Ren urges media to integrate with AI-for-Good applications

Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in the media industry should prioritize the vision of AI for Good and be subject to rigorous supervision and evaluation, said Ren Xianliang, secretary-general of the World Internet Conference (WIC). 

Ren made the remarks during his speech at a conference on the development of mainstream media in Chengdu, Southwest China’s Sichuan province, on Oct 10, where he addressed the role of AI in media. 

Ren Xianliang, secretary-general of the World Internet Conference, speaks at the conference on the development of mainstream media in Chengdu, Southwest China’s Sichuan province, on Oct 10. [Photo provided to wicinternet.org]

In highlighting the profound impact AI has had on social and economic development, Ren said that, while its use in news production continues to grow, it also brings new challenges such as "machine hallucination," data pollution, information bias and ethical concerns. 

To promote the high-quality integration of AI and news distribution, Ren urged mainstream media to prioritize technological innovation and seize the opportunities presented by the information revolution. He called for proactive efforts to explore innovative applications of AI in content production, dissemination and management, stressing the importance of prioritizing quality content to amplify mainstream voices and enhancing the synergy between information and technology.

Noting that the empowerment of mainstream media through AI requires interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration, Ren said that the WIC, as a high-end platform for international communication and cooperation in cyberspace, is ready to facilitate connections between China's mainstream media and global internet, technology and academic institutions. He also announced that the 2024 WIC Wuzhen Summit will invite diverse participants to discuss how AI can benefit humanity under the theme of "Embracing a People-Centered and AI-for-Good Digital Future - Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace" from Nov 19 to 22.  

The conference on the development of mainstream media is co-hosted by the China Press and Publishing Media Group, Sichuan Daily, Fudan University’s School of Journalism, and Tsinghua University’s School of Journalism and Communication, and organized by Chuanguan News. Centered on what technological advances might take place over the next decade, the event gathered representatives from mainstream media outlets and internet platforms, as well as experts and scholars to explore how to adapt to the digital, networked and intelligent trend, while advancing strategies for integrated media communication.