ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ROBOTICS IN NIGERIAN JOURNALISM PRACTICE

This study evaluated the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and robotics in Nigerian journalism practice. The theory of ethical responsibility was anchored. This study adopted a qualitative research method underpinned by the interpretivist research philosophy. The study employed a descriptive research design, which allowed for in-depth exploration of Nigerian journalists’ experiences, awareness, and ethical perspectives regarding the use of artificial intelligence and robotics in journalism. The population comprised all practising journalists in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria who were members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and were actively engaged in digital newsrooms, numbering approximately 10,000 journalists according to the NUJ 2025 membership records. A sample size of 10 journalists was selected, representing a manageable and information-rich group suitable for qualitative inquiry. The sample was obtained through purposive sampling, targeting journalists who had demonstrable experience or interaction with AI and robotic tools in their reporting practices via email with an invitation to participate, explaining the study’s purpose and ethical considerations. Data collection was conducted through structured email interviews, and responses were analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings revealed that, Nigerian journalists perceived significant ethical challenges associated with the use of artificial intelligence and robotics in news production, including concerns about transparency, accountability, bias, and the potential erosion of editorial independence. The study concluded that ethical challenges remain the most critical concern for Nigerian journalists, as the integration of AI and robotics into news production raises issues of transparency, accountability, bias, and editorial independence that must be carefully managed to maintain professional integrity. The study recommended that The Nigerian Union of Journalists, media owners, and newsroom editors should develop and enforce clear ethical standards and operational policies to address transparency, accountability, bias, and editorial independence in the use of AI and robotics.