos-based journalists still face challenges in its usage, including high subscription costs and limited internet access. The study further identified key challenges, such as high subscription costs of AI tools, inadequate access to reliable internet, and limited technical expertise. However, responsible adoption of AI tools is necessary to safeguard the credibility of news reporting and journalism practise. Based on these findings, the researcher recommends that media owners, journalism unions, and civil society organisations invest in capacity building, provide subsidised access to AI tools, and develop ethical guidelines to ensure the effective and responsible use of AI in journalism in Nigeria. The researcher also recommends that journalists must ensure that AIgenerated content undergoes additional layers of human verification and vetting before being published.

Keywords : Artificial Intelligence (AI), Journalism, News Reporting, Human Verification.

Paper Submission Last Date
30 - April - 2026

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