SLPC, AMCO organise AI workshop for journalists

By Manjula D. Phillips

Advance workshop on AI technology for young journalists was held at the Sri Lanka Press Council auditorium recently with the participation of 50 foreign and local journalists. 

Professional journalists working in the main television channels, newspapers, social media and websites were chosen for the workshop. Journalists who are already using the AI technology were given priority in selection while a few other journalists were selected in for observation. 

The workshop was opened for a broader discussion among the participants, and the concerns voiced by the 35 local journalists were taken into consideration. The workshop is scheduled to be held in several stages. 

The key note address was delivered by veteran journalist and writer Amado Angelo ‘Sarge’ Rodriguez Lacuesta from the Philippines. Lacuesta is an international award winning journalist and a well-recognised personality in the Philippines literary circle. He is the editor of the Esquire, the bestselling magazine in Philippines and the residential editor of the Panaroma magazine. He serves as an executive member of the United Kingdom-based Pen International. 

Within the activities of the workshop discussions were organised on how AI can be practically used to develop journalism. It was also in discussion that how the technological issues rising with the use of AI could be avoided and how it could benefit the society. The risks of using the AI and the importance of using it with responsibility, the importance of AI technology in shaping human relationships, the structural differences of AI and its effect in shaping human life styles, the psychological and political effects of AI technology and many details on the subject matter were shared. 

Expressing his views the President of Sri Lanka Press Council Priyan R. Wijebandara stated that the objective of the workshop was to academically teach young journalists the results of AI technology. General Secretary of the Asian Media and Cultural Organisation Nishantha Alwis, addressing the event said that since the AI is the main tool that shapes modern world lifestyle, it must be used with great care. And he also went on to say that since the AI technology usage in Sri Lankan media is at its initial stages, the social media platforms must work with caution. A team of leading Indian journalists representing different parts of the country such as New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Mysore, attended the event virtually.

The workshop focused on recognising technological issues in using AI and how to find solutions.  

President of Sri Lanka Press Council (SLPC) Priyan R. Wijebandara, SLPC Press Commissioner Niroshan Thambawita, Asian Media and Cultural Organisation (AMCO) President Pathum Pasquel, General secretary AMCO Nishantha Alwis, Member of director board of Lake house and Director Editorial Sisira Yapa, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation Assistant Director (News) Kumudu Vajira participated the event.

The workshop was organised by the Sri Lanka Press Council and the Asian media and cultural organisation, Pen international and ‘Kangaroo Post’ newspaper in Australia. The event was conducted by the secretary (International affairs) of the AMCO and the editor of the ‘Kangaroo Post’ Pathum Wickramaratne.