Pan-Atlantic University successfully hosted its 2026 Media Roundtable, a high-level virtual webinar that brought together media professionals, academics, journalists, and communication experts. The event provided a timely platform to examine the evolving landscape of African journalism under the theme “The Future of African Media: AI, Monetisation and Editorial Integrity.”
Discussions focused on how artificial intelligence is reshaping newsroom operations, the urgent need for sustainable revenue models, and the critical importance of preserving editorial independence and public trust in an increasingly digital media environment. Speakers agreed that while AI presents significant opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, and audience engagement, its successful integration depends on responsible implementation, strong organisational preparedness, and an unwavering commitment to ethical journalism.
Dr. Richard Ikiebe, Chairman of the Board of Directors of BusinessDay Nigeria, delivered the keynote address. He emphasised that Africa’s greatest challenge is not AI itself, but the continent’s limited capacity to adopt and integrate the technology effectively. Dr. Ikiebe stressed the need for robust data management systems, redesigned newsroom workflows, clear governance policies, and strong editorial oversight. On monetisation, he encouraged media organisations to diversify revenue streams and better understand their audiences’ unique needs, famously noting that “the money is not disappearing; it is moving.” He concluded that the future of African media lies in authenticity, originality, and disciplined journalism rather than imitation of global models.
Mike Okwoche, International Broadcast Journalist and Global News Presenter with RT International, described AI as a valuable productivity partner for journalists. He highlighted tools such as accent-aware transcription and automation of repetitive tasks, which allow media professionals to focus on higher-value editorial work while maintaining ethical standards and editorial oversight.
Dr. Morayo Afolabi-Brown, CEO of MAB Productions, spoke on leveraging AI for operational efficiency. She noted that automation enables media organisations and independent creators to produce more content with fewer resources, while stressing the importance of maintaining audience engagement and human creativity in the process.
Elizabeth Musa, Programme Lead and Anchor at BusinessDay, emphasised AI’s strategic importance in modern journalism. She highlighted its role in accelerating research, storytelling, content curation, and the delivery of timely news, particularly during breaking news situations.
Dr Jeremiah Bandele, an Associate Professor at Pan-Atlantic University, underscored the importance of transparency and ethical use of AI. He urged media professionals to clearly disclose when AI is used in content creation to maintain credibility and public trust.
The 2026 Media Roundtable reinforced Pan-Atlantic University’s position as a leading hub for media thought leadership in Africa. The event concluded that the future of African media will be defined by innovation, ethical responsibility, and a commitment to serving audiences with authenticity and integrity.