In a meaningful event for media professionals, Radio Missione Francescana and the Decanato di Varese are hosting a debate on January 18, 2025, at 10:30 AM, in honor of St. Francis de Sales, the patron saint of journalists. Titled “news Does Not Exist… Especially with Artificial Intelligence,” the discussion will feature Silvano Petrosino, a professor of interaction theories and religious anthropology at the Catholic University. The session, moderated by journalist Gianfranco fabi, aims to explore the implications of AI in journalism, coinciding with the upcoming Jubilee for the communication world, declared by Pope Francis from January 24 to 26. Following the debate, a Mass will be celebrated by local clergy, including Don Franco Gallivanone and Don Maurizio Cantù, emphasizing the event’s spiritual significance.
Title: Navigating the Future of Journalism in the Age of AI: A conversation with Silvano Petrosino
Introduction
On January 18, 2025, a notable debate titled “News Does Not Exist… Especially with Artificial Intelligence” will be held in Varese, Italy, featuring Silvano Petrosino. This discussion, moderated by journalist Gianfranco Fabi, coincides with the Jubilee for the interaction world as declared by Pope Francis. We caught up with Professor Petrosino to explore the implications of AI in journalism, the industry’s challenges, and the spiritual dimensions of the discourse.
Q: Professor petrosino, can you share your thoughts on the title of the upcoming debate? What does “News Does Not Exist” imply in the context of AI?
Silvano Petrosino: The title reflects a profound concern that in an era dominated by AI, the essence of news—its authenticity, reliability, and human touch—is under threat. As AI systems curate and create news content, the question arises: can we still define news as a genuine reflection of reality? This debate will delve into whether AI can genuinely replace the nuances of human journalism or if it merely serves as a tool that lacks the moral and ethical considerations intrinsic to human narratives.
Q: How do you foresee AI impacting journalistic integrity and public trust?
silvano Petrosino: AI has the potential to streamline processes and enhance efficiency in news production. However, there are risks involved. AI-generated content can lead to misinformation if not properly monitored. A significant concern is that audiences might not be able to discern between human-authored and AI-created articles, which could erode trust. The industry must prioritize transparency and establish ethical guidelines to safeguard journalistic integrity and train journalists to work alongside AI rather than be replaced by it[3[3[3[3].
Q: The debate is also part of a broader spiritual initiative. How does the concept of journalism intersect with faith, particularly considering the upcoming jubilee declared by Pope Francis?
Silvano Petrosino: Journalism and faith share a common mission of seeking truth. The Jubilee for communication calls us to reflect on our responsibilities as communicators.Just as religious practices encourage integrity and honesty, journalism must adhere to these principles to foster a more informed society. This event offers a space where we can unite the spiritual and the practical, emphasizing that our pursuit of truth as journalists is analogous to a spiritual quest for understanding[2[2[2[2].
Q: what implications does the rise of AI hold for the future of journalism jobs?
Silvano Petrosino: The integration of AI in journalism has created anxiety among journalists, with a notable portion viewing it as a threat to their jobs[3[3[3[3]. While some traditional roles may diminish, new opportunities will arise. Journalists will need to adapt, focusing on investigative reporting, nuanced storytelling, and areas where human insight is irreplaceable. AI should be viewed as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, human creativity and critical thinking.
Q: Can you provide practical advice for journalists navigating this new landscape?
Silvano Petrosino: Journalists must embrace continuous learning. Understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations is crucial.They should seek training in how to use these tools effectively, ensuring that their work maintains a human touch. Collaborating with tech experts and engaging in ethical discussions about AI use can help journalists adapt without compromising their core values. Furthermore, fostering a community among media professionals can help share best practices and insights