Training in the application of artificial intelligence to meet the demands of modern journalism development.

Personnel determine the effectiveness of new technology application.

In the context of modern journalism, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is playing an increasingly important role in improving the quality of articles. Instead of replacing journalists, AI acts as a powerful support tool, helping to provide information, analyze data, and suggest innovative approaches based on abundant data sources.

Solving the human resource problem of applying artificial intelligence in press agencies (Figure 1) — The online newspaper VietnamPlus also enhances the reader experience with new types of information such as Web Stories, Short Videos, etc. (Screenshot)

With this support, journalists save time and can focus more on creative and critical thinking aspects, thereby producing higher-quality and more engaging articles. AI not only helps improve article quality but also optimizes the content production and distribution process.

Sharing his thoughts on applying AI technology to newsroom operations, journalist Tran Ngoc Long, Deputy Head of the VietnamPlus online newspaper's reporting department, said: "We are always very excited and enthusiastic to experience each tool in each technological application to apply to our reporters and editors. For us, the most important issue in applying AI and digital transformation in general is still human resources. Human resources will determine the effectiveness of digital transformation today."

“Often in the hands of young people, Generation Z, who are trained at university and grasp trends, are proficient in using AI applications and technologies in journalism and media, thereby creating multi-platform journalistic products. However, using Gen Z also presents a challenge for newsrooms because most young people still lack some foundational knowledge and make minor mistakes, so no matter what AI is used, the newsroom management team still has to spend time reviewing and approving it,” journalist Tran Ngoc Long shared.

Currently, in some countries with advanced information technology, they have used AI in advertising and media activities, creating high-quality advertising clips that attract public attention at the lowest cost. They use AI to create clips with virtual characters that are famous actors, participating in performances with realistic image and sound quality. This demonstrates the effectiveness of AI and clearly shows that many organizations and units need people who know about and use AI proficiently.

Solving the human resource problem of applying artificial intelligence in press agencies (Figure 2) — Journalist Tran Ngoc Long, Deputy Head of the Reporter Department at VietnamPlus online newspaper, shares information about the technology staff in the newsroom. Photo: Son Hai

The reality in developed countries demands that, starting now, the integration of AI training into domestic journalism and media needs urgent and appropriate steps. What kind of training programs will specialized institutions in media, advertising, and PR offer? Will they continue with the same programs as before, or will they train students to proficiently use AI tools, creating high-quality media products with just a click of a button?

Enhancing the capacity of journalists

Currently, in Vietnam, journalism training institutions are updating their curricula to include subjects aligned with new journalistic trends such as: data journalism, convergent and multimedia communication, social media and social networks, mobile journalism, graphic design, etc. At the Academy of Journalism and Communication, the institution always strives to train journalists with comprehensive, multi-tasking capabilities, who must master technology and grasp new developments.

The school is focused on improving the content of its training programs, updating them with new and modern subjects to meet the changing needs of practice. The school has implemented several very new areas such as: data journalism, mobile journalism, AI applications in journalism, graphic design, social media management, converged newsroom management, social media communication… striving to leverage AI so that students can quickly understand, grasp, and develop their skills in journalism and media activities in the future.

However, alongside the benefits that AI brings, there is also a downside: the emergence of AI-generated fake news. This is a product of the combination of AI and misinformation, posing unprecedented challenges to journalism and society in general.

Journalist Luong Dong Son, a lecturer at the Institute of Journalism and Communication, Academy of Journalism and Communication, stated: In the AI era, fake news has become a significant challenge for media organizations, governments , and society as a whole. To combat this type of fake news, the application of modern technological solutions is essential. These solutions not only focus on detecting and eliminating fake news but also prevent it from the very early stages of production.

Solving the human resource problem of applying artificial intelligence in press agencies (Figure 3) — Students practice in the school's computer lab. Photo: AJC

Journalist Luong Dong Son emphasized: This situation shows that training and capacity building for journalists is an essential solution. Media organizations need to regularly organize in-depth training courses on detecting and handling fake news, especially hyper-realistic fake news created by AI.

“Journalists need to be equipped with the necessary skills to identify signs of fake news, including the use of data analysis tools, deepfake detection tools, and methods for verifying the authenticity of sources. Furthermore, they also need to understand the latest trends in fake news production, thereby developing effective prevention methods,” journalist Luong Dong Son added.

It can be affirmed that the era of AI has begun, especially as this technology is becoming widespread and applied in all economic and social fields. The undeniable benefits of AI necessitate that journalism and media schools also pay attention to incorporating it into their formal curricula. Understanding AI will help students overcome fear, dependence, and reliance on AI information, and most importantly, enable them to master AI technology.

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