AI in journalism: Some perspectives from the Global South

Much of the conversation surrounding the integration of AI in journalism has centred on developments in the Global North, where infrastructure, investment and innovation ecosystems are more robust. However, many newsrooms in countries across Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and South Asia are not only facing the same technological, ethical, and professional challenges as their counterparts in the Global North, but also grappling with deeper structural issues such as economic insecurity, limited access to AI infrastructure, and reliance on tools and technologies designed from a Western perspective. Examining regional dynamics provides valuable insights into the future of journalism at a global scale and the potential amplification of inequalities through technological advancements. The snapshot below illustrates current trends and challenges, highlighting the need to consider context, capacity, and local realities.

In Africa

In South Africa, AI is viewed as a promising tool to enhance news production. At the same time, it raises concerns about job losses and a decline in journalistic quality, particularly in contexts where resources and AI expertise are limited (Makwambeni et al., 20-23). Ethical concerns about misinformation, bias, and intellectual property rights are prominent in Ghana and South Africa. The use of AI in these countries remains limited and informal, often left to the discretion of individual journalists rather than being part of newsroom policy. The lack of clear ethical guidelines also highlights the need for structured policies to ensure the responsible use of AI in journalism (Adjin-Tettey et al., 2024).

In South America

In Latin America, disparities are also linked to economic conditions, access to infrastructure and skill levels. Across Ibero-America, AI is mainly used experimentally and is limited by the quality of the data sources that feed AI models. AI tools are primarily used for content generation, task automation, and fact-checking, similar to those seen in the Global North. However, resistance to change and fear of job loss remain significant barriers (Apablaza-Campos et al., 2024).

In Argentina, the adoption of AI in journalism, particularly in computer vision projects using satellite imagery, is hindered by inadequate technological infrastructure. This includes a shortage of qualified personnel to develop AI models, as well as a lengthy and costly implementation process (de Lima Santos & Salaverría, 2021).

In Brazil, although the integration of AI was expected to peak in 2020, its implementation remains uneven, as it is costly and requires significant investments. Brazilian digital journalism operates on the margins of technological development, with limited access to financial and technological resources. AI integration is further hindered by economic instability and the region’s reliance on funding from tech giants such as Google and Meta, which exacerbates its technological dependency (Pinto & Barbosa, 2024).

In the Middle East

Across Arab newsrooms, the adoption of AI is still in its early stages. Journalists are still exploring how AI can benefit daily news production, with early applications including Arabic grammar-checking and fact-checking tools. AI adoption is uneven due to economic disparities: wealthy Gulf countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have already integrated AI into news production (including AI-generated news anchors), while Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Tunisia rely on donor-funded independent media to experiment with AI (Harb & Arafat, 2024). In Egypt, the adoption of AI is also hampered by a lack of understanding among journalists about its potential applications. There is also a generational divide, with younger journalists showing greater enthusiasm for AI (Elaasser et al., 2024).

In Jordan, journalists recognise AI’s ability to automate tasks and increase newsroom efficiency, reducing operational costs while improving fact-checking. However, the adoption of AI continues to be hampered by a lack of innovation, insufficient technological modernisation and a shortage of skilled personnel capable of managing AI systems. Many Jordanian newsrooms also suffer from limited financial resources and outdated organisational structures, making them ill-prepared to adopt AI-driven journalism (Sharadga et al., 2022). In Pakistan, the adoption of AI is hindered by economic constraints, a lack of access to reliable data, and the digital divide. Journalists also worry about job displacement due to automation, and AI remains inaccessible mainly in mainstream media (Jamil, 2021).