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ABSTRACT
The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has ushered in a myriad of sentiments and scepticism, prompting profound contemplation on its potential to redefine human behaviour and revolutionize various sectors. Within this landscape of advancing information and communication technologies, the implications of AI for journalism have recently undergone a transformative re-evaluation. From the ubiquitous use of writing assistance tools like Grammarly to the emergence of robot reporters and automated journalism, patterns of consumption and the very fabric of traditional journalism have undergone significant shifts. As journalism grapples with AI's inherent potential and boundaries, this dissertation undertakes a comprehensive impact assessment of Artificial Intelligence on journalistic practices within select media houses across Benin City. The study aims to determine the extent of AI adoption and its practical implementation by journalists, spanning the entire news production cycle, from newsroom workflows to content creation and audience engagement. Moreover, it identifies the strengths and weaknesses of integrating AI technologies to enhance journalistic precision and improve overall performance. Critically, the research investigates potential weaknesses, such as creativity hindrance, to ensure that AI remains an empowering tool rather than a detriment in pursuing journalistic excellence. Additionally, the study explores how adopting AI can elevate journalistic practices, exemplifying best practices through case studies. By highlighting the interplay between AI and the journalistic profession, the research uncovers the opportunities and challenges this technology brings, particularly within the economic and social complexities and normative ideals of journalism. To address these broad objectives, the study employs an in-depth approach, conducting interviews with journalists from three select media houses and utilizing two compelling global case studies to bolster the impact assessment of AI within journalism. Employing a mixedmethods research design, the investigation combines qualitative interviews with journalists in a semi-structured manner alongside quantitative analysis of news articles and journalists' feedback from AI-generated and non-AI generated from the three select media houses.
