IAWRT Empowers Women Journalists With AI Tools for Digital Storytelling

The International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) Kenya has intensified efforts to bridge the digital divide in the country’s media sector by hosting the fourth session of its training series on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital tools for female journalists.

The latest session focused on AI in multimedia journalism, underscoring the growing importance of multimedia storytelling in the digital age. Organisers noted that the integration of AI-powered tools is transforming journalism by making content more engaging, accessible and human-centred.

Seasoned broadcast journalist and long-time media mentor Josephine Karani, who facilitated the training, described AI in journalism as the use of machine learning algorithms, automation tools and intelligent systems to support news gathering, content creation, editing and distribution across digital platforms.

Participants were taken through practical applications of AI in journalism, including image generation using tools such as DALL·E, Canva and Midjourney AI, effective image prompting, image enhancement and restoration, as well as data visualisation using platforms like Datawrapper. The session also covered image and video fact-checking techniques, AI applications in audio journalism, transcription and translation tools, and ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in newsrooms.

IAWRT said the training forms part of its broader mission to equip women journalists with relevant digital skills needed to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape. The initiative is supported through continued collaboration with media practitioners and AI experts, with backing from the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), the Google News Initiative, Sida and Kenya Correspondence Association ( KCA).

The association reaffirmed its commitment to empowering female journalists with innovative tools to enhance storytelling, credibility and professional growth in Kenya’s media industry.