International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Kalani Muchima, Clinton Masumba, Christine Mubanga
Abstract: This qualitative study investigated journalists' opinions on artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for news credibility at the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) Lusaka office. The research was guided by three objectives: to identify the AI tools currently used by ZANIS journalists and their purposes; to examine journalists' perceptions of AI's implications for news credibility; and to explore the ethical issues associated with AI use. The study adopted an interpretivist research philosophy and employed a single-case study design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six journalists purposively selected from different role categories (political reporter, health reporter, business reporter, senior editor, digital editor, and news photographer). Thematic analysis was conducted following Braun and Clarke's six-phase framework. The theoretical framework integrated the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Diffusion of Innovations Theory, Media Credibility Theory, and Professional Identity Theory. The findings revealed that AI adoption at ZANIS Lusaka is universal but entirely informal. All six participants reported using AI tools, primarily for transcription, drafting, and research. However, this adoption occurred without formal organisational policy, training, or guidance. Journalists learned about AI tools through self-directed experimentation, peer recommendations, and online tutorials. The most significant finding was the complete absence of any formal AI policy at ZANIS, creating risks of inconsistent practices, accountability gaps, and ethical blind spots. Regarding perceptions of news credibility, participants experienced a fundamental tension between AI's efficiency benefits and concerns about accuracy, authenticity, and audience trust. Older journalists expressed greater credibility concerns than their younger colleagues. Participants disagreed on whether and how AI use should be disclosed to audiences, reflecting the broader "transparency dilemma" in the literature. Ethical concerns identified included bias and cultural inappropriateness of AI tools developed outside Africa, accountability gaps for AI-generated errors, deskilling of fundamental journalistic skills, job displacement fears, and emerging concerns about privacy, data security, and source protection. The study concludes that while ZANIS journalists are enthusiastically adopting AI tools for their efficiency benefits, this adoption is occurring without the policy frameworks, training, and ethical guidance necessary to protect news credibility. The study recommends that ZANIS urgently develop a formal AI policy, establish mandatory training programmes, clarify disclosure standards and accountability mechanisms, and provide guidance on data privacy and source protection.
