Phil Chetwynd Highlights Press Freedom and AI Challenges at World News Media Congress
Failure by society to support the role of journalism has far-reaching implications for democracy and the public’s access to reliable information, Phil Chetwynd, the Global News Director of Agence France Press, has warned.
Speaking at the recent World News Media Congress held in Copenhagen, Chetwynd called on societies to uphold the role of journalists as vital watchdogs and truth-seekers, essential for a well-informed citizenry.
Chetwynd said: ‘What concerns me the most is the damage of the journalist’s role in society. We’ve had populist leaders for the last 10 years constantly […] de-credibilising the role of journalists in society. I fear that we get to the point where many people in society actually don’t think that we have the right to play that role.’
He was participating in a panel discussion that delved into the critical issues shaping the future of journalism. Titled “The Forces Shaping Journalism and What to Do About Them,” the session gathered key industry figures to address the multifaceted pressures currently confronting newsrooms worldwide. The conversation focused on the increasing challenges to press freedom, the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on journalism, and the struggle for sustainable revenue models. Phil Chetwynd, alongside Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Co-Founder & CEO of Rappler, and Jennifer Wilton, Editor-in-Chief at Die Welt, provided their insights on these pressing issues.
Regarding the transformative potential of AI in journalism. Chetwynd acknowledged the technology’s capability to significantly enhance newsroom efficiency and output. However, he cautioned against its unchecked implementation. “The only things we have as journalists are trust and facts, so we always have to remember that the stakes from errors are huge,” he said.
Chetwynd advocated for a balanced approach to integrating AI into journalistic practices. He emphasised the importance of maintaining human oversight in the editorial process and being transparent with audiences about the use of AI. “We have to remain cautious about how we use this technology. We should always have a human at the end of the chain, and we have to be extremely transparent about how we explain what we’re doing with this technology to our clients,” he advised.
The discussion concluded with a collective call to action for journalists, media organisations, and the public to rally behind independent journalism. With the dual challenges of political pressures and technological disruptions, the role of journalism in society is more critical than ever. The panellists underscored the necessity for news organisations to adapt and innovate while steadfastly upholding the core values of truth and integrity.
Chetwynd highlighted the significant potential of AI to enhance the efficiency and capabilities of newsrooms. However, Chetwynd also stressed the critical need for caution in adopting these technologies. “The only things we have as journalists are trust and facts, so we always have to remember that the stakes from errors are huge,” he said. Chetwynd emphasised that while AI can be a powerful tool, its application in journalism must be governed by stringent ethical standards. “We have to remain cautious about how we use this technology. We should always have a human at the end of the chain, and we have to be extremely transparent about how we explain what we’re doing with this technology to our clients,” he added. This approach ensures that AI complements rather than compromises the journalistic process, preserving the integrity of the information being disseminated.
Fabrice Fries: Embracing AI with Accountability
Fabrice Fries, CEO of AFP, echoed similar views in his address, underscoring the necessity for news organisations to adapt to technological advancements while upholding journalistic principles.
On the event’s final day, Fabrice Fries delivered a keynote address in the session “Learning from Disruptors,” reaffirming AFP’s unwavering dedication to traditional journalistic values. Despite acknowledging AFP’s strides in video production and digital investigation techniques, Fries emphasised the agency’s enduring commitment to honest and factual reporting.
Fries outlined AFP’s proactive approach to addressing industry challenges, including financial constraints, AI disruptions, and the proliferation of misinformation. He underscored AFP’s role in combatting these issues through innovative initiatives, such as the establishment of a global network of fact-checkers and open-access training programs in digital investigation.
Fries pointed out that AI can assist in automating repetitive tasks such as data analysis, content tagging, and even preliminary news writing, thereby freeing up journalists to pursue more complex stories. However, he cautioned against over-reliance on AI, particularly in areas requiring nuanced understanding and ethical judgment. “While AI can augment our capabilities, it is essential to maintain a human-centric approach to ensure accuracy, fairness, and accountability in our reporting,” Fries stated. He emphasised that transparency about AI’s role in content creation and distribution is crucial for maintaining public trust.
The discussions at the World News Media Congress underscored the need for ongoing dialogue about the ethical use of AI in journalism. The insights shared by Phil Chetwynd and Fabrice Fries at the Congress highlight a path forward that embraces technological innovation while steadfastly upholding the principles of trust and integrity that are fundamental to the profession.
