This Wednesday, November 13, a new step in the digital era was reached in Senegal with the launch of a training workshop on artificial intelligence (AI) dedicated to journalists and media technicians. The ceremony, organized by the Union of Information and Communication Professionals of Senegal (SYNPICS) in partnership with the International Council on Artificial Intelligence (CONI-IA).
In a context where new technologies are profoundly transforming media professions, this initiative aims to provide professionals with modern skills to better understand current issues and anticipate future challenges.
The launching ceremony, placed under the sign of “responsibility and freedom”, central values of SYNPICS, brought together elders of the press, young journalists, experienced technicians, as well as students from the Center for Science Studies and Information Technology (CESTI) and the School of Journalism and Communication (EJICOM). The objective of this training, supported by the National Committee for Artificial Intelligence (CONI IA) and its partner Human AI, is twofold: to offer an understanding of the world of AI and to encourage responsible application of intelligent technologies in journalistic practices.
According to the SG of SYNPICS, this learning constitutes a crucial step forward for the Senegalese media. “For us, freedom and responsibility go far beyond simple words: they translate into a demand for excellence. Information professionals must be at the forefront to provide better information,” he said. Indeed, while new technologies redefine the modes of information production, it is essential that media players are equipped to understand and exploit these tools in an ethical and transparent manner.
This training is part of the MedIAfrique program, supported by CONI IA, which works to include countries in the sub-region in the AI revolution. Senegal is the third country in the region to benefit from this program, after Togo and Ivory Coast. This project responds to a growing need for the media to train on the applications of artificial intelligence, whether it involves the automation of certain tasks, data analysis or the creation of augmented content.
For the Director of Communications, this training marks a turning point. “It offers journalists and technicians the means to take part in the digital transformation of the media, while respecting the ethical standards which govern their work,” he underlined, welcoming the partnership with Human AI which actively contributes to promoting the knowledge and excellence.
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