AI and the Future of Creative Writing in Journalism

The Impact of AI on Creative Writing in Journalism

Ghana boasts some of the most skilled journalists known for their creative writing—figures like Kwesi Pratt and Manasseh Azure Awuni stand out. Their storytelling hooks readers through a unique blend of creativity and command of language. This blend forms the backbone of their narratives and continues to inspire generations of writers.

Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa, once emphasized that journalism is fundamentally about writing, not just speaking well on camera. Good journalism combines asking tough questions with crafting responses into compelling, imaginative stories. Creativity, ingenuity, credibility, independence, and boldness define a strong journalist.

The Role of AI in Writing

Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT have become common in newsrooms, assisting with content generation, story ideas, and editing. These tools help journalists meet tight deadlines and increase output. Some news organizations use AI to draft financial or routine reports, which human editors then refine. Creative writers also leverage AI for plot suggestions, dialogue, or even co-authoring works.

However, as AI improves, concerns grow that reliance on these tools might weaken originality, simplify complex topics, and overshadow the distinct voice that makes writing memorable.

Where Creativity and AI Meet

Creative writing thrives on perspective, emotion, and the unpredictable leaps of human thought. AI can imitate style but often misses the subtlety, ambiguity, and emotional depth that comes with human experience. A 2024 University of Oxford study found readers considered AI-generated news "informative," yet rated human-written stories higher for depth and originality.

Economic Pressures and Automation

Cost-cutting pressures push many outlets to adopt AI for producing content faster and cheaper. This shift is making it harder for freelancers and emerging writers to find opportunities, as automation fills content pipelines.

AI as a Partner, Not an Adversary

Not all writers see AI as a threat. Many use it as a creative partner to overcome writer’s block, experiment with new styles, or explore genres outside their comfort zone. For them, AI acts like a brainstorming assistant, speeding up idea generation rather than replacing the creative mind.

Looking Ahead

The future of writing hinges on how AI tools are blended into the creative process. The real risk isn’t that AI will outwrite humans, but that humans might stop pushing their creative limits. Safeguarding ingenuity requires valuing human insight in storytelling. Editors and publishers should reward voice, originality, and depth—not just speed or volume.

A lingering question remains: do judging panels for prestigious journalism awards still prioritize creative writing as a key criterion? Machines can assemble words, but only humans can truly communicate meaning.

For writers and creatives interested in learning more about AI tools and how to work alongside them, exploring Complete AI Training’s latest courses can offer practical insights and skills.