Imo SWAN AI Ethics Workshop: Take-Home, Strengths, and Way Forward for Sports Journalism

ThankGod Emeh…

The one-day capacity-building workshop organised by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Imo Chapter under the leadership of Cosmos Chukwuemeka on “Ethics & Professionalism in the Generative AI Era” has been described as a successful step in improving sports journalism practice in the state.

Held in Owerri at the OtownGist Media and Creative Hub, the workshop brought together sports journalists for both theory and practical sessions led by resource person Chinedu Hardy Nwadike.

Participants learned how artificial intelligence can support faster and more organised sports reporting without replacing journalists’ work. They were trained in fact-checking, verification, match report writing, interview transcription, headline creation, and content packaging. The session also stressed accuracy, originality, and the ethical use of AI tools.

The training was highly interactive, with members taking part in hands-on exercises using AI tools under supervision. Participants noted that the practical approach made the lessons easy to understand and useful for daily reporting.

The facilitator explained key concepts clearly and used practical examples to show how AI can be used responsibly in sports journalism.

Strong emphasis was placed on ethics, including avoiding misinformation, reducing over-reliance on automation, and maintaining editorial independence. Participants also learned the importance of verification tools in ensuring credible reporting.

Participants commended the resource person for his clear delivery and practical teaching style, noting that the workshop improved their understanding of AI in journalism.

The event recorded strong attendance and active participation, reflecting growing interest among sports journalists in adapting to new technology.

The workshop ended with a call for continuous training, clear AI ethics guidelines within the Imo Chapter (SWAN), teamwork through mentorship, and stronger collaboration with media and tech experts to support professional growth.

Overall, the programme was seen as a success and a positive step toward modern sports journalism in Imo State.