Ahead of this year's World Press Freedom Day (3 May), focusing on the Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on press freedom and the media, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities' Deputy Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights, Mélanie Lepoultier (France, ILDG) has called on authorities to maximise the benefits and address the risks of the use of AI for local and regional media.
"At a time when local and regional media are in decline due to the rise of social media and global media platforms, AI can be valuable for investigative reporting and appealing content, creation, including for local and regional media. It can also free-up journalists' time for original and investigative reporting", said Ms Lepoultier.
"Nonetheless, there remain challenges to be addressed in the digital transformation of local and regional media. These include the fact that AI-generated content can be misleading, spread disinformation and undermine trust in local journalism. Local and regional media also have limited resources to train staff and journalists on the best use of AI and other new technologies. This has a direct impact on their ability to thrive in the new digital environment and ensure the quality of modern local media content.
"Some of these issues, among others, were addressed in a Congress report which found that the decline of local media has a devastating effects on press freedom, pluralism and diversity.
"On this World Press Freedom Day, I call on local, regional and national governments, to play their part in ensuring the protection and support that local and regional media require, including by making best use of AI systems that help local communities access the quality news they need, as a vital element of local communities and democracies."
