AI in Journalism Workshop Begins at Dhaka Reporters Unity

A two-day workshop focusing on the prospects and risks of using artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism, as well as issues of digital security, began on Friday at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) auditorium in the capital.

Sponsored by information technology firm Gameplify, the AI-powered journalism workshop is being attended by 60 members of the Dhaka Reporters Unity. The programme, which started on the morning of December 26, was inaugurated with a welcome address by Mahfuzur Rahman, Managing Director of Gameplify XYZ.

In his address, Rahman said the world has moved beyond the age of information and entered the era of artificial intelligence. He noted that AI is expected to surpass human intelligence in the near future, a phase often referred to as “singularity.” According to him, AI has brought new challenges and risks to journalism, and Gameplify will stand beside DRU to help journalists face those challenges. “With that goal in mind, we are organising this workshop to introduce a new dimension to journalism. We hope it will have a positive impact on your careers,” he added.

He further said that to counter the negative influence of foreign social media platforms, Gameplify has developed a gambling-, betting- and betting-free social media platform. Initially launched as a sports-based social media network, he said the platform aims to promote knowledge, decency and healthy competition. For this initiative, US-based expatriate technologist Mashiur Rahman has been contributing from abroad.

Speaking as chair of the programme, DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel said that the organisation is introducing a new style of training to help journalists keep pace with technological advancements. “Journalists must be able to distinguish what is AI-generated and what is not. If AI can tell us what we are thinking, then we must also understand how to use and verify it,” he said, adding that participants would learn something new through this year’s unique initiative.

Information Technology and Training Editor Mahmud Sohel said journalists need to continuously expand their knowledge to fulfil their responsibility of informing the nation. “Journalists must remain among the most advanced professionals, and understanding AI has become essential for every reporter,” he said, expressing hope that similar programmes would be organised throughout the year for DRU members. He took charge as IT and Training Editor on December 7.

The training programme is being conducted by DRU member Mohammad Imam Hossain Sohel. The first session was facilitated by Ariful Islam Arman, Head of New Initiatives at Dhaka Post.

The event also highlighted that Gameplify is working to represent Bangladesh globally through its sports-focused social media platform.

DBTech/EK/OR