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THE INFLUENCE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) ON NEWS PRODUCTION IN SELECTING TV STATIONS IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This study examined the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on news production in selected television stations in Nigeria. The research was driven by the rapid integration of AI technologies into media practices and the need to understand their implications for journalism. The study aimed to assess the extent of AI adoption in newsrooms, evaluate its impact on news gathering, production, and dissemination, and identify the challenges associated with its use. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised journalists, editors, and media professionals from selected TV stations in Nigeria. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. Findings revealed that AI technologies are increasingly being utilized in news production processes, including automated news writing, content curation, data analysis, and audience engagement. The study found that AI enhances efficiency, speed, and accuracy in news delivery, while also enabling personalized content for viewers. However, concerns were raised regarding job displacement, ethical issues, misinformation risks, and the lack of technical expertise among media practitioners. The study concluded that AI has a significant and transformative influence on news production in Nigerian television stations. While it offers numerous benefits in improving productivity and content quality, its integration must be carefully managed to address ethical concerns and ensure journalistic standards are upheld. The study recommended increased training for media professionals, development of regulatory frameworks, and responsible use of AI technologies in the media industry.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant future concept for journalism; it is already changing how newsrooms operate across the world (Tejedor et al., 2023). In many television stations, AI tools are being used to help with tasks like writing simple news stories, transcribing interviews, and even suggesting headlines for journalists to consider (Adjin‑Tettey & Muringa, 2024). For broadcasters, this shift means that some of the repetitive work can be handled by machines, giving human journalists more time to focus on deeper reporting and creative storytelling (Matsilele & Tshuma, 2025). In Nigeria, the media industry is beginning to feel the presence of this technological wave, especially as digital platforms grow and audiences demand faster news delivery (Ojobo‑Charlie, 2025). A recent study found that journalists in Lagos and Kwara States are highly aware of AI tools, but only a small number have actually started using them in their daily work, mainly because of concerns about professional and ethical challenges (Mustapha & Suleiman, 2023).

A major turning point for AI in Nigerian broadcasting came in May 2025 when TVC News launched the country’s first AI‑powered news anchors capable of delivering bulletins in English, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Pidgin (Ajayi, 2025). The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Ajayi, stated that these AI anchors are designed to complement human broadcasters rather than replace them, and all AI‑generated content is reviewed by human editors before it goes on air (Akintara, 2025). This development shows how quickly technology is entering newsrooms and raises important questions about what it means for journalists, editors, and the quality of news that reaches the public. Research across Africa suggests that while AI offers real benefits such as speed, cost savings, and wider language reach, it also brings serious concerns about bias, misinformation, and the potential loss of human jobs in news production (Munoriyarwa, 2024). A report by the International Media Support (IMS) found that most African media organisations are still in the early stages of adopting AI, and progress has been slow due to lack of training, high costs, and limited access to reliable internet (Mabweazara, 2023). In Zimbabwe, for example, a study of audience reactions to an AI news presenter named Alice found that people had mixed feelings, with some appreciating the innovation while others resisted it because they felt it did not truly understand local cultures and languages (Ndlovu, 2024).

The challenges of bringing AI into African newsrooms are not just about buying new software; they are deeply connected to everyday realities like poor electricity supply, weak internet connections, and the high cost of data (Munoriyarwa, 2024). In addition, many journalists worry that AI might spread wrong information if not carefully checked, and they are concerned about whether AI systems can truly understand the complex social and political issues in their communities (Adjin‑Tettey & Muringa, 2024). At the same time, the potential benefits are hard to ignore. AI can help translate news into local languages quickly, making information accessible to people who do not speak English, and it can also help fact‑check claims during elections or breaking news situations (Matsilele & Tshuma, 2025). These opportunities and challenges create a need to study how AI is actually influencing news production in Nigerian television stations, so that broadcasters, policymakers, and journalists themselves can make informed decisions about the future of their work.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The integration of artificial intelligence into news production is transforming journalism globally, but in Nigeria, the extent and nature of this transformation remain largely unexplored. While some television stations have begun experimenting with AI tools, including automated news anchors and content generation software, there is very little documented evidence about how these technologies are actually affecting the day‑to‑day work of journalists, editors, and producers. Many media houses in Nigeria continue to operate using traditional methods, yet they face increasing pressure to adopt new technologies to remain competitive, save costs, and meet the expectations of a digitally savvy audience. This gap between the promise of AI and its actual implementation in Nigerian TV newsrooms creates a serious problem. Without a clear understanding of how AI is influencing news production processes, station managers cannot make informed decisions about investing in technology, training staff, or developing ethical guidelines. Moreover, there is growing concern that the unregulated use of AI in news production could lead to job losses, reduce the quality of journalism, and introduce biases that harm public trust in media. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the specific ways in which artificial intelligence is shaping news production in selected television stations in Nigeria, with the aim of providing evidence‑based insights that can guide policy and practice in the country’s broadcast media sector.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the influence of artificial intelligence on news production in selected television stations in Nigeria.

The specific objectives are as follows.

      i.         To evaluate the impact of artificial intelligence on the speed and efficiency of news production in selected Nigerian television stations.

    ii.         To determine the challenges television stations face when adopting artificial intelligence for news production in Nigeria.

   iii.         To find out the perceptions of journalists and editors regarding the use of artificial intelligence in news production in selected Nigerian television stations.

1.4 Research Questions

      i.         What is the impact of artificial intelligence on the speed and efficiency of news production in selected Nigerian television stations?

    ii.         What are the challenges television stations face when adopting artificial intelligence for news production in Nigeria?

   iii.         How does the use of artificial intelligence affect the perceptions of journalists and editors regarding news production in selected Nigerian television stations?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Hypothesis I

H₀: There is no significant impact of artificial intelligence on the speed and efficiency of news production in selected Nigerian television stations.

H₁: There is a significant impact of artificial intelligence on the speed and efficiency of news production in selected Nigerian television stations.

Hypothesis II

H₀: There is no significant relationship between the adoption of artificial intelligence and the challenges faced by television stations in news production in Nigeria.

H₂: There is a significant relationship between the adoption of artificial intelligence and the challenges faced by television stations in news production in Nigeria.

Hypothesis III

H₀: There is no significant influence of artificial intelligence use on the perceptions of journalists and editors regarding news production in selected Nigerian television stations.

H₃: There is a significant influence of artificial intelligence use on the perceptions of journalists and editors regarding news production in selected Nigerian television stations.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will be important for several groups of people who work in or care about the Nigerian media industry. For television station managers and news directors, the findings will provide practical information about how AI is currently being used in news production and what benefits or problems it brings. This can help them decide whether to invest in AI tools, how to train their staff, and what policies to put in place to ensure that technology serves journalism rather than hurting it. For journalists and other media professionals, the study will offer insights into how their jobs might change as AI becomes more common in newsrooms, including the skills they may need to learn to stay relevant and effective in their work.

For policymakers and regulators such as the National Broadcasting Commission, this research will provide evidence that can guide the development of rules and guidelines for the ethical use of AI in broadcasting. Understanding the real‑world challenges and perceptions of those working with AI will help in creating regulations that protect press freedom and public trust while still encouraging innovation. For academics and students studying media and communication, this study will add to the growing body of knowledge about AI in African journalism, an area that has received less attention compared to Europe and North America. Finally, for the general public, the study matters because news affects how people understand their world. Knowing how AI is shaping news production can help audiences think more critically about the information they receive from television stations and demand accountability from broadcasters.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses specifically on the influence of artificial intelligence on news production in selected television stations in Nigeria. Geographically, the research will be conducted in Lagos State, which is the commercial and media hub of Nigeria where most major television stations have their headquarters. The study will include three television stations chosen to represent different sizes and ownership structures: one major network station, one privately owned independent station, and one station that has publicly announced the adoption of AI tools in its newsroom. This selection will allow the researcher to compare how AI influences news production across different types of broadcast organisations.

In terms of content, the study will concentrate on the three main stages of news production: gathering of news materials, writing and editing of news stories, and presentation of news bulletins on air. The research will examine the use of AI tools such as automated transcription software, AI writing assistants, AI‑generated news anchors, and content recommendation algorithms. The study will involve journalists, editors, producers, and station managers who work directly in news production. The time frame for the research is from January 2025 to December 2025, which allows the study to capture recent developments including the launch of AI news anchors in Nigeria. The study will not cover other uses of AI in television stations such as advertising, audience analytics, or social media management, as these are outside the focus of news production.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

Like any research project, this study faces certain limitations that are important to acknowledge. First, the sample size is limited to three television stations in Lagos State, which means the findings may not be fully representative of all television stations across Nigeria. There are many broadcasters in other states, especially in the northern and eastern regions, that may be using AI in different ways or facing different challenges. Therefore, the conclusions of this study should be applied to other contexts with caution. Second, the adoption of artificial intelligence in Nigerian television stations is still a very new phenomenon, with many stations only starting to explore AI tools in the past two years. This means that the practices and perceptions of journalists and managers are still evolving, and the findings of this study represent a snapshot in time rather than a permanent picture of how AI influences news production.

Another limitation relates to access to information. Some television station managers may be reluctant to share details about their use of AI, especially if they consider it a competitive advantage or if they are worried about public reactions to automation in journalism. This could affect the depth and honesty of the responses gathered during interviews or surveys. Additionally, the study relies partly on self‑reported data from journalists and editors, and people may overstate or understate their use of AI tools depending on how they feel about the technology. Finally, the research does not include an experimental component, so it can show relationships between AI use and news production outcomes but cannot prove cause and effect. Despite these limitations, the study will provide valuable insights by carefully documenting the experiences of real journalists working with AI in Nigerian newsrooms.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Artificial Intelligence (AI): In this study, artificial intelligence refers to computer systems and software that can perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as understanding speech, writing text, recognising patterns, and making simple decisions. This includes AI tools used in newsrooms like automated transcription software, AI writing assistants, and AI‑generated news anchors.

News Production: This term describes the entire process of creating a news bulletin for television, from the moment a story idea is generated to the final broadcast of the news on air. It includes news gathering, writing, editing, fact‑checking, and presentation.

Television Stations: For the purpose of this study, television stations means broadcast organisations that produce and air news programmes for public viewing. These stations may be privately owned or government‑owned and can be national networks or local channels.

AI News Anchors: These are computer‑generated characters or digital avatars that read news scripts on television. They are created using artificial intelligence technologies that can synthesise human‑like speech and facial movements. Unlike human anchors, AI news anchors are not real people but digital representations.

Journalist: In this study, a journalist is any person employed by a television station whose main duties include gathering information, writing news stories, editing news content, or presenting news on air. This includes reporters, editors, producers, and news anchors.

AI Adoption: This term refers to the process by which a television station begins to use artificial intelligence tools in its news production activities. Adoption can range from trying out a single AI tool on a small scale to fully integrating AI across all stages of news production.

Perception: Perception means the opinions, feelings, and attitudes that journalists and editors have about using artificial intelligence in their work. This includes whether they see AI as helpful or threatening, whether they trust AI‑generated content, and whether they think AI will change their jobs for better or worse.

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