A seminar "The Regional Press in the Era of Artificial Intelligence", co-organised by Enimerosi Publications and the Ionian University, took place on Saturday, 16 December, on the occasion of the newspaper's 40th anniversary.
The event was held in the university library and was livestreamed on the Enimerosi Facebook Page.
In a packed hall, including many not affiliated with the field of journalism, topics covering various aspects of artificial intelligence and the regional press were discussed, along with their interconnections. The issue of the new registry for the press and digital media was also addressed.
Among the attendees were the new Mayor of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands, Stefanos Poulimenos; the leader of the local party Allazoume Rota, Takis Metallinos; academics; Kostas Ekonomou, representing the new regional authority; publishers from other regions of Greece, and journalists.
Several speakers contributed their perspectives on the issues of artificial intelligence, the regional press, and the registry:
-
The General Secretary of Communication & Information, D. Galamatis, presented the philosophy and applications of the registry.
-
The President of the Panhellenic Federation of Associations of Journalists, Sotiris Triantafyllou.
-
The President of the Union of Journalists of Daily Newspapers of Peloponnese, Epirus & Islands, Kyriakos Kortesis.
-
The President of the Union of Journalists of Periodicals and Online Press, Themis Beredimas.
-
Professor Christina Banou ("Politics and Publishing of Books"), from the Ionian University Department of Archival Science, Library Science, and Museology, who worked on coordinating the scientific team for the research programme proposal aimed at highlighting and utilising the cultural and historical material of regional newspapers.
-
Associate Professor Petros Kostayiolas, with expertise in the Organisation and Management of Information Services, at the Department of Archival Science, Library Science, and Museology, and head of the Lifelong Learning Centre.
-
Vallia Kaimaki, Associate Professor at the Ionian University Department of Digital Media and Communication and a journalist specialising in technology.
There were lively discussions on the issues of Artificial Intelligence (AI), covering a range of concerns. Special emphasis was given to defining this new tool and the need for regulatory specifications.
The ethical aspect took a prominent role, as this approach is crucial for ensuring the safe entry and use of new technologies in the field of information. Additionally, there was a need to preserve the supportive, rather than protagonistic, role of AI in the production of original content and journalism, avoiding both economic and job losses. The issue of plagiarism was raised, and the need to redefine the regulatory framework governing content production and reproduction.
It was widely accepted that Regional Press is a pillar of Democracy, providing expression to local issues and serving as a reliable and trustworthy source reflecting the concerns of the population in each respective area. The key is to provide comprehensive support, not only from the State and organisations (publishers, journalists, etc.) but also the local community. Suggestions included educating the public, especially the younger generation, in media literacy, and conducting research to better understand the current needs and desires of the local populations addressed by regional publishing organisations.
Following the presentations,there were brief addresses from the new Mayor of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands, Stefanos Poulimenos; the Dean of the School of Humanities, Thanassis Efstathiou; representing the Regional Governor Ioannis Trepeklis, Professor at the Ionian University and regular member of the Communications Privacy Assurance Authority, Kostas Ekonomou; the president of the informational group Creta, Manolis Halkiadakis; ERT journalists Yiannis Andriotis and Lykourgos Skiadopoulos, and the Economist/International Relations expert Kostas Vergos.
There was also a statement from the president of the Union of Editors of Daily Newspapers, Giorgos Michalopoulos, Managing Director of "Eleftheria" Larissa, who strongly criticised the new Press Registries.
The meeting concluded with the shared conviction that a step forward had been taken for further collaboration among entities (governmental, academic, journalistic, and trade union) and for organising additional activities.
VASSILIS PANTAZOPOULOS
Photos: Enimerosi
