Media leaders call for AI safeguards and stronger branding as journalism evolves

At the WAN‑IFRA World News Media Congress in Marseille, New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger accused AI platforms of large‑scale data theft and urged publishers to unite, push for legislation and develop responsible AI governance. Attendees discussed practical AI use, citing USA Today’s AI‑driven public‑records system and Prisa Media’s pause on AI tools after errors, highlighting a shift from experimentation to mainstream adoption.

During a visit to Lagos, International News Media Association chief Earl Wilkinson stressed that AI is reshaping newsroom operations worldwide and that a media outlet’s brand, not its format, will determine success. He pointed to Nigeria’s youthful population as a key opportunity for publishers to engage younger audiences through digital, video and audio content, and urged media companies to demonstrate how quality journalism improves lives and supports democracies.