OtownGist Media & Creative Hub founder, Chinedu Hardy Nwadike, has participated as a resource person in a professional development workshop for journalists in Imo State, where he presented practical approaches to integrating artificial intelligence (AI), digital newsroom systems and multimedia production into contemporary journalism.
The workshop, held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Real Hotel, off House of Assembly Junction, Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, was organised by Newspoint Promotions Limited, publishers of Daily Nigeria Horn Newspapers, in collaboration with The Onion Communication Limited, publishers of The Onion Newspapers. With the theme, “Implications of ICT and AI on Contemporary Journalism in Imo State,” the programme featured Nwadike and Professor Lambert Amakeme as resource persons and brought together journalists, media executives and stakeholders from across the state.
Delivering his presentation, “From Newsroom to Digital Newsroom: AI, Digital Workflow and the Future of Journalism,” Nwadike examined how traditional media organisations could improve newsroom operations through structured digital systems, artificial intelligence and modern content production methods. He explained that the professional knowledge journalists already possess in reporting, verification, interviewing, source management and editorial ethics provides a foundation for adopting emerging technologies. His presentation emphasised that AI should support journalists in carrying out their responsibilities rather than replace the professional judgment required to produce accurate and credible news.
A major focus of the session was the practical application of AI tools in daily newsroom activities. Nwadike discussed how platforms such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini and TurboScribe could assist with interview transcription, organisation of field notes, document summarisation, grammar review and content preparation. He also outlined a digital newsroom management model using Google Drive, where reporters could submit stories, photographs, audio and video materials through organised folders for editorial review, approval, production, publication and archiving. The proposed workflow highlighted the importance of accountability, access control, collaboration and human editorial oversight in managing digital news production.
Drawing on the digital operations of OtownGist, Nwadike explored how media organisations could expand their activities beyond conventional newspaper and website publishing. He explained how journalists could approach a single reporting assignment as an opportunity to gather written reports, photographs, audio interviews and video content for distribution across multiple platforms. His presentation covered mobile journalism, news videos, vox pops, podcasts and digital audience engagement, while identifying opportunities for media houses to develop additional services in photography, livestreaming, event coverage, podcast production, documentaries and other multimedia activities. He stressed that commercial opportunities must not compromise editorial independence.
The session also examined the ethical challenges associated with AI-generated content, particularly deepfakes, synthetic videos, cloned voices, manipulated photographs and misinformation. Nwadike discussed the importance of verifying sources, dates, locations, quotations and original media files before publication. He encouraged media organisations to establish clear guidelines for using AI in reporting and editing, ensuring that journalists remain responsible for factual accuracy and editors retain final authority over published content. His presentation concluded with an action plan covering digital newsroom organisation, mobile journalism training, responsible AI adoption and improved content distribution.
The workshop was convened by the Chairman of Horn Group of Newspapers, High Chief Bright Chimezie Njoku, who expressed concern about the implications of artificial intelligence for journalism practice. Njoku warned that the ability of AI systems to generate convincing but misleading reports, photographs and other materials could create serious challenges for media professionals. He maintained, however, that trained journalists would continue to play an essential role in society, stating, “With or without AI, you cannot do without trained media practitioners.” He explained that the workshop was intended to improve professional awareness and would form part of a continuing series of training programmes, including future practical sessions.
Among the media executives and stakeholders who attended were the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma; publisher of The Big Truth Newspapers, Sir Modestus Nwamkpa; former NUJ Chairman, Chief Innocent Igwe; and Comrade Salvator Amadi. Dr. Basil Ekweke served as compere and moderator, while Professor Lambert Amakeme participated alongside Nwadike as a resource person. In a goodwill message, the Senator representing Imo North Senatorial District, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, commended the organisers for responding to technological changes affecting professional practice and encouraged journalists to take advantage of the training.
Participants welcomed the initiative and called for more opportunities for journalists to develop relevant professional skills. One of the participants, Edison Okereke, appealed to Governor Hope Uzodimma to support the programme, pointing to the importance of the media in reporting developments across Imo State. The workshop, originally scheduled for September 17 and 18, 2026, was reduced to one day in honour of the late father of a journalist identified as Paul, whose burial was scheduled for September 18 in Enugu State.
Nwadike’s participation reflects the areas of media development, digital production and technology adoption addressed through the work of OtownGist Media & Creative Hub. The workshop also provided an opportunity to share newsroom workflow approaches and discuss how journalists and media organisations can respond to technological changes while maintaining the professional standards of accuracy, verification, fairness and accountability.
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