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MEDIA AND JOURNALISM WEBINARS 2024

Session 4: Panel: Digital Revolution: Latest Technology Advancements and Artificial Intelligence

3 June 2024 | Monday | 10am - 11:30am (EST)

Media and Journalism Webinars emphasize experiential and hands-on learning through intensive training and interactive discussions with professional journalists for field experience. This program aims to prepare journalism students and young professionals to succeed in their professional careers while fostering experiential learning by translating knowledge and skills into experience. Your active and meaningful participation with questions and reflections will make the discussion more productive.

In this session, participants learned about the following topics from Aydogan Vatandas, Founder, Editor-in-Chief of Politurco.com and Lamine Ascofare, Digital Growth Strategist of Women’s Voices Now:

  • Leveraging artificial intelligence in the age of the evolving landscape of human rights reporting
  • Audience development strategies in countries where press freedom is at risk 
  • Overcoming state barriers and censorship 
  • Impactful marketing at online media outlets  
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Panel: Digital Revolution: Latest Technology Advancements and Artificial Intelligence Session 4

Panelist 1: Aydogan Vatandas

Founder, Editor-in-Chief of Politurco.com

Panelist 2: Lamine Ascofare

Digital Growth Strategist of Women’s Voices Now 

Summary & Highlights:

Session 4 “Latest Technology Advancements and Artificial Intelligence” hosted the Editor-in-Chief of Politurco.com, Journalist Aydogan Vatandas from USA and Digital Growth Strategist of Women’s Voices Now, Lamine Ascofare from Mali. 

The session commenced with Lamine Ascofare’s insightful journey through the digital marketing landscape, illustrating a career shaped by practical experience rather than traditional academic paths. Beginning in 2008, during his college years, Lamine’s fascination with web development and online visibility led him to pioneer a digital marketing department at a local agency upon returning to Africa in 2012. His efforts not only expanded the agency’s capabilities but also highlighted the untapped potential of paid advertising in contrast to prevailing organic marketing strategies.

A pivotal moment in Mr. Ascofare`s career unfolded during a presidential campaign, where he leveraged Facebook’s ad tools to combat misinformation spread by opposing parties. This experience underscored the transformative power of digital marketing in influencing social impact, particularly in politically charged environments. His subsequent role at Women Voices Now further underscored this impact, where AI integration facilitated the global dissemination of empowering narratives despite restrictive governmental controls.

The dialogue transitioned to encompass broader themes concerning media integrity, technological influences on journalism, and the ethical implications of AI deployment. Participants delved into historical precedents where media outlets, despite their reputable standing, faced criticism for biased reporting, highlighting the enduring challenges of impartial journalism. Moreover, discussions around AI’s evolving role in content creation, from automated editing to image generation, underscored the potential efficiencies but also underscored the importance of human oversight to mitigate inherent biases.

Aydogan Vatandas elaborated on ethical considerations surrounding AI implementation emerged as a recurring theme, with participants emphasizing the necessity of regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with ethical standards. The complex interplay between social media platforms and journalism was also scrutinized, recognizing their dual role as facilitators of information dissemination and potential influencers of public opinion, especially in electoral contexts.

The conversation with Mr. Vatandas further explored the interdependence of media and politics, notably in regions like Turkey under Erdogan’s prolonged leadership, where media consolidation and state influence reshaped societal norms. This discussion extended to the psychological impacts of long-term leadership, highlighting tendencies towards narcissistic behaviors among entrenched leaders—a phenomenon linked to the concentration of power and its psychological effects.

In both Mr. Vatandas` and Mr. Ascofare`s remarks, the role of civil society emerged as crucial in safeguarding democratic principles amidst expanding state powers, with emphasis placed on advocacy for media freedom and human rights protections. Participants underscored the need for international cooperation and robust governance structures to counteract violations of media freedom globally, aligning with established human rights frameworks.

From a practical standpoint, strategies for enhancing media engagement and sustainability were explored, advocating for diversified funding models and leveraging digital platforms for broader audience reach. The session concluded with an invitation for journalists to contribute to ongoing discourse on AI ethics, media integrity, and the evolving landscape of digital journalism, highlighting opportunities for mentorship and collaborative research.

Overall session 4 illuminated the transformative potential of digital technologies in reshaping media landscapes and influencing global narratives. It underscored the dual imperatives of innovation and ethical responsibility in deploying AI within journalistic contexts, while advocating for strengthened international frameworks to uphold media freedom and democratic norms worldwide. Through nuanced discussions and practical insights, participants navigated the complex intersections of technology, politics, and media, reaffirming the pivotal role of informed journalism in fostering transparent societies and advancing human rights agendas on a global scale.

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