Kuala lumpur: The role of journalists in covering tragedies, conflicts, and humanitarian issues cannot yet be replaced by artificial intelligence (AI), as elements of empathy and the human touch remain essential in such reporting.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Assoc Prof Dr Shahrul Nazmi Sannusi of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) stated that while AI can assist in data collection, information organization, and swift content production, it lacks the capability to understand human suffering or to make ethical judgments. In scenarios involving loss of life, conflict, or disaster, journalists are required to ensure that reporting is conducted with ethics, sensitivity, and respect for victims and their families.

Shahrul Nazmi emphasized that the human touch and empathy guide journalists in choosing the appropriate approach during interviews, language use, and visual presentation, ensuring reports do not negatively impact those involved. As a lecturer at the Centre for Research in Media and Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, UKM, he noted that AI technology is unable to capture emotions, comprehend the ground reality, or fully understand the social context of a tragedy as humans can.

He further added that field reporting and community engagement are crucial in ensuring that reports convey human value and reflect the reality of events. AI should be a supportive tool to enhance newsroom efficiency and not replace journalists' roles in the field. Journalists remain vital for fact-checking, sourcing authentic information, and delivering reports with context and balance.

In response to concerns about the potential reduction in the role of media practitioners due to AI advancements, Shahrul Nazmi urged media professionals to use AI responsibly to protect the integrity and credibility of journalism in the fast-evolving digital landscape.