The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has constituted a technical committee to develop media guidelines on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), data and social media to ensure appropriate and ethical integration for their use in professional journalism in Kenya.
The team comprises Sara Mumbua Nzuki, Michael Michie, Prof John Walubengo, Susan Mute, Ellen Wanjiru, Carole Kimutai, Silas Kiragu, Margaret Kalekye, Michael Oriedo, Dr Gilbert Mugeni, Rosemary Mwangi, Demus Kiprono, Ken Bosire, Alexander Masiga, Oliver Mathenge, Jeremiah Wakaya, George Mwamodo, Francis Mureithi, Alex Mwangi, Joel Karanja, Oscar Otieno, Paul Kaindo, Anhosi K’Obonyo, Jared Kidambi, Lilian Kimeto, Antony Laibuta, Kenneth Kibet, Fridah Naliaka and Eric Munene.
They are expected to make recommendations on ethical considerations that will help in improving the quality of journalism, integrate use of data in journalism while at the same time offering professional ways of eliminating harmful content from the media.
According to a press release, the technical team drawn from the media, technology, academia and legal fields is also expected to detail the benefits and threats of the new technologies and will work for three months to develop the following key documents:
1. A Journalists’ Handbook for Reporting Artificial Intelligence and Data
2. Media Guidelines on the Use of Artificial Intelligence and Data
3. Ethical Guidelines on the use Social Media and the Internet by Journalists and Media Houses
“Media houses are using AI to maximise on audience segmentation and feedback as the industry finds footing in the fast-changing operating environment,” says Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo.
