WPFD 2025: IPC, ACSPN Convene Media Stakeholders’ Roundtable on AI, Media, Press Freedom

 

To commemorate World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2025, the International Press Centre (IPC), in partnership with the Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), will host a one-day Media Stakeholders’ Roundtable themed: “Artificial Intelligence, The Media & Press Freedom: Issues & Perspectives.”

Supported by IFEX—a global network of over 100 organisations committed to advancing freedom of expression—the roundtable aligns with UNESCO’s World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2025 theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.” It will bring together journalists, media professionals, academics, civil society actors, and policy influencers to critically examine the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for press freedom.

The event, set for Wednesday, May 7, will open with a goodwill remark by Professor Rotimi Olatunji, President of ACSPN and Professor of Public Relations and Advertising at Lagos State University (LASU), followed by an Opening Statement from Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye, former Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism who will preside over the event.

The Executive Director, IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade in a statement said: As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the global information landscape, the forum will serve as a platform to assess the opportunities and risks AI poses to media independence, explore the evolving role of the media in an AI-driven world, and develop practical strategies to safeguard journalist safety while defending fundamental freedoms.”

Key highlights will include the presentation of the IPC State of Press Freedom Report, offering timely insights into the major challenges facing media freedom in Nigeria.

In another session Dr. Monday Ashibogwu, Managing Editor of Quick News, will lead a discussion on AI, the media, and press freedom.

Dr. Ganiyat Tijani-Adenle of LASU, will examine the critical issue of journalist safety in an AI-driven media environment.

The concluding session will capture stakeholder input and produce actionable recommendations to guide advocacy, policy, and media capacity-building, promoting a rights-based approach to AI and journalism.

The outcomes will be widely shared across media, academia, civil society, and government.