ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND JOURNALISTIC PRACTICES: AN ASSEEMENT OF ITS IMPACT ON JOURNALISTS IN NIGERIAN TELEVISION AUTHORITY, MAIDUGURI ZONAL NETWORK CENTER

ABSTRACT This study examined the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on journalistic practice at NTA Maiduguri Zonal Network Centre. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 80 respondents out of a population of 106. A structured questionnaire was distributed to the participants through Google Forms. The data collected were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Findings showed a high level of awareness of AI among journalists in NTA Maiduguri, but its actual usage remains limited to basic tasks such as editing, proofreading, and fact-checking. Only 55 percent of respondents use AI tools regularly, and advanced applications like automated news writing and chatbots are rarely used by them. Some of challenges in using AI by staff of NTA Maiduguri include lack of training, inadequate infrastructure, high cost of tools, and fear of job loss. Ethical concerns such as bias, reduced human judgment, and limited transparency were also identified. The study concludes that AI adoption In NTA Maiduguri is still at an early stage, though journalists hold positive attitudes and view AI as a supportive tool. The study recommends improved training, investment in digital infrastructure, ethical guidelines for AI use, and inclusion of AI-related courses in journalism education.