Human Qualities Remain Core Of Journalism In AI Era

Barnama

14-06-2025

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- Human qualities must remain the central focus in the adaptation and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in newsrooms to ensure that the integrity and core values of journalism are preserved.
Astro Awani editor-in-chief Ashwad Ismail said that while AI brings greater convenience and efficiency to newsroom operations, it cannot replace the role of journalists as storytellers and custodians of truth.
'Technological advancements are important, but the foundation must remain rooted in human qualities. The core philosophy is how AI can enhance our qualities as journalists and improve the journalism we produce,' he said.
'This technology will come and go, but what truly strengthens us is our core philosophy - our people and the quality of our journalism,' he said when appearing as a guest on the Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme titled 'Kewartawanan Era Baharu: Keseimbangan AI dan Etika' (Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics), held in conjunction with the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration last night.
Also featured on the programme were The Jakarta Post editor-in-chief Taufiq Rahman and media expert Sayed Munawar Sayed Mohd Mustar.
Ashwad emphasised that the integration of AI in journalism must be guided by clear ethical principles to ensure it remains aligned with the profession's core mission, truth and social responsibility.
'When we acknowledge that there must always be a man behind the machine, it becomes clear that strong principles and proper guidance are essential in how we approach, use, and even embrace AI,' he said.
Meanwhile, Taufiq noted that while AI can serve as a valuable tool for tasks like data compilation and document processing, editorial decisions must ultimately remain in human hands to preserve the integrity of news judgment.
'Media is an industry of truth. What we report, what we write, is all about the truth. I still doubt whether AI today is capable of fully understanding the nuance or subtlety in journalistic content,' Taufiq said.