The Media Council of Kenya, MCK has formed a technical committee that has been tasked with preparing media guidelines related to the use of artificial intelligence, i.e. Artificial Intelligence, AI, data and social networks.
Among those selected in the newly formed committee are the Senior Editor of the Digital Department of Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) Margaret Kalekye and Silas Kiragu from the Technology and Communication Department of the organization.
According to a statement by MCK, the move is due to the technological changes that are taking place at a fast pace and have a great impact on the functioning of the media around the world.
The council said the team that will work for three months will develop guidelines needed to ensure ethics are observed when using AI, data and social networks in the journalism industry in Kenya.
Other members of the named in the 29-member committee include; Sara Mumbua Nzuki, Michael Michie, Prof. John Walubengo, Susan Mute, Ellen Wanjiru and Carole Kimutai.
Francis Muriithi, Michael Oriedo, Dr. Gilbert Mugeni, Rosemary Mwangi, Demus Kiprono, Oliver Mathenge, Antony Laibuta and Eric Munene are also were also named.
“The technical team that includes members from the fields of journalism, technology, scholars and lawyers is expected to explain the benefits and threats of new technology, to provide recommendations for important criteria to be considered that will help improve the quality of journalism, to include the use of data in journalism while also providing professional methods to destroy bad content in the media,” says MCK in a statement.
“The media is using AI to increase its number of followers and feedback as the media industry looks for ways to gain prominence in a rapidly changing operating environment,” adds MCK Executive Officer David Omwoyo.
The committee is expected to develop three important documents which are Journalists’ Handbook for Reporting on AI and Data, Media Guidelines on the Use of AI and Data and Ethical Guidelines on the Use of Media and the Internet for Journalists and News Organizations.
