AI in African Newsrooms: Evaluating Translation Accuracy, Reliability, and Cultural Sensitivity in Tanzanian Media

This study examines the accuracy, readability, and cultural sensitivity of AI tools in translating and transcribing international news content in Tanzanian newsrooms. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study surveyed 19 news organizations and interviewed 38 journalists to analyze how international news is adapted for local audiences. While the findings demonstrate high levels of accuracy in both original and translated content, challenges persist in preserving cultural nuances during translation. Additionally, the findings indicate that African journalists were more susceptible to misinformation in their reliance on acclaimed reliable sources of international news content. When it came to conflicting stories of interest, neither translation, transcription, nor fact-checking tools offered reliable validation. These findings highlight the ongoing struggle for journalistic autonomy due to financial constraints and dependence on external sources. These factors contribute to a media environment where achieving complete autonomy in news content collection remains elusive. We emphasize the critical importance of transparency, accuracy, and adherence to ethical standards for journalists as they adopt AI technologies.