Journalism and Artificial Intelligence Discussed at the UMS-REMC Meeting at ENU

An extended meeting of the Project Management Group of the EMA REMC in the field of training “Journalism and Information” was held on the topic “Journalism and Artificial Intelligence: Theory and Practice.”

The final meeting, held on the eve of the Day of Media Workers, was chaired by Ardak Beisenbay, Deputy Chair of the EMA REMC. During the meeting, he congratulated media professionals, as well as teachers and researchers involved in the training of journalism specialists, on their professional holiday and extended his best wishes.

The extended meeting addressed issues related to improving educational programmes in journalism at higher education institutions across the country, integrating artificial intelligence technologies into the educational process, observing ethical standards in the media sphere, strengthening educational and methodological support, and adapting young specialists to the professional environment.

The first item on the agenda focused on the results of the expert review of educational programmes offered by universities that train journalism specialists. The report was presented by Nurzhan Kuantayev, Head of the Section and Director of the Higher School of Journalism and Social Sciences at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Following the discussion, it was proposed to introduce courses on generative artificial intelligence, prompt engineering, automated news writing, data verification, deepfake detection, algorithmic media, AI ethics, and copyright issues into journalism educational programmes.

In addition, the participants emphasized the need to expand the practice-oriented newsroom model and develop training newsrooms, podcast studios, mobile journalism laboratories, digital media labs, student media platforms, and media start-up projects. In order to develop a new model of regional journalism at regional universities, the meeting also raised issues related to strengthening cooperation with regional and district media outlets, local digital platforms, regional information security, and the implementation of local media projects.

The second item of the agenda considered mechanisms for adapting young specialists to a creative professional environment based on the experience of Qazaqstan Republican Television and Radio Corporation JSC. A report on this issue was delivered by Erkin Mukhamedzhanov, Deputy Chair of the Management Board of Qazaqstan RTRC JSC. The participants supported the proposal to further develop the Media School in the regions, including providing students with opportunities to gain practical experience at regional branches not only during internships, but throughout the year.

Gulmira Sultanbayeva, Research Professor at Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University and expert of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, delivered a report on the integration of artificial intelligence technologies into journalism educational programmes. The report covered the use of AI tools in journalism education, compliance with ethical standards, and the implementation of these technologies in practical media projects.

In this regard, it was proposed to consider establishing Data Journalism and Fact-Checking laboratories or special media stations at higher education institutions. These platforms would help students develop skills in monitoring disinformation on social networks, detecting deepfakes and synthetic media, and conducting forensic analysis. The need to organize systematic professional development courses and training sessions for journalism faculty members in generative AI tools, algorithmic literacy, and media security was also emphasized.

The extended meeting also addressed current issues related to the organization of the Republican Olympiad in the group of educational programmes “Journalism and Reporting.” A report on this issue was presented by Gulmira Ashirbekova, Head of the Department of Media Communications and Public Relations at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Associate Professor. Following the discussion, a decision was made to develop the Olympiad regulations and submit them for approval to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

During the meeting, the report on the activities of the Project Management Group of the EMA REMC in the field of training “Journalism and Information” for the 2025–2026 academic year was also presented. It was recommended that the proposals and priority areas outlined in the report be taken into account when developing the work plan for the 2026–2027 academic year.

As a result of the extended meeting, relevant decisions were adopted on all agenda items. The participants emphasized the importance of continuing work on modernizing journalism education, effectively using artificial intelligence technologies, and improving the quality of training for media specialists in the upcoming academic year.