Skip to main content

Human Voices First: Sierra Leone Journalists Urge Ethical AI Use in Radio on World Radio Day


As the world marks World Radio Day 2026, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has issued a clear message to the global media community: Artificial Intelligence may enhance broadcasting, but it must never replace the human voice at the heart of journalism.

In a statement signed by SLAJ National Secretary General Edward Marrah, the association joined international partners in observing this year’s theme, “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a Tool, Not a Voice.” The message underscores both the promise of emerging technologies and the enduring power of radio as a trusted public service medium.

For decades, radio has remained the most accessible and resilient form of communication in Sierra Leone, connecting city centers to the most remote villages. It has informed citizens, amplified marginalized voices, preserved local languages and cultures, and supported national development through public health campaigns, disaster response, civic education, and peacebuilding efforts.

SLAJ acknowledged that AI is transforming newsrooms worldwide, offering tools that can improve efficiency in content production, translation, archiving, and audience engagement. However, the association cautioned that these innovations must serve as support mechanisms rather than substitutes for journalists, editors, and presenters.

The statement emphasizes that credibility in broadcasting depends on human judgment, ethical responsibility, and editorial independence — qualities that cannot be automated. While technology can process data and streamline workflows, it cannot replicate lived experience, cultural understanding, or the moral accountability that underpins responsible journalism.

SLAJ therefore called on media owners, policymakers, broadcasters, and development partners to invest in radio’s future by strengthening professional capacity and promoting responsible AI integration. Such efforts, the association noted, will help ensure that radio continues to evolve without compromising its core values.

Reaffirming its commitment to press freedom and ethical journalism, SLAJ stressed that radio must remain a people-centered platform — one powered by technology but guided by human integrity.

In a rapidly changing digital landscape, Sierra Leone’s journalists are reminding the world that while tools may change, trust is built — and sustained — by human voices.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Senegal, first African team to beat England, but not first to score three goals

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Claim: Soccer World HQ, in a Facebook post , claimed that Senegal is the first African team to beat England and the first to score three goals against them. Verdict: Partly True! Senegal is the first African team to beat England, but not the first to score three goals against them. Full Text The England senior men’s national football team, nicknamed the “Three Lions,” played their first match against Scotland in 1872. That match ended goalless but marked the beginning of an intense soccer rivalry between both nations, dubbed the “Auld Enemy.” Since 1872-2025, the England national team has achieved its 1000-game milestone in November 2019 when they played Montenegro at the Wembley Stadium. England's all-time head-to-head record shows that they’ve played a whopping 1072 matches against 100 countries, won 615 games, drew 255, and lost 200. Senegal, on the other hand, is one of Africa’s most famous football nations, nicknamed the “Lions of Teranga.” In 2002, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Makeni Medical Mission Brings Hope and Healing to Bombali District

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Residents of the Asker Amputee Camp in Makeni City, including various war victims, are rejoicing over the inauguration of the Makeni Medical Mission health facility, established by philanthropist, author, and pastor Mr. Bambay Sawaneh, alongside his partners in the United States. This newly launched medical facility, comprising 11 treatment rooms, was developed with the support of Southeastern Medical International (SMI) and the Concord Christian Church. Their mission is to deliver compassionate healthcare and a range of medical services to the people of Bombali District and surrounding areas, with a particular focus on war victims and vulnerable families living in the Asker Amputee Camp at Robureh. At the official opening ceremony in Makeni city, a team of 10 medical missionaries from Southeastern Medical International, including Sheila Yates, a seasoned medical missionary with two decades of experience in the US, provided free medical care to 100 individuals,...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sierra Leone, Two other Nations disqualified from AFCON 2024 U17 Qualifiers

By: Abdulrahman Barrie The U17 football teams from Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Guinea Bissau have been disqualified from the 2024 U17 African Cup of Nations competition in Senegal after failing the mandatory MRI test scans. These scans, which determine the age of the players, revealed discrepancies that led to their removal from the tournament. The disqualification follows changes to Article 27.4 of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations regulations, which have tightened the criteria and enforcement of age verification measures. The updated rules stipulate that if a team has more than four players deemed ineligible after the MRI eligibility test, the entire team will be disqualified. The MRI tests, used to enforce age restrictions in youth competitions, are crucial for ensuring fairness. Unfortunately, the teams from these three nations did not meet the age criteria, resulting in their disqualification. This decision has come as a significant disappointment for the young players and their fans, w...
Post a Comment
Read more