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The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) has launched a new AI-based tool, NativeAI for Newsrooms. The tool is designed to facilitate and simplify the transcription and translation of audiovisual content for journalists, researchers, and students.
Mr Dayo Aiyetan, the Founding Executive Director of ICIR, stated that the innovation would tackle one of the most enduring challenges for journalists; the lengthy process of transcribing interviews.
“Every journalist experiences the hassle of coming back from a one-hour interview and dedicating hours to transcribing before starting to write,” Aiyetan remarked. “This tool makes that process easier.” Modern journalism is propelled by technology. I take pride in the fact that ICIR is a media development entity based in Nigeria, West Africa, and the Global South. With NativeAI, we have built a world standard solution designed to meet pertinent newsroom needs.
He noted that in addition to transcription, NativeAI also offers translation into prominent Nigerian languages such as Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo. Efforts are in progress to enhance the tool to include additional Nigerian and African languages.
Furthermore, Aiyetan urged journalists and newsroom leaders to adopt the platform and disseminate it widely within the media industry. He emphasised that user input would be crucial for enhancing and expanding the technology.
He concluded by sharing his hope that NativeAI would connect with newsrooms across the country and foster a greater acceptance of technological advancements in journalism.
Designed for Nigeria’s Newsroom
The platform is tailored for Nigerian newsrooms and media experts. It provides automated transcription and translation services that acknowledge and honour local accents and languages.
Also, Aiyetan added that a key selling point of NativeAI is its ability to comprehend local languages. Currently, it can effortlessly convert text from English to Nigeria’s three main languages. They include Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo. He assured that more languages would be included in the app.
Image source: InvestigateAI
He noted that the notion that AI will replace Journalists is misguided, noting that human input will remain essential. However, he urged Journalists to constantly verify translated or transcribed content, as no AI application is entirely accurate. The app is currently available for free, but a reasonable subscription fee will eventually be required to use it.
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Accessibility
Also, Eunice Enoch, Programme Officer at the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), noted that NativeAI, available at www.nativeai.icirnigeria.org.ng for free. This free version can accurately transcribe audio recordings while effectively identifying the distinct accents of Nigerian speakers in any of the country’s three main languages.
Also, she stated that the tool allows users to transcribe live recordings or upload previously recorded audio files. This feature enables translation into any of Nigeria’s three main languages.
“NativeAI, derived from the term ‘native’, which signifies something local and well-known, was created by ICIR as a tool powered by AI to facilitate newsrooms and journalism,” Enoch stated. “It converts English audio-visual material into written form and subsequently translates that writing into Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba, in minutes.”
She, however, advised users to remember that the tool presently supports audio in English only.
About NativeAI
NativeAI is a project created by The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR). A nonprofit news organisation, it is dedicated to fostering transparency, accountability, and civic engagement through thorough and impartial investigative journalism.
Furthermore, it aims to help journalists and other professionals work more efficiently, eliminating the laborious and time-intensive manual tasks of transcription and translation.
