The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) will hold a significant conference on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, in Abuja, titled “AI, Free Press, and Civic Space: Tools, Challenges, and Future of Investigative Reporting.” The event will also see the launch of the second edition of its Journalism and Civic Space report.
In a statement released by the Executive Director/CEO of WSCIJ, Motunrayo Alaka, the conference will explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on investigative journalism, press freedom, and civic space. Discussions will also cover critical areas such as media laws, freedom of expression, and the role of technology in enhancing transparency and accountability.
Alaka emphasized that the one-day event aims to deepen understanding of the fundamental rights of journalists and the principles of a free press, while focusing on the intersection of technology and the future of investigative reporting and democracy.
The event will also include the unveiling of WSCIJ’s 2023 media monitoring report, a follow-up to the 2022 report titled Hushed Voices and the Media’s Defence of Civic Space. This initiative is part of WSCIJ’s broader Civic Space Guard programme, which supports journalists through training and resources, aiming to protect civic space and combat misinformation. This program is implemented with support from the Netherlands Embassy in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).
The conference is expected to attract investigative journalists, media executives, tech innovators, human rights activists, lawyers, government officials, civil society organizations, and representatives from various ministries and agencies.