SJMCC 2026: UniMAC hosts global dialogue on the future of journalism and media practice

By: Mitchell Asare Amoamah

The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) has hosted a global dialogue on journalism’s future, with experts urging ethical AI use and renewed commitment to truth.

The inaugural State of Journalism, Media and Communication Conference (SJMCC 2026), held online on July 15 and 16, brought together scholars, journalists, media practitioners and students to examine how the profession can respond to rapid technological change, democratic challenges and shifting communication landscapes.

Participants explored ways to strengthen journalism and media practice while safeguarding the public interest through addresses, panel discussions and research presentations.

Reading the welcome address of behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Winston Abroampa described the conference as a platform for “reflection, dialogue, collaboration and, most importantly, solutions.”

He said discussions on artificial intelligence, democracy, fact-checking, media ownership, journalism education, investigative reporting and strategic communication were closely linked because they all shaped the future of journalism.

“Ultimately, they converge around one question: How do we build media systems that serve the public interest?” he said, adding that UniMAC sought not only to participate in international conversations but also to help lead them.

Rector of the Institute of Journalism, Professor Christiana Hammond, said the conference marked the beginning of a lasting tradition of intellectual exchange, research excellence and collaboration at the university.

“For us, this conference is not just one of the scheduled academic programmes on our calendar. It is the beginning of a tradition of intellectual exchange, research excellence and collaboration,” she said.

Prof. Hammond expressed the hope that SJMCC would grow into one of Africa’s leading conferences in journalism and communication education, stressing that the future required institutions to work together.

“The future is incumbent on us to be partners and not people in isolated institutions or organisations,” she added.

Dean of the School of Journalism and Media Studies, Professor Etse Sikanku, described the event as a defining moment for UniMAC, noting that it was the university’s first international research conference.

“The knowledge from here will shape the industry; it will also shape media policy,” he said, adding that the conference signalled a new phase of research excellence, international engagement and global academic leadership.

Delivering the opening keynote, Harvard University scholar, Professor Christopher Rhodes warned that the spread of disinformation was undermining democracy and eroding public trust worldwide.

“We do have the duty to speak truth to power and truth to the public, even as others are willing and able to tell them lies,” he said.

Prof. Rhodes also cautioned that while artificial intelligence offered significant opportunities for journalism, it could also accelerate the spread of falsehoods if deployed irresponsibly.

“We must manage this technological revolution carefully, because we may be in a moment when telling and spreading a falsehood is easier than verifying or reporting a fact,” he said.

Across the two-day conference, scholars largely agreed that artificial intelligence should complement, rather than replace, journalism and that its use must remain responsible, transparent and ethical.

Discussions also examined journalistic professionalism in Africa, media and democracy, press freedom, misinformation and civic culture.

Participants further called for journalism education to place greater emphasis on practical, newsroom-oriented training, arguing that stronger links between theory and professional practice would better prepare graduates for the evolving demands of the media industry.