Since completing the AI Journalism Fellowship, freelance reporter Toheeb Babalola has been at the forefront of integrating AI tools into Nigerian media. Based in Delta State, Babalola is collaborating on a variety of story ideas, leveraging the skills and knowledge gained from the program to enhance his journalistic work and train his colleagues. This interview highlights how his post-fellowship work has enabled him to streamline his research process and enhance the quality of his work, a benefit that extends beyond his own projects.
What have you been up to since the program ended?
Since the AI Journalism Fellowship ended, I have been working and collaborating on various story ideas in the Nigerian media space.
Can you describe a specific project, event, or activity you’ve carried out that was inspired by the fellowship?
With the knowledge acquired during the fellowship, I have been using “Perplexity”, an AI tool, to research story ideas and my pitches.
Who or what has benefited from your post-fellowship work? (e.g., students, colleagues, audience)?
Colleagues. Can you share any results, feedback, or success stories that followed your initiative? (e.g., number of people trained, links to content created, improved reporting, partnerships) I have improved in multimedia editing with AI tools. Check the link: https://youtu.be/4iWUjZDUdZE?si=wgr4lmw1zH3xfUtP
What are your plans for using AI in journalism going forward?
I plan to keep using AI for my multimedia work and also make sure I’m using it in an ethical way when structuring stories.
What kind of support or collaboration would help you take your work to the next level?
I’m really hoping to get some funding to explore and bring more human rights stories to light.
How would you describe the fellowship to a journalist who would love to join?
From my experience, it’s a fellowship that no journalist can afford to miss in this AI-driven era.
