The III EU-LAC Forum of Journalists, held on 7 June 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, brought together media professionals from the European Union (EU), Latin America,
and the Caribbean (LAC) to address the dual opportunities and challenges presented by digital transformation, with a particular emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and
its implications for journalism. Organised by the EU-LAC Foundation in collaboration with the School of Communication, Media and Information at the Getulio Vargas
Foundation (FGV Comunicação), the event sought to foster cross-regional dialogue and collaboration to advance journalistic practices while ensuring ethical and
regulatory safeguards in an era of rapid technological change.
In alignment with the EU-LAC Foundation’s mission to promote bi-regional cooperation, the forum recognised the critical role of journalists in shaping public
discourse and fostering understanding of bi-regional challenges. Participants explored how digital technologies, including AI, are transforming journalism by enabling
automated news production, enhancing data analysis, and personalising content delivery. At the same time, the discussions underscored concerns such as algorithmic
bias, misinformation, and ethical dilemmas, positioning the forum as a platform to share best practices and collaborative strategies for leveraging digital tools
responsibly.
The participants emphasised the importance of regulatory alignment and ethical considerations. Discussions on AI regulatory frameworks in Brazil and the EU
highlighted how both regions are navigating the balance between fostering innovation and ensuring accountability. Participants stressed the need for similar frameworks in
other countries to guarantee the ethical use of AI across diverse media landscapes.
Ethical considerations were central to the deliberations, particularly regarding AIgenerated content. Speakers called for clear policies to ensure transparency, accountability, and the preservation of journalistic standards. Initiatives such as the Paris Charter on AI and Journalism were cited as frameworks to guide the responsible
integration of AI into journalism.
One key area of focus was the potential of AI to enhance investigative journalism, storytelling, and efforts to combat misinformation. Panellists and case study
presenters shared examples of how technologies like AI are being employed to analyse large datasets, counter disinformation, and produce impactful multimedia content.
Experiences from organisations such as Cuestión Pública, Deutsche Welle, and Aos Fatos were shared.
A central theme of the forum was the role of collaboration in addressing challenges such as disinformation and the erosion of public trust in journalism. It was underscored
the importance of cross-border networks and partnerships that bring together journalists, media organisations, and digital innovators. Initiatives such as RedLATAM
and Are We Europe were highlighted as examples of how these collaborations can amplify underrepresented voices, tackle complex issues, and develop innovative
formats for engaging audiences across the EU and LAC regions.
You can read the complete report here