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MRA Launches Visual Brief to Commemorate 2025 World Press Freedom Day

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Ahead of this year’s World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has launched an informative visual brief to highlight the urgent need for responsible and ethical deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism, especially within Nigeria’s media landscape. The visual brief, developed under this year’s global theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” explores the opportunities and dangers AI poses to media freedom in Nigeria and across the world. In a statement released in Lagos by its Programme Officer, Mr. John Gbadamosi, MRA noted that AI is quickly changing the way news is produced and consumed, adding that it offers powerful tools that can assist journalists in analysing data, translating stories into local languages, and extend the reach of vital information, especially to underserved areas with limited media infrastructure as AI can help to ensure that essential news and information are also disseminated to such communities. However, Mr. Gbadamosi warned that the same technology is being weaponised to undermine truth and press freedom, saying: “While AI can be used to advance journalism, it can just as easily be exploited to spread disinformation, create deepfakes, and drown out independent voices with algorithmically generated propaganda.” According to him, “In Nigeria, journalists face threats that go beyond just physical dangers; such threats now also encompass digital, algorithmic, and systemic harms and challenges, which requires media professionals to ensure that AI enhances, rather than undermines, media freedom and that technology is used to promote the truth, not distort it.” The visual brief breaks down key concepts like misinformation, disinformation, mal-information, and information overload, which are increasingly shaping Nigeria’s digital media ecosystem. It also raises concerns about AI-enabled surveillance, political manipulation, and the marginalisation of community-based journalists. Mr. Gbadamosi explained that through the visual brief, MRA is also canvassing support for independent media outlets, transparent AI regulation that reflects Nigeria’s socio-political realities, widespread digital literacy to empower citizens to navigate the information space and greater accountability from technology companies for the content and influence of their platforms. He therefore urged all stakeholders to advocate for responsible AI usage and a free, independent, professional and vibrant media environment in Nigeria, stressing that “when media freedom thrives, democracy lives.” The visual brief is available at https://bit.ly/4cXfVt7.

Nigeria partners US to enhance Press Freedom, fight fake news

Our Reporters9 months ago9 months ago03 mins

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that his ministry is collaborating closely with the United States government to promote and strengthen press freedom in Nigeria. Idris stated this in an interview with newsmen shortly after he met with the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Richard Mills in his office on Wednesday. “The ambassador talked about some issues that he thinks we need to address, to improve in the area of press freedom and we have also given him assurance on what we are doing and he recognises the fact that we are doing a great job in ensuring that Nigerian press is not just free but also one of the freest around the world. I know there are some challenges here and there and we are working on those areas to ensure that all of us enjoy what is called press freedom, which is an important part of any viable democracy,” he said. The Minister emphasized the Tinubu administration’s high priority on press freedom and assured the government’s commitment to further enhancing media freedom in the country. He said they also discussed how to forge a common front in the fight against misinformation and disinformation in the country. “He talked about misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and all that stuff, and we discussed that. We all believe collectively that there’s no way you can build a virile society when you promote fake news and don’t take the issue of misinformation and disinformation seriously,” he said. In his remarks, Ambassador Mills said his meeting with the Minister is to discuss ways of strengthening the existing relationship between the US government and the Ministry, especially regarding press freedom and journalists’ rights. He recognized the effort of the Minister in championing the cause of press freedom and journalists’ rights in Nigeria. The US Envoy, who acknowledged the huge challenge posed by disinformation, especially in democracies around the world, said they have also shared thoughts and ideas with the minister on how to tackle the challenge.