Caribbean media professionals have been urged to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool to strengthen journalism, while maintaining the core principles of accuracy, verification and public trust.
President of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU), Anthony Greene, made the call on Tuesday evening during the opening of the CBU’s 57th Annual General Assembly at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
Held under the theme “Caribbean Media and AI,” the assembly brought together media professionals from across the region to examine the impact of AI and other technological changes on the media industry.
The CBU president stressed that despite the rapid evolution of technology, the fundamental responsibility of the media remains unchanged.
“Technologies, platforms and audience habits will change, but the core obligations of journalism remain: to verify, to require context, to protect the vulnerable, to challenge power and to serve the public,” he said.
He also warned of the dangers posed by AI-generated misinformation, particularly during emergencies, where false information presented as coming from an official source could endanger lives.
In addition, Greene noted that access to trusted information remains critical, regardless of whether citizens receive it through radio, television, mobile platforms or other digital channels.
“Let us use AI to strengthen journalism, rather than allowing AI to weaken journalism,” he urged.
The CBU president also highlighted the need to protect media archives and intellectual property, improve the representation of Caribbean and indigenous languages in AI tools and ensure young content creators uphold professional standards.
The opening ceremony was attended by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Public Affairs and Information KwameMcCoy, and media professionals in Guyana and across the Caribbean.