Navigating risks and rewards - How South African journalists use AI in the newsroom

On 10 April 2026, the Konrad‑Adenauer‑Stiftung Media Programme Sub‑Saharan Africa hosted the official launch of the study “Navigating Risks and Rewards: How South African Journalists Use AI in the Newsroom” in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The event brought together journalists, editors, media managers, academics and civil society stakeholders to examine how artificial intelligence is already being used in South African newsrooms and to discuss its implications for journalistic practice, ethics, skills development and information integrity.

The study provides one of the first comprehensive assessments of AI use in South African newsrooms. Drawing on survey data and qualitative insights from journalists working across print, digital and broadcast media, the research highlights how AI tools are increasingly being used for tasks such as research, transcription, summarisation and content drafting. At the same time, the findings point to a lack of formal training, clear newsroom policies and shared editorial standards governing the use of these technologies.

The findings were presented by Karen Allen, founder of Karen Allen International and lead researcher on the project, who outlined both the opportunities AI presents for improving newsroom efficiency and the risks associated with unregulated or poorly understood use. Co-author, Prof. Herman Wasserman, Director for the Centre for Information Integrity in Africa (CINIA) at Stellenbosch University, contributed further insights into the need for training and education on AI use by journalists.

The presentation was followed by a panel discussion focusing on the broader practical, ethical and regulatory dimensions of AI in journalism. The discussion was moderated by Liezle Wilson, Senior Anchor and Producer at the SABC.

The panel included:

• Dr Phathiswa Magopeni Tshangana, Executive Director, Press Council of South Africa
• Lebogang Mokoena, Innovations Manager, Arena Holdings
• Mamaponya Motsai, CEO, Fraycollege of Communications

Panelists reflected on newsroom innovation, skills gaps in media/AI literacy, media accountability and public trust perceptions, the role of media in educating the public on AI, and the importance of developing frameworks that are contextually relevant to South Africa and the African continent. A central theme of the discussion was that the key challenge facing journalism today is not whether AI should be used, but how it can be used responsibly, transparently and in ways that maintain public trust.

We are grateful to our amazing audience for asking such thought-provoking questions, sparking a lively discussion with our panelists. Everyone agrees that AI will continue to pose enormous challenges as well as opportunities to the journalism landscape in the future. Let’s keep critically engaging with this topic, exploring both the opportunities and challenges AI presents in journalism, as well as its broader impact on society and democracy.

The launch marked an important contribution to ongoing debates around AI, media innovation and information integrity. The study’s findings will inform future discussions, training initiatives and policy development aimed at strengthening responsible AI use in journalism in South Africa and beyond.

The full study is available for download on this page: Navigating risks and rewards - How South African journalists use AI in the newsroom