Published October 14, 2024.
By Chinwendu Eugene
The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism will on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, host a conference titled ‘AI, Free Press, and Civic Space: Tools, Challenges, and Future of Investigative Reporting’ and launch the second edition of its Journalism and Civic Space report, in Abuja.
According to a statement by the Executive Director/CEO of WSCIJ, Motunrayo Alaka, on Monday, speakers at the conference will discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on investigative journalism, press freedom and civic space.
It noted that other focus areas include media laws and regulations, freedom of expression, and the role of technology in promoting transparency and accountability.
The statement read, “This one-day event will promote a deeper understanding of journalists’ fundamental rights and free press principles. At the same time, conversations focus on the dynamic intersection of technology and the future of investigative journalism and democracy.
“The event will also witness the launch of WSCIJ’s 2023 media monitoring which is a sequel to the 2022 report- Hushed Voices and the media’s defence of the civic space.’
“This initiative is part of WSCIJ’s Civic Space Guard programme which is currently run with the ‘Leveraging the power of the media to fortify the civic space and tackle misinformation,’ initiative implemented by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development and the WSCIJ, with support from the Netherlands Embassy.
“Launched in December 2021, the Civic Space Guard programme equips journalists with essential resources, training, and support to perform their duties effectively and safely. It reinforces the media’s role as an independent guardian of civic space through public conversations, media monitoring, and recognition of reporters who expose impunity and support the fundamental human rights of citizens.”
The statement further noted that attendance will be open to investigative journalists, media executives, news managers, tech innovators, human rights activists, lawyers, security personnel, government officials, civil society organisations, and representatives from various ministries, departments and parastatals.
