Lao Journalists’ Association seeking to harness AI benefits

The Lao Journalists’ Association and CARE international in Laos on Friday hosted a discussion forum on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and the challenges presented by online social media for the Lao media industry.

Experts share their thoughts on key topics related to AI and the role of social media during a panel discussion on Friday.

The forum was supported by the Australian Embassy to Laos, the European Union, and business leaders.
The event aimed to boost media personnel’s awareness and proficiency in advanced information and communication technologies.
The forum was attended by the President of the Lao Journalists’ Association, Mr Savankhone Razmountry,  along with the Deputy Head of the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee, Mr Vanxay Tavinyan, and the Director General of the ministry’s Mass Media Department, Mr Somsavath Phongsa, the Deputy Australia  Ambassador to Laos, Mr Dan Heldon.
The event was also attended by a representative from the European Union to Laos, representative from the US embassy in Laos,  representative from CARE international in Laos, media leaders, other officials from the Ministry of information, Culture and Tourism, along with journalists from across the country over 200 people, both through face-to-face interactions and online video links.
The forum was titled “How to use Artificial Intelligence and Challenges of Social Media for Lao Media” and was part of activities to mark the 74th Lao Media Day.
Mr Savankhone said the idea behind the event and future developments was to equip Lao media professionals with the latest ICT tools, enabling them to produce timely, creative, and impactful media content.
“Our goal is to ensure that media outputs are reliable, responsible, and of high quality, thus fostering societal progress, unity, and peace,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of recognising both the opportunities and challenges brought by these developments.
“The use of AI is intended to enable readers and other media consumers to receive information quickly, provide them with rich content, and attract a wider audience, in line with Party and state development policies, reality, and the needs of the public,” he said.
The Deputy Ambassador of Australia to Laos, Mr Dan Heldon, highlighted the pervasive influence of technology in all professional spheres, particularly in the media. He also noted the complexities introduced by rapid digital transformation, the spread of fake news, and cybersecurity concerns.
“Artificial intelligence has significantly reshaped content creation, posing new challenges for journalists in their quest for truth,” Mr Heldon said.
During the event, experts delivered talks on key topics related to AI and the role played by social media.
Topics included Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Assist News and Media Agencies; AI Journalism and Ethics; How to ensure benefits and safety in using online social media; strategies to counter fake news; and the importance of sustainable green development.
Mr Savankhone expressed confidence that the insights gained would enable media organisations to innovate in news editing, translation, image modification, and video editing, thereby enhancing the efficiency and quality of media output.
He stressed that these advancements would also bolster journalists’ abilities to produce valuable and engaging content for diverse audiences, ultimately increasing media revenue.
AI has advanced significantly, extending beyond chatbots and personal assistants like ChatGPT, which are widely used. AI also offers numerous benefits across various sectors such as healthcare, finance, transportation, customer service, manufacturing, education and agriculture.
The forum underscored the Lao Journalists’ Association’s commitment to advancing media standards in line with the Party and state’s policies, ensuring that the media remains adept and responsive to the needs of the public in the digital era.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update August 5, 2024)