There is a well-known quote by the founder of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, which says: “Journalism is not changing, it has changed; it is you who is not changing.” This assertion truly reflects the current state of the entire field of Mass Communication. From the days of the Gutenberg Press to Reverend Henry Townsend’s historic publication “Iwe Iroyin fun Awon Egba ati Yoruba”, up to today’s digital-first era, the media landscape has undergone a profound transformation. Every aspect of the profession has been reshaped by new ideas, innovations, and technologies, pushing journalists and media professionals to evolve or risk being left behind. The same holds true for many other professions, as technological advancements continue to redefine how we live, work, and communicate.
In that spirit of change, Television Continental (TVC) took the industry by surprise last week with the unveiling of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) news anchors. This groundbreaking move marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s broadcasting history. The AI anchors now deliver news updates in five major languages: English, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Pidgin, reaching audiences across all six geopolitical zones and connecting with a population of over 240 million Nigerians.
What excites me most about this innovation is that, for once, it originated from within. We did not have to wait for a foreign media giant to pave the way. Unlike the past, when platforms like the BBC had to lead the charge in telling our stories in indigenous languages before local media followed, this time a Nigerian media house is setting the pace. Kudos to the entire management of Television Continental.
Following the development, several senior professionals in the media industry have raised concerns. Some worry that AI could potentially displace human staff, while others are calling on regulatory bodies to establish a framework or guidelines before such innovations are fully deployed in Nigerian broadcasting. Specifically, there are calls for the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to intervene before TVC’s AI news anchors go live.
However, history shows that innovation often leads regulation, and not the other way around. Technology has consistently set the pace for global development. A similar pattern played out in Nigeria’s fintech sector. Many of the financial technology products we rely on today were created long before the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced regulations. It was only after these innovations gained momentum that the CBN established committees, engaging with fintech creators to develop appropriate policies.
Cryptocurrency is another example; the CBN is still working towards formulating comprehensive regulations in that space.
Against this backdrop, I found it refreshing to hear the GMD/CEO of TVC, Victoria Abiola Ajayi, speak candidly about the purpose of the AI initiative in a recent interview. Poised, confident, and eloquent, she emphasised that the AI project was never intended to replace journalists or newsroom staff. Rather, it is meant to complement them.
Her words were clear: “It is not about competition; it is about complementing the work we already do.” She presented a forward-thinking vision, one that embraces the power of AI while still valuing human intelligence, emotional depth, and editorial insight.
What stood out even more was her revelation that TVC is currently drafting an AI policy document. This will be shared with regulators and other industry stakeholders who may wish to adopt or adapt it. That is not just responsible leadership; it is a step towards shaping the future of broadcasting in Nigeria.
The lesson here is clear: media organisations must begin to allocate budgets for AI development and integration, not as a luxury, but as a necessity. It is better to invest proactively than to be caught unprepared as the next wave of disruption rolls in.
For journalists, this is also a call to action. To stay relevant in this AI-powered future, they must engage in continuous learning through training, certification, and collaboration with tech professionals. Otherwise, the risk is not just being left behind, but being locked out of the future altogether.
