African journalists push for decent work, safety and responsible AI

Journalists’ organisations across Africa are pushing for better pay, secure employment and stronger protection against attacks as the growing use of artificial intelligence raises fresh questions about jobs, editorial independence and the future of quality journalism.

The concerns featured prominently at a two-day continental dialogue convened by the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) in Addis Ababa, where journalist leaders adopted an action plan addressing decent work, responsible AI and media freedom.

Participants highlighted persistent challenges in the profession, including low or delayed salaries, insecure employment, the absence of formal contracts and limited access to social protection. They warned that such conditions could undermine journalists’ independence and the quality of their reporting.

The discussions also examined whether AI-driven automation and newsroom cost-cutting could lead to reduced staffing, placing additional pressure on journalists already working under difficult conditions.

FAJ President Omar Faruk Osman said technological change should not come at the expense of journalists’ rights or professional standards.

“When journalists lack decent working conditions, quality journalism is weakened and consequently, disinformation and misinformation gain ground,” Osman said.

The meeting explored collective bargaining, labour rights and digital organising as mechanisms through which journalists could advocate for improved employment conditions.

Safety was another major issue, with participants discussing physical attacks, legal harassment, online abuse and digital security threats facing journalists across the continent. Particular attention was given to online harassment and digital violence targeting women journalists.

Participants called for stronger efforts to address impunity for crimes against journalists and to protect those exercising their professional responsibilities.

The dialogue also examined the opportunities and risks associated with AI in news production. While the technology can assist with research, translation and verification, participants raised concerns about fabricated material, the impersonation of credible sources and the spread of false information.

The action plan seeks to connect these challenges by promoting responsible technology use alongside better labour protections and safeguards for editorial independence.

Deliberations were informed by a recent FAJ continental survey on working conditions, safety, labour rights and media freedom. The federation said the survey gathered responses from 1,586 journalists across 45 African countries, providing evidence to support advocacy for reforms.

The programme brought together journalist leaders and representatives of the African Union Commission, UNESCO, the International Labour Organization and the European Union. It was funded by the latter three institutions through their support for freedom of expression and journalist safety initiatives.

FAJ plans to advance the action plan through its member organisations and engagement with the African Union, regional economic communities, labour groups, human rights organisations and other partners.

The next challenge will be translating the commitments into practical improvements in journalists’ working conditions, safety and ability to report independently.