Journalists are being urged to step up efforts against misinformation and disinformation as citizen journalism and artificial intelligence reshape the media landscape.

The warning was issued at a symposium organized by Open African Tribune in Lekki, Lagos, themed “Citizen Journalism in the Age of the Algorithm.”

Naakuu Paul-Birabi, Editor-in-Chief of Open African Tribune, stressed the importance of bridging the gap between information and knowledge.

He highlighted that AI, digital algorithms, and deep fakes are creating new challenges for journalism, emphasizing that reporters must remain responsible in combating false narratives.

Paul-Birabi said, “Our goal is to help journalists and the public understand how news is consumed and the narratives shaping society.”

Fisayo Soyombo, Founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, warned that the value of journalism should not be measured by virality or fame but by its ability to deliver truthful, verified information.

Soyombo also called for stricter newsroom recruitment standards to prevent quackery in the profession. “Journalists must test writing skills, ethics, and understanding of journalism before hiring,” he added.

Tolulope Adelera-Balogun, Director of Programmes at News Central, urged reporters to verify news from multiple sources before publication.

She emphasized seeing social media as a news-gathering tool rather than a platform to compete with citizen journalists.

Adelera-Balogun also suggested that licensing journalists could help distinguish trained professionals from citizen reporters without formal training.

Panelists agreed that journalists should embrace digital tools and AI responsibly, combining technological insights with ethical reporting to maintain credibility.

The symposium highlighted the urgent need for accurate, fact-checked reporting in an era dominated by algorithms and social media influence.

By prioritizing verification, ethics, and continuous learning, journalists can ensure the public receives reliable information while countering misinformation in the growing landscape of citizen journalism.