Generative AI in African News Media: Opportunities and Challenges

This pioneering volume presents a comprehensive assessment of generative artificial intelligence's impact on African journalism, bringing together insights from academics, technologists, and practicing journalists across the continent. Featuring diverse case studies from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Eswatini, the collection explores how African newsrooms are adopting generative AI. Contributors analyse the use of AI presenters, audience perceptions of AI-generated content, gamification strategies in newsrooms, and the barriers journalists face in accessing these technologies. Painting a picture of the complex political economy of AI-driven news production and consumption, the volume also addresses ethical concerns around AI appropriation, highlighting how existing legal frameworks struggle to regulate generative AI in journalism. Positioned at the intersection of technology and African media studies, this book offers essential insights into the future of journalism across the continent. Trust Matsilele is a Senior Lecturer in Journalism at Birmingham City University, UK, and a Research Fellow in the Communication Department at the University of South Africa. Lungile A. Tshuma is a Researcher in the Centre for Communication and Culture, Universidade Católica Portuguesa. Tshuma is also a Senior Research Associate in the Department of Communication and Media, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.