Unravelling Socio-Technological Barriers to AI Integration: A Qualitative Study of Southern African Newsrooms

Abstract

This study explores the socio-technological barriers to the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solutions in three countries of the global south – South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Through 20 in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, it examines the distribution and circulation of AI technologies within selected newsrooms. Furthermore, the article explores socio-technological obstacles to the integration of AI among journalists. Lastly, it examines the consequences of these socio-technological obstacles to journalism. The article specifically seeks to answer three questions: How are AI technologies integrated in southern African newsrooms? What are the socio-technological barriers attendant to the use of AI in selected news organisations of sub-Saharan Africa? What are the implications of these socio-technological barriers to the process of news production in these newsrooms? The article reveals the challenges hindering the development and deployment of AI in these organisations, and I highlight the detrimental effects of limited AI access, which places Southern African media organisations at a disadvantage on the global stage, perpetuating socio-technological disparities between the global north and global south. The findings underscore the urgency of addressing these barriers in order to reduce information inequality, increase efficiency and productivity and improve audience engagement. Reducing technological barriers and democratising AI integration can enhance the influence of Southern African media in promoting domestic and international equity. The article therefore, propose a model for AI adoption and reduction of technological barriers in adopting these technolgies. This study emphasises the need for collaborative efforts among policymakers, industry leaders and stakeholders to create an inclusive environment that maximises the potential of AI for the greater benefit of parts of Southern African societies. The study adds to extant literature at the intersection of AI and media, particularly how AI technologies are impacting on specific communities of practice, like newsroom organisations.