UNDER the thought-provoking theme, ‘Evolving Media Business Models in Turbulent Times- AI, Journalism and the Future’, the Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC) in collaboration with the University of Guyana, is hosting the 2025 Caribbean Media Summit in Guyana.

Over a period of two days, (May 23 and May 24, 2025), regional journalists and media entities will attend the packed summit, set to strike conversations on the challenges faced by journalists, shrinking advertising revenues, the advancement of artificial intelligence, among other topics.

Described as a call to action, the summit called for journalists to advocate for AI to be used in a way that is fair, transparent and promotes accountability for all, especially in the field of journalism.

One of the conversations surrounding this was sparked by Dr. Paul Hector, Advisor for Communication and Information at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Office for the Caribbean, who presented on the AI Roadmap for the Caribbean.  Dr. Hector shared that in our rapidly evolving digital ecosystem today, AI and digital transformation are both seen as a disruptive force, and as enablers.

He noted as well that AI has the potential to create economic transformation and sustainable development, especially in the Caribbean region. He related that in the Caribbean, while most of our islands are small, by becoming involved in digital technologies, we can be part of new industries where the landmass does not dictate human productivity.

He reiterated, “Harnessing these technologies, both in terms of prediction, of understanding level of risk and mitigation and adaptation measures, this is something which gives AI a huge potential to contribute to our region and its sustainable development.”

Furthermore, he noted that journalists have a key role to play in the dissemination of information, and in understanding how AI works and its impacts, and in raising public awareness.

Alongside Dr. Hector’s presentation, participants taking part virtually and in person were engaged in panel discussions on diversifying revenue streams in a turbulent era featuring Anthony Greene, President of the Caribbean Broadcast Union, Soyini Grey, General Secretary of the Association of Caribbean Media Workers, Kenton Chance, Director of online news start-up IWitness, and the Editor in Chief of Stabroek News, Anand Persaud.

Presentations on the changing dynamic of news content, creating interest and audience traction, by Andrew Beatty (Agence France Presse), and Denis Chabrol of Demerara Waves; and a discussion on content monetisation roundtable moderated by Anthony Greene, and the President of the Guyana Press Association, Nazima Raghubir.

In addition, there was also a presentation on leveraging data driven approaches for more targeted audience-reach lessons from digital advertising, by Douglas Ames of WebFX.