AI will not replace journalists, says Azerbaijani presidential assistant

Media professionals from across the globe gathered in Shusha for the Global Media Forum, confronting one of journalism’s greatest modern questions—what role will artificial intelligence (AI) play in its future?

This year’s focus: the growing power of AI. And the message from Azerbaijan’s presidential office was measured, yet firm.

“Whether AI will replace humans is something the future will tell. Honestly, I’m skeptical about this,” said Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department.

“I see AI as a helpful assistant—a tool that complements and assists journalists in their work, rather than replacing them.”

AI is already in the newsroom. From analysing big data to translating languages, its footprint is expanding. Hajiyev noted that several Azerbaijani media outlets have started integrating these tools into daily work.

But with growing capabilities comes growing caution. “AI can even influence algorithms now,” he said. “Which means there’s a risk that AI-driven manipulation could affect professional journalism.”

The Shusha Global Media Forum continues throughout the week, drawing voices from more than 50 countries to debate how journalism should evolve—without losing control of the story.

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