Nando: Journalists from the Nando region were equipped on Wednesday on artificial intelligence and the use of statistical data during a session led by trainers Tilado Apollinaire Abga and Bernard Sansan Doly. The Nando Regional Directorate of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism (DRCCAT-NANDO) organized the training session at its premises in Koudougou, targeting journalists and provincial officials in the sector.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting focused on artificial intelligence (AI) in information processing and the production and use of statistical data. The session aimed to strengthen the capacities of media professionals on AI applications and to raise awareness of associated risks.

Tilado Apollinaire Abga, the Director of Information of the Burkina Information Agency, shared his practical experience on AI’s contributions to journalism. He highlighted AI as a computer science field aiming to create machines that simulate human intelligence functions like learning and decision-making.

In his presentation, Abga discussed various AI tools beneficial for journalists, including editorial assistants such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, which aid in generating texts and ideas. He also mentioned audio processing and transcription tools like Whisper, Descript, and Auphonic, which enhance production sound quality. Abga emphasized AI’s role in reducing errors, saving time, and boosting productivity, while stressing responsible use, verification of information, data confidentiality, and vigilance against misinformation.

The second speaker, Bernard Sansan Doly, addressed the production and use of statistical data in the media. He emphasized that statistics are crucial for public and private decision-making and highlighted the importance of media outlets providing reliable data to enrich national statistical databases.

Participants appreciated the initiative, believing the training will help them adapt to technological changes and improve information quality in Burkina Faso.