As the world marks World Press Freedom Day 2025, the Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC) is sounding the alarm over the profound implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on journalism—particularly within the vulnerable media ecosystems of the Caribbean.
Under the global theme “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” MIC has called for regional collaboration and policy reform to ensure AI serves as a tool for innovation, rather than a threat to democratic discourse and media sustainability.
AI is revolutionizing news production worldwide, enabling automated reporting, data-driven storytelling, and enhanced audience engagement. But for the Caribbean, these advancements come with disproportionate risks. The region’s small markets, declining ad revenues, and fragile economic conditions already strain media operations. The MIC warns that the rise of AI-generated content—often free and easily accessible—could further undermine traditional journalism, especially for smaller, independent outlets.
“AI could democratize information access, but without guardrails, it may erode the financial sustainability of Caribbean media,” said MIC President Kiran Maharaj, who emphasized the need for equitable AI governance that protects public interest journalism. She pointed to a troubling trend: between 15% and 25% of regional advertising revenue is being siphoned off to global tech platforms like Meta and Google, weakening local media’s revenue base.
MIC Vice President Wesley Gibbings highlighted another pressing issue—AI-fueled misinformation. Drawing from a joint 2023 study by MIC and the Association for Caribbean Media Workers (ACM), Gibbings noted that disinformation had already manipulated election narratives and public health campaigns across the region. He urged newsrooms to adopt AI-powered fact-checking tools and bolster digital literacy to maintain public trust.
Natural disasters, too, pose a dual threat. On one hand, they disrupt media operations and strain resources. On the other, they create fertile ground for misinformation—often exacerbated by AI-generated fake content. Between 2017 and 2024, hurricanes wreaked havoc on media infrastructure across several islands, highlighting the urgent need for disaster preparedness and resilient communication systems.
MIC believes AI can play a pivotal role in disaster response if used responsibly—offering enhanced forecasting, real-time alerts, and crisis coordination. However, the potential for abuse demands regulatory oversight.
To safeguard Caribbean media in this fast-evolving landscape, MIC has outlined several key recommendations:
– Taxing tech giants to reinvest in regional journalism.
– Developing AI-driven revenue models, including automated ad placement and personalized subscriptions.
– Establishing a Caribbean AI Ethics Task Force to audit algorithmic bias and promote content verification.
– Integrating media as first responders in national disaster protocols, with supported training for community-based outlets.
These issues will take center stage at the upcoming Caribbean Media Summit, scheduled for May 23–24 in Guyana, under the theme “Enhancing Business Models in Turbulent Times.” The summit will provide a platform for stakeholders to explore AI’s role in the future of Caribbean journalism.
MIC concluded by reaffirming its commitment to an independent, resilient, and forward-thinking media landscape, stressing that the region must confront this “Brave New World” of AI not with fear—but with strategic foresight and unified action.
