"World Press Freedom Day 2025 focuses on how AI affects press freedom, the free flow of information, media independence, and the global goal of ensuring access to information and protecting fundamental freedoms" (United Nations World Press Freedom Day 3 May 2025).
This weekend marks World Press Freedom Day, with the focus on the impacts of the AI revolution. AI is playing a bigger role in global elections – bringing both opportunities to enhance fact checking as well as challenges with the onslaught of disinformation and deep fakes. With the Federal Election upon us, it is more than fitting for the SCA community to reflect on the importance and necessity of press freedom and what this means for journalism in a healthy democracy.
Our school has been at the vanguard of the future practice of working with AI. This can be found in our teaching and research as we empower journalists to serve their publics through delivering quality content to support a strong and vibrant democracy. Over the past 18 months, we have forged a community of practice around AI that includes big tech, government policy makers and industry. The School of Communication and Arts has also hosted public interest communication masterclasses on AI. UQ has a rich tradition in freedom of the press, and investigating AI brings a renewed sense of urgency to continue this important work.
By Dr Anne Kruger (convenor of Bachelor of Journalism) and Dr Richard Murray (former UNESCO research fellow in Press Freedom)
