The Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), in collaboration with the Press Club, has organised a two-day workshop on the impact of artificial intelligence in journalism, bringing together journalists to explore how emerging AI technologies are changing media practices and newsroom operations. The workshop focused on introducing participants to artificial intelligence, explaining its growing role in journalism and providing practical exposure to tools that can support their professional work. The programme was structured to move from foundational learning to hands-on activities, allowing journalists to understand both the capabilities of AI and its potential applications in everyday reporting.
The first day focused on building participants’ understanding of artificial intelligence and its increasing relevance to the media industry. Discussions covered the role of AI in journalism and introduced tools that professionals can use in different stages of their work. These applications can support tasks such as research, information organisation, content development and other newsroom activities. As AI tools become more widely available, journalists are increasingly exploring ways to incorporate them into their workflows while maintaining editorial judgement and responsibility for published information. The workshop aimed to familiarise participants with these developments and help them identify practical uses for the technology.
The second day shifted towards practical exercises, giving participants the opportunity to explore AI tools and apply what they had learned during the sessions. Journalists were able to experiment with different applications and observe how AI could be used in journalistic work. Sagar Samy, AI Generalist and Creative Technologist, led the training across both days, guiding participants through the sessions and demonstrating the use of emerging tools. PAFLA acknowledged his contribution and highlighted the active participation of attendees throughout the workshop. The practical format was intended to help journalists move beyond theoretical knowledge and gain experience with tools that could be relevant to their professional responsibilities.
Through initiatives such as this workshop, PAFLA aims to promote digital skills and encourage professionals to understand and adopt emerging technologies. The programme also reflects growing interest in AI training within Pakistan’s media sector, where journalists are assessing how automation and AI-assisted tools can support research, reporting and content production. As these technologies continue to develop, practical training can help media professionals understand their capabilities, limitations and appropriate applications. The collaboration with the Press Club provided a platform for journalists to engage with AI through guided learning and practical exercises, supporting efforts to build technology awareness across the media industry.
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