Pacific Media Summit addresses AI and journalist safety

At the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, Fiji, media professionals gathered to discuss the evolving challenges facing journalism in the region. A primary focus was the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Andrew Drummond, Editor-in-Chief of the Australian Associated Press, emphasized that AI should be used to strengthen journalism rather than replace it. He advocated for a ‘human-in-the-loop’ approach, where human judgment and editorial controls remain central to any AI-assisted workflow to maintain accuracy and transparency.

In addition to technological shifts, the summit addressed physical safety concerns. Kalafi Moala, president of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), called for increased protection for journalists investigating organized crime and drug trafficking. Moala highlighted the growing sophistication of crime networks in countries like Tonga and noted the personal threats faced by reporters. The summit, which saw its largest attendance to date with over 200 participants, aims to reinforce fundamental journalistic skills, including research, fact-checking, and engagement with power structures.