Google’s News Initiative recently organized an AI workshop in Lagos to empower journalists. The workshop aimed to enhance storytelling and equip participants with essential AI tools like Gemini and Pinpoint. Mr. Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade emphasized Google’s commitment to supporting the media industry and combating misinformation. Feedback from participants highlighted its positive impact on journalistic skills and production capabilities.
Google recently conducted an Artificial Intelligence (AI) workshop in Lagos as part of its News Initiative (GNI), aimed at enhancing the storytelling capabilities of journalists. This workshop is a testament to Google’s commitment to support the media industry amid the evolving landscape presented by AI technologies. Participants were trained on using advanced AI tools to elevate their work in journalism.
During the event, Mr. Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communication and Public Affairs Manager for West Africa, articulated the company’s mission to organize world information to make it universally accessible. He emphasized that this commitment also extends to the news sector, aspiring to advance quality journalism and foster collaborative global news communities. Mr. Kola-Ogunlade highlighted that the training in Nigeria reflects Google’s commitment to expanding access to AI resources across various regions.
The Google News Initiative aims to empower journalists through AI training workshops, providing tools such as Gemini, Pinpoint, and NotebookLM for enhancing research and fact-checking capabilities. Kola-Ogunlade stated that these tools are vital for helping journalists create reliable and engaging content, while also ensuring responsible AI usage. The initiative seeks to give publishers control over their content and help combat misinformation effectively.
Feedback from participants indicated that the training was both timely and beneficial. Adebola Adegoke from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) described the workshop as “insightful and informative,” reflecting its positive impact on storytelling and production skills. Another participant pointed out the necessity of leveraging AI training, suggesting that those who do not may fall behind in the rapidly evolving media landscape.
The workshop, conducted in partnership with GomyCode, offered attendees direct access to AI-powered tools capable of streamlining the search, fact-checking, and analysis of extensive documents. The training equips journalists with the skills to summarize information more efficiently, underscoring the essential role of AI in the modern newsroom.
In conclusion, Google’s recent AI workshop for journalists in Lagos exemplifies its commitment to empowering the media industry with advanced tools and training. The initiative not only aims to enhance journalistic practices but also strives to ensure responsible AI integration. As the media landscape evolves, such training becomes essential to equip journalists with the skills necessary to thrive and maintain high journalistic standards.
Original Source: von.gov.ng