Google’s News Initiative (GNI) recently hosted an AI workshop in Lagos to bolster journalist skills in storytelling and production. Mr. Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade emphasized Google’s dedication to quality journalism and responsible AI integration. Participants, including Adebola Adegoke from the News Agency of Nigeria, found the training valuable, highlighting the importance of AI tools in modern journalism.
Google has launched a workshop in Lagos as part of its News Initiative (GNI) aimed at enhancing journalists’ narrative skills and production capabilities through the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This underscores Google’s dedication to aiding the media sector in tackling the evolving challenges brought about by AI advancements. At the workshop, Mr. Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communication and Public Affairs Manager for West Africa, reiterated the company’s commitment to organizing information for universal accessibility and usefulness, specifically targeting the news industry to promote quality journalism and strengthen business models for publishers.
Mr. Kola-Ogunlade pointed out that conducting the workshop in Nigeria signifies Google’s aim to broaden its AI resources across diverse regions and languages, allowing journalists globally to utilize AI for elevating their work. He highlighted that through workshops like these, journalists gain access to innovative tools such as Gemini, Pinpoint, and NotebookLM, which assist in research, fact-checking, and content production. Google aspires to ensure users engage responsibly with new AI tools, permitting publishers to control their content while jointly combating misinformation.
The training drew positive feedback from participants, who deemed it timely and impactful. Adebola Adegoke from the News Agency of Nigeria described the workshop as “insightful and informative”, certifying its potential to enhance her storytelling abilities and the production quality of her newsroom. Another anonymous participant cautioned that individuals who do not engage with AI training may risk displacement by those who are equipped with such technological skills.
Conducted in collaboration with GomyCode, the workshop provided journalists with access to AI-enhanced tools including Gemini, Fact Check Explorer, Pinpoint, and NotebookLM. These resources enabled attendees to efficiently search, verify facts, and analyze extensive document collections, thereby improving their information summarization capabilities.
In conclusion, Google’s AI workshop in Lagos serves as a significant step towards empowering journalists by enhancing their skills in storytelling and production. The initiative reflects Google’s commitment to integrating AI in media responsibly, while cultivating a cooperative environment for fighting misinformation. The positive responses from participants signal the importance of such training in adapting to the rapidly evolving media landscape.
Original Source: von.gov.ng
