Beijing:Leaders of major international news agencies have expressed that while artificial intelligence (AI) can transform the methods of news gathering, production, and distribution, it cannot replace the human judgment and instincts essential to credible journalism.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Reuters president Paul Bascobert emphasized that AI could enhance newsroom efficiency and expand journalists’ capabilities, but the core ability to distinguish truth from falsehood and assess sources remains fundamentally human. He highlighted the irreplaceable human ability to gain trust and understand conversational nuances, which are crucial for uncovering the real story.

Bascobert made these remarks during the plenary session of the 7th World Media Summit (WMS) at the Great Hall of the People. He mentioned that Reuters views AI as a tool to support, not replace, journalists, focusing on automating tasks rather than judgment.

Similarly, Agence France-Presse president Fabrice Fries noted that the future of AI is linked to the sustainability of professional journalism. He warned that if trustworthy journalism weakens, AI reliability will diminish, risking a cycle of synthetic content feeding on itself.

Fries called on AI companies to compensate news organizations for their original journalism, stressing the importance of recognizing the value of professional reporting. He warned that without strong news organizations, the foundations for AI models might erode.

The Associated Press president Daisy Veerasingham also spoke on how technological advancements should strengthen journalism's core principles. She emphasized that independent journalism is crucial, especially as AI makes misinformation and deepfakes more prevalent. Veerasingham advocated for clear standards governing AI use and frameworks to protect intellectual property.

The summit, themed “Media in the Intelligent Age From Consensus to Action,” gathered media leaders, government representatives, academics, and industry experts from over 100 countries to discuss journalism's future and the impact of emerging technologies.