Assessing the Ethical Implications of the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence by Broadcast Stations in Lagos State, Nigeria

Akinboade Abiodun Akinrinade, Kayode Olayemi Oluyege

Abstract

This study analyses the ethical implications of adopting AI in the broadcasting industry in Nigeria, focusing on major media houses in Lagos State. Using a qualitative research design, the study shows that organisations adopt AI in a limited, selective manner, primarily for operational support functions. Key factors in adoption include techniques, financial limitations, and ethical considerations. The research points to several ethical issues, including a lack of awareness among the media sector about AI ethics, the absence of regulations, and the possible loss of human editorial oversight. The research concludes that broadcasters in Nigeria lack adequate preparation to address AI's ethical issues, which may undermine journalistic integrity and public trust. The study suggests developing national ethical guidelines, incorporating AI ethics into professional training, and strengthening regulatory frameworks.



Keywords


Artificial Intelligence; Broadcasting Industry; Ethical Implications; Nigerian Media; AI Adoption

Full Text:

PDF


References


1. Adediran, E., Sakpere, W., & Ogunyinka, T. (2025). Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria: challenges and opportunities. SSRN Electronic Journal. doi: 10.2139/ssrn.5269530

2. Diakopoulos, N. (2019). Automating the News: How Algorithms Are Rewriting the Media. Harvard University Press.

3. Nwafor, K. A., Alegu, J. C., Nsude, I., Oketa, C., Nweze, S., Nwakaego, E. F., Nkechi, I. V., Imakwu, V. N., Anulika, O. J., & Aleke, C. O. (2025). Perception of job security in the era of artificial Intelligence among journalists in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. International Journal of Educational Research & Social Sciences, 6(1), 72–86. doi: 10.51601/ijersc.v6i1.952

4. Marconi, F. (2020). Newsmakers: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Journalism. Columbia University Press.

5. Mabweazara, H. (2018). Digital Technologies and the Evolving African Newsroom Towards an African Digital Journalism Epistemology. Routledge.

6. Whyte, D. H. Okokon, B. B., &. Okon, G. B. (2024). Digital media regulations in Nigeria: Discourses on statutes and enforcement. Zenodo (CERN European Organisation for Nuclear Research). doi: 10.5281/zenodo.14567575

7. Nwanyanwu, N. C., & Nwanyanwu, M. (2021). Utilisation of artificial Intelligence in journalism in Nigeria. NIU Journal of Social Sciences, 7(2).

8. Channels Television. (2025). Video: Tap Into AI, Digital Economy, Tijani Tells Young Nigerians. Retrieved from https://www.channelstv.com/2025/05/29/video-tap-into-ai-digital-economy-tijani-tells-young-nigerians/

9. Abdulkadir, A. (2026). Repositioning Broadcasting Regulation for Emerging Digital Platforms. Retrieved from https://fasahastream.com.ng/repositioning-broadcasting-regulation-for-emerging-digital-platforms/

10. Jamil, S. (2021). Automated Journalism and the Freedom of Media: Understanding Legal and Ethical Implications in a Competitive Authoritarian Regime. Journalism Practice, 17(6), 1115–1138. doi: 10.1080/17512786.2021.1981148

11. Gutiérrez-Caneda, B., Lindén, C., & Vázquez-Herrero, J. (2024). Ethics and journalistic challenges in the age of artificial Intelligence: talking with professionals and experts. Frontiers in Communication, 9. doi: 10.3389/fcomm.2024.1465178

12. Chukwu, O. J. (2024). Navigating Nigeria's Media Landscape through Information Law: The Journalists' Perspectives. Journal of Political and Legal Sovereignty, 2(4), 323–333. doi: 10.38142/jpls.v2i4.249

13. Gbaden, C. J., Gambo, S., & Shem, W. (2024). Challenges and Prospects of Artificial Intelligence in Nigerian Journalism Practice: A Narrative Review. Alsystech Journal of Education Technology, 2(2), 110–124. doi: 10.58578/alsystech.v2i2.2946

14. Farrell, A. (2022). Introduction to Electronic Media and Broadcasting. NY Research Press

15. Ward, S. J. (2015). The Invention of Journalism Ethics, Second edition. In McGill-Queen's University Press eBooks. doi: 10.1515/9780773598065

16. Uche, A. O., Obiora, A. V., & Nwabudike, F. C. (2025). Ethical Considerations and applications of AI-Generated Content in communication and Media studies in Nigeria. British Journal of Contemporary Education, 5(1), 48–58. doi: 10.52589/bjce-uweip6rz

17. Ter Akase, M & Igyuve, A. I., & Ojoajogwu, H. M. (2025). Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in news production by select broadcast stations in North-Central, Nigeria. Zenodo (CERN European Organisation for Nuclear Research). doi: 10.5281/zenodo.15096728

18. Noble, S. U. (2018). Algorithms of oppression. In NYU Press eBooks. doi: 10.2307/j.ctt1pwt9w5

19. Chandler, D. (1995). Technological or Media Determinism. Retrieved from http://visual-memory.co.uk/daniel/Documents/tecdet/

20. McQuail, D. (2010). McQuail's Mass Communication Theory. Sage.

21. Kperogi, F. A., & Ishiekwene, A. (2025). Light in a digital black hole: Exploration of emergent artificial intelligence journalism in Nigeria. Journal of Applied Journalism & Media Studies. doi: 10.1386/ajms_00164_1

22. Ugo, U. S., Peter-Wagbara, A., & Omaka, O. J. (2023). Ethical issues in internet-based journalism practice in Nigeria. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 19(1), 1072–1081. doi: 10.30574/wjarr.2023.19.1.1442

23. Ogbuoshi, C. L. (2021). Adopting Artificial Intelligence in Broadcast Media in Nigeria. IDOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 6(1), 1-7

24. Kalyango, Y. (2019). African Journalism. The International Encyclopedia of Journalism Studies, 1–13. doi: 10.1002/9781118841570.iejs0168

25. Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of Innovations (5th ed.). Free Press.

26. Tandoc, E. C., & Johnson, E. (2016). Most students get breaking news first from Twitter. Newspaper Research Journal, 37(2), 153–166. doi: 10.1177/0739532916648961

27. Montal, T., & Reich, Z. (2016). I, Robot. You, Journalist. Who is the Author? Digital Journalism, 5(7), 829–849. doi: 10.1080/21670811.2016.1209083


Article Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

Metrics powered by PLOS ALM

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.




Copyright (c) 2025 Akinboade Abiodun Akinrinade, Kayode Olayemi Oluyege

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.