The recent media research report by Felix M. Simon of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism and the Oxford Internet Institute finds that while AI is proving revolutionary, it has so far failed as a silver bullet. So, why are news organisations deploying AI at speed?
In the report, Simon looks at how AI retools, rationalises, and reshapes journalism and the public arena.
The mundane tasks he evaluates include news production, news distribution, and news gathering, but could also mean other menial tasks such as putting events in chronological order, summarising long texts or organising schedules most effectively.
Technology is moving so rapidly that there are already various types of AI deployed in journalism. While generative AI is all the rage, it has raised fresh questions about whether newsrooms are ready and prepared to handle AI at all.
Potentials and concerns
No one doubts the potential of AI to produce vast amounts of written content, its ability to summarise complex documents, structure stories, draft outlines, or even create questions that resonate with readers.
But it also poses challenges. AI has contributed to the rise of “churnalism”, where low-quality content floods media spaces and it has been misused to spread misinformation and propaganda.
So what is the point of newsrooms and media companies rushing to embrace the latest developments in the very delicate turning point where journalism finds itself nowadays, with declining interest and trust in news?
Pressure to adopt AI
Simon argues that news organisations feel pressured to adopt AI tools because of the financial challenges facing the industry. This provides ground for discussing cutting costs in difficult times and fears of job reductions due to AI.
Another motivator is AI’s potential to increase efficiency in news organisations. Simon writes that “various examples demonstrate efficiency and productivity gains have been achieved”, including data analysis tools in news production or automated transcription.
Recognising the power of AI, Simon believes it will play a transformative role in reshaping news work, from editorial to the business side. Further AI developments will change the ways in which news organisations will go about using these tools.
Tough choices
Journalism stands at a crossroads in its relationship with AI, oscillating between hope and disillusionment. The coming year will likely see news organisations make pivotal choices about AI’s role, navigating between two potential paths: AI as a substitute for human journalists or as a complement to their work.
Journalism professor Alfred Hermida believes the substitution path offers cost-saving efficiencies but risks eroding jobs and quality, while the complementary path emphasises public interest and skill enhancement but may be more challenging to sustain in a profit-driven industry.
As the news sector grapples with economic, political, and societal pressures, Hermida forecasts 2025 to be a pivotal year in shaping the future of journalism amidst the rise of AI, depending on the choices the industry will make.
Making it or breaking it
Despite uncertainties, AI offers opportunities to address competitive challenges. Richard Fletcher, director of research at the Reuters Institute, sees it being used to rebuild trust through transparency, labelling, and maintaining human oversight in news production.
Additionally, AI might help increase interest by personalising content for less-engaged audiences, simplifying complex stories, and making news more relevant to individuals’ lives.
To adapt to changing news access patterns, AI tools could enhance accessibility by creating summaries, audio formats, and other versions tailored to diverse user needs, including those with disabilities.
While AI should not replace journalistic work, Fletcher argues it can support journalism in strengthening its connection with the public, provided it is used responsibly and to enhance engagement and trust.
[Edited By Brian Maguire | Euractiv’s Advocacy Lab ]