Held over two days, the event explored the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), changing audience habits, shifting business models and the growing threat of misinformation on journalism worldwide.
Speaking at the festival, People Fixing the World podcast Editor Jon Bithrey said the industry is undergoing a significant transformation as audiences increasingly consume content through smartphones, social media platforms and digital channels.
According to Bithrey, the discussions focused on how traditional journalism is adapting to an environment where competition for audiences has intensified, and media organisations are under pressure to rethink both content production and funding models.
A central theme of the event was the rapid rise of AI and the implications for journalism. Bithrey described AI as one of the most significant developments currently affecting the media sector.
The growing popularity of AI tools is changing how audiences access information. Instead of relying solely on search engines or social media platforms, many users are increasingly turning to AI-powered applications to answer questions and gather information.
For journalists, the challenge is understanding whether AI represents a threat to the profession or an opportunity to improve reporting and audience engagement.
Bithrey said AI can help newsrooms become more efficient by supporting research, analysing large datasets and assisting with content production. The technology can also help journalists adapt stories for multiple platforms, allowing a single report to be repurposed for television, radio, websites, podcasts, social media and video-sharing platforms.
However, Bithrey stressed that human oversight remains essential.
While AI can accelerate certain processes, journalists must continue to verify information, check facts and guard against the spread of false or misleading content.
The rise of AI-generated videos, images and text has also heightened concerns about misinformation. Bithrey said trusted news organisations must respond by strengthening transparency and demonstrating how stories are produced and verified.
According to Bithrey, established media organisations need to position themselves as reliable sources of information while expanding their presence on platforms where audiences increasingly consume news, including TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
The festival also examined the future of traditional broadcasting. Bithrey said radio and television continue to attract large audiences, but media organisations must operate across multiple platforms to remain relevant.
Journalists are increasingly expected to produce content for several formats simultaneously, a shift that requires new skills and more flexible newsroom operations. Despite the challenges facing the industry, Bithrey expressed optimism about the future of journalism.
Bithrey pointed to the strong participation of students and young journalists at the festival as evidence that interest in quality journalism remains strong. According to Bithrey, commitment to accurate reporting, accountability and public-interest journalism will continue to play a vital role as the media landscape evolves.
–ChannelAfrica–
