AI Will Replace Routine Tasks, ‘Press Release’ Journalists & Content Creators – Ishiekwene

Senior Vice Chairman, LEADERSHIP Newspaper, Mr Azu Ishiekwene has said artificial intelligence (AI) will replace routine and administrative tasks in the news room, including ‘press release’ journalists.

The chief editor disclosed this at the book reading of his latest and highly publicized book ‘Writing For The Media and Monetizing It’, held at the Rovingheights Bookstore, Abuja.

Addressing questions arising from Chapter 9 of the book on AI and Content, he said AI is meant eliminate the drudgery aspects of our writing such as information gathering not the writing itself.

He, however noted that many writers have surrendered their creative aptitude to AI, a dangerous disposition that gives way to plagiarism and lack of originality. While AI can create interesting pieces, it can never achieve the unique flair and imprint that every human possesses.

“I use AI for research but I don’t depend on what AI gives me for work. AI can only give you what is already out there, but that inside information that is not available anywhere on the cloud can only be gotten through hard work.

“I don’t imagine a time will come when AI will replace journalism. However, if you are the type whose journalism ends with press release (copy and paste writer), you will be replaced alongside other routine tasks in the newsroom. If you are ready and willing to do the work and improve yourself, AI is a resource tool to help you do your better.”

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On why Nigerian journalists are not publishing works, Ishiekwene noted that while the trend is changing with the likes of Segun Adeniyi, Sam Omatseye authoring works, there is room for improvement.

“I think it’s more about people waiting till the end of their career to write a memoir. What I have realized is that documenting can also be about moments. It could be a moment in your journey. Often, we go through moments that can enrich the lives of people, when shared. Your book doesn’t have to be about your entire life’s journey. It can be a part of it.”

Addressing the famous chapter of the book, and his favourite, Making Money, Ishiekewene said money can be made from content creation not solely for making money alone, rather as a reward for honest work.

For the prospective content creator, he said, the book offers tips on how to master the value of the art of content creation. “You don’t really need s degree to create content about anything.”

Published in June 2024, ‘Writing For The Media and Monetizing It’ is Ishiekewene’s second publication, after the Trials of Nuhu Ribadu, the 15 chapters, 259 pages work as aptly described by Channels TV presenter and moderator of the book reading, Maupe Ogun-Yusuf “is a rich resource material for whatever level you’re at as a writer.”

“Often times, we read motivational, inspirational and professional books not directly for the Nigerian audience. it is important that we have books as this, written for our realities that we can relate to, by our seasoned journalists,” said Rovingheights Co-founder, Eyimade Adedotun.