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The Challenges of Journalism in the Age of AI: Information...
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The Challenges of Journalism in the Age of AI: Information Disorders, Social Gaps and New Opportunities

A special issue of Journalism and Media (ISSN 2673-5172).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2025) | Viewed by 22831

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Simón Peña-Fernández

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Journalism, School of Social and Communication Sciences, University of the Basque, 48940 Lejona, Vizcaya, Spain
Interests: communication; journalism; online journalism; social innovation; social media
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Ainara Larrondo-Ureta

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Journalism, School of Social and Communication Sciences, University of the Basque, 48940 Lejona, Vizcaya, Spain
Interests: digital communication; media; gender; political communication; history of journalism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Koldobika Meso-Ayerdi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Journalism, School of Social and Communication Sciences, University of the Basque, 48940 Lejona, Vizcaya, Spain
Interests: online journalism; teaching innovation; gender; social communication
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The emergence of new generative AI tools has transformed the media landscape. Its adoption seems to be rapid and inevitable, and will transversally affect all areas of news production, distribution, and consumption.

For media, this new stage in the digitalization process that has transformed the media ecosystem in recent decades presents challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, the adoption of AI can allow for the optimization of media resources to render them more efficient and avoid the economic difficulties they face, as well as generate new professional profiles and offer new possibilities for connecting with their audiences. These changes could also be beneficial for professionals since journalists could eventually be freed from more routine tasks, and these changes could even improve the conditions under which they prepare information.

On the other hand, for professionals, the incorporation of AI can also pose risks of job insecurity and job cuts, and, as concerns audiences, it can incorporate new biases and gaps in information and increase exposure to information disorders or polarization.

Given this technological development led by the largest technological platforms, it is interesting to redirect attention away from technocentric perspectives and instead reflect on the social impact that the implementation of AI will have on media professionals, on the production and distribution of news, and on audiences.

For these reasons, this Special Issue analyzes the way in which new technological advances influence information disorders or digital divides, either combating them or contributing to their increase. In this Special Issue, analyzing the impact of the adoption of AI in the field of media as well as on actors in the information process is proposed, with special focus on journalists themselves and audiences in particular.

Prof. Dr. Simón Peña-Fernández
Prof. Dr. Ainara Larrondo-Ureta
Prof. Dr. Koldobika Meso-Ayerdi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journalism and Media is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • AI
  • information disorders
  • polarization
  • social gaps
  • journalism
  • social media
  • news
  • algorithms
  • audiences

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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27 pages, 6416 KiB  
Article
Artificial Intelligence and Journalism Education in Higher Education: Digital Transformation in Undergraduate and Graduate Curricula in Türkiye
by Hatice Babacan, Emel Arık, Yasemin Bilişli, Hakkı Akgün and Yasin Özkara
Journal. Media 2025, 6(2), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia6020052 - 1 Apr 2025
Viewed by 678
Abstract
This study investigates the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into undergraduate and graduate curricula in journalism and new media programs in Türkiye, offering a systematic analysis of course structures and content. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, this study combines document analysis and thematic [...] Read more.
This study investigates the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into undergraduate and graduate curricula in journalism and new media programs in Türkiye, offering a systematic analysis of course structures and content. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, this study combines document analysis and thematic content analysis to examine course catalogs, syllabi, and institutional reports from 72 universities. The findings reveal that AI education in these programs is predominantly theoretical, with courses emphasizing AI ethics, media algorithms, and the impact of automation on news production. Practical applications, such as data journalism and AI-assisted content creation are comparatively scarce. This study highlights the uneven distribution of AI-related courses across institutions, illustrating significant disparities in curriculum depth and focus. While some universities have embraced a more comprehensive AI framework, others offer minimal exposure to AI-related competencies. By systematically mapping AI course distribution across institutions, this study provides empirical insights into the gaps and disparities in AI education, offering recommendations for a curriculum compatible with digital transformation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Challenges of Journalism in the Age of AI: Information Disorders, Social Gaps and New Opportunities)
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13 pages, 267 KiB  
Article
What If I Prefer Robot Journalists? Trust and Objectivity in the AI News Ecosystem
by Elena Yeste-Piquer, Jaume Suau-Martínez, Marçal Sintes-Olivella and Enric Xicoy-Comas
Journal. Media 2025, 6(2), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia6020051 - 1 Apr 2025
Viewed by 465
Abstract
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism has transformed the sector, with media generating content automatically without journalists’ involvement, and various media companies implementing AI solutions. Some research suggests AI-authored articles are perceived as equally credible as human-written content, while others raise [...] Read more.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism has transformed the sector, with media generating content automatically without journalists’ involvement, and various media companies implementing AI solutions. Some research suggests AI-authored articles are perceived as equally credible as human-written content, while others raise concerns about misinformation and trust erosion Most studies focus on journalists’ views, with audience attitudes explored mainly through quantitative methods, though there is no consensus regarding the acceptability of AI use by news organizations. We explore AI’s role in journalism through audience research, conducting five focus groups to understand public perceptions. The findings highlight concerns about AI-generated content, particularly potential errors, opacity, and coldness of the content. The information is perceived as somewhat less valuable, being viewed as more automated and requiring less human effort. These concerns coexist with a certain view of AI content as more objective, unbiased, and closer to the ideal of independence from political and economic pressures. Nevertheless, citizens with more AI knowledge question the neutrality of automated content, suspecting biases from corporate interests or journalists influencing the prompts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Challenges of Journalism in the Age of AI: Information Disorders, Social Gaps and New Opportunities)
18 pages, 715 KiB  
Article
‘A Part of Our Work Disappeared’: AI Automated Publishing in Social Media Journalism
by Petra Petruccio, Tai Neilson and Christian Stöcker
Journal. Media 2025, 6(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia6010030 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 811
Abstract
This study explores the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in social media journalism. We apply a labour process approach to examine why German newspaper editors adopt AI publishing and how it influences journalistic work. Automated publishing services (APSs) are used in newsrooms to [...] Read more.
This study explores the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in social media journalism. We apply a labour process approach to examine why German newspaper editors adopt AI publishing and how it influences journalistic work. Automated publishing services (APSs) are used in newsrooms to select, edit, and publish content on social media platforms. In-depth interviews with German news editors revealed that the reasons for implementing APSs include economic dependence on platforms, the centralisation of news roles, and the intensification of work. Furthermore, resistance to fully automated social media publishing in some newsrooms has resulted in semi- or hybrid-automated approaches. Resistance is primarily expressed through concerns over the loss of editorial control, content diversity, and the quality of user engagement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Challenges of Journalism in the Age of AI: Information Disorders, Social Gaps and New Opportunities)
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19 pages, 1987 KiB  
Article
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Romanian Broadcasting: Opportunities and Challenges
by Ștefan Vlăduțescu and Georgiana Camelia Stănescu
Journal. Media 2025, 6(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia6010022 - 8 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1111
Abstract
Artificial intelligence has made its mark on the media industry in Romania, and television is one of the sectors most affected by its development. This paper analyzes through a quantitative method the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on television from the perspective of [...] Read more.
Artificial intelligence has made its mark on the media industry in Romania, and television is one of the sectors most affected by its development. This paper analyzes through a quantitative method the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on television from the perspective of media industry professionals in Romania. The research was conducted usinga quantitative method based on a structured questionnaire. The study focuses on the responses of 128 journalists working in local and national TV stations directly involved in content creation and editorial or production processes. We selected this sample because media specialists have the knowledge to express informed opinions on this subject. The survey results show that artificial intelligence is increasingly used in Romanian newsrooms. Television professionals believe that artificial intelligence tools are helpful and that they can improve the quality of content. However, at the same time, there are serious concerns about the possibility that jobs could be affected. In addition, the risk of misinformation is growing with the increasing use of artificial intelligence tools. Findings suggest that strategic, industry-wide regulations and ethical guidelines are essential to balance AI adoption while safeguarding media integrity. This research may serve media organizations, policymakers, and academia in formulating informed approaches toward AI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Challenges of Journalism in the Age of AI: Information Disorders, Social Gaps and New Opportunities)
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16 pages, 487 KiB  
Article
Unmasking AI’s Role in the Age of Disinformation: Friend or Foe?
by Livia García-Faroldi, Laura Teruel and Sonia Blanco
Journal. Media 2025, 6(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia6010019 - 2 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1773
Abstract
This study addresses public perception of the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and disinformation. The level of general awareness of AI is considered, and based on this, an analysis is carried out of whether it may favor the creation and distribution of false [...] Read more.
This study addresses public perception of the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and disinformation. The level of general awareness of AI is considered, and based on this, an analysis is carried out of whether it may favor the creation and distribution of false content or, conversely, the public perceive its potential to counteract information disorders. A survey has been conducted on a representative sample of the Andalusian population aged 15 and over (1550 people). The results show that over 90% of the population have heard of AI, although it is less well known among the eldest age group (78%). There is a consensus that AI helps to produce (86%) and distribute (84%) fake news. Descriptive analyses show no major differences by sex, age, social class, ideology, type of activity or size of municipality, although those less educated tend to mention these negative effects to a lesser extent. However, 54% of the population consider that it may help in combating hoaxes, with women, the lower class and the left wing having positive views. Logistic regressions broadly confirm these results, showing that education, ideology and social class are the most relevant factors when explaining opinions about the role of AI in disinformation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Challenges of Journalism in the Age of AI: Information Disorders, Social Gaps and New Opportunities)
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19 pages, 1780 KiB  
Article
The Contribution of Extreme Event Communication to Climate Change Mitigation: Outrage and Blame Discourse in Twitter Conversation on Severe Fires
by Ángela Alonso Jurnet and Ainara Larrondo Ureta
Journal. Media 2025, 6(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia6010001 - 24 Dec 2024
Viewed by 821
Abstract
Risk communication from the perspective of Extreme Event Attribution (EEA), which assesses the extent to which climate change influences various extreme weather events, has significant potential for climate change communication due to its ability to make the phenomenon more relatable to citizens. This [...] Read more.
Risk communication from the perspective of Extreme Event Attribution (EEA), which assesses the extent to which climate change influences various extreme weather events, has significant potential for climate change communication due to its ability to make the phenomenon more relatable to citizens. This study examines the digital conversation generated following the wave of wildfires in Spain in 2022, which was declared the worst year of the 21st century in terms of hectares burned. By using the Social Network Analysis (SNA) methodology, 145,081 tweets were analyzed to construct a mention network, capturing the digital clusters formed around this discussion and highlighting the predominant tones in the debate. The findings reveal that the conversation predominantly adopted a tone of outrage and assigned responsibility. This research study offers a renewed perspective on risk communication, highlighting significant challenges faced by environmental activism on social media and underscoring the need to improve communication strategies to increase awareness and mobilization around climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Challenges of Journalism in the Age of AI: Information Disorders, Social Gaps and New Opportunities)
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17 pages, 1817 KiB  
Article
Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Spanish Journalism Education: A Curricular Analysis
by Santiago Tejedor, Laura Cervi, Luis M. Romero-Rodríguez and Stephanie Vick
Journal. Media 2024, 5(4), 1607-1623; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia5040100 - 31 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1714
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data have impacted different professional sectors in our society. Communication and journalism are clearly among them. From the automatic generation of content to the identification of topics of interest or monitoring of users’ usage habits, AI introduces important [...] Read more.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data have impacted different professional sectors in our society. Communication and journalism are clearly among them. From the automatic generation of content to the identification of topics of interest or monitoring of users’ usage habits, AI introduces important training challenges for professionals in the field of communication. Meanwhile, big data analytics enables data journalists to handle large amounts of information in an automated manner, allowing them to perform in-depth analysis of disorganized data. This study analyzes the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data in the curricula of journalism degrees offered by Spanish universities. The research employs quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the typology, syllabus, and distribution of subjects directly or indirectly addressing AI and big data topics, based on indicators such as structure, credit system, objectives, competencies, and professional profiles. The results reveal a scarce integration of AI and Big Data subjects in journalism curricula in Spain. Among the analyzed courses, only seven addressed data journalism as a complete course, while 19 introduced AI and Big Data as part of more general content. The study highlights the need for journalism education to adapt to the disruptive impact of AI and big data on the profession. It discusses the debate between focusing on teaching technological skills versus providing critical and ethical values. The research aims to contribute to the discussion on the readiness of journalism curricula to cope with technological advancements by analyzing the Spanish case. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Challenges of Journalism in the Age of AI: Information Disorders, Social Gaps and New Opportunities)
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18 pages, 345 KiB  
Article
Framing Income Inequality: How the Spanish Media Reported on Disparities during the First Year of the Pandemic
by Javier Odriozola-Chéné and Rosa Pérez-Arozamena
Journal. Media 2024, 5(3), 933-950; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia5030059 - 11 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1369
Abstract
This paper addresses the problem of how Spanish digital media reported income inequality during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this way, the goal was to study the framing of definition, contextual aspects, and depth. For this article, a tool was [...] Read more.
This paper addresses the problem of how Spanish digital media reported income inequality during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this way, the goal was to study the framing of definition, contextual aspects, and depth. For this article, a tool was designed to analyse the content of the items. An analysis of news published by six digital media in Spain from March 2020 to February 2021 was conducted using content analysis. Within a sample of 2727 media stories in which there was a connection between the coronavirus and inequality, a stratified sample was used (n = 958) according to the content production by quarter and by media. The results of this study show that income inequality was the most common type of inequality reported in the media, and they cantered more on the micro level. Also, it appeared to be linked to the social gap and showed poverty as the main consequence. The frame was focused on social issues, international and national contexts, and expert sources. Finally, different levels of depth can be observed in the news items analysed, depending on the frame. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Challenges of Journalism in the Age of AI: Information Disorders, Social Gaps and New Opportunities)

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17 pages, 2059 KiB  
Systematic Review
Digital Newsroom Transformation: A Systematic Review of the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Journalistic Practices, News Narratives, and Ethical Challenges
by Alem Febri Sonni, Hasdiyanto Hafied, Irwanto Irwanto and Rido Latuheru
Journal. Media 2024, 5(4), 1554-1570; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia5040097 - 22 Oct 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 12374
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) fundamentally changes journalism, yet a comprehensive understanding of its impact is limited. This study presents the first systematic review to thoroughly analyze the influence of AI on journalistic practices, news narratives, and emerging ethical challenges. A rigorous analysis of 127 [...] Read more.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) fundamentally changes journalism, yet a comprehensive understanding of its impact is limited. This study presents the first systematic review to thoroughly analyze the influence of AI on journalistic practices, news narratives, and emerging ethical challenges. A rigorous analysis of 127 studies selected from 2478 original articles reveals trends in AI adoption in newsrooms, changes in journalists’ roles, innovations in news presentation, and emerging ethical implications. The key findings show a significant increase in the use of AI for news writing automation (73% of news organizations), data analysis (68%), and content personalization (62%). While AI improves efficiency and accuracy, 42% of studies reported concerns about reduced levels of nuance and context in AI-generated news. We also identified the emergence of hybrid “journalist–programmer” roles (52% of studies) and the need for “AI literacy” among journalists (38% of studies). The most prominent ethical challenges include algorithm transparency (82% of studies), data privacy (76%), and accountability relative to AI content (71%). Regional analysis reveals significant gaps in AI adoption, with important implications for global information equity. This review highlights the ongoing transformation in journalism, identifies critical gaps in current research, and offers an agenda for future investigation. Our findings provide valuable insights for media practitioners, policymakers, and researchers seeking to understand and shape the future of journalism in the age of AI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Challenges of Journalism in the Age of AI: Information Disorders, Social Gaps and New Opportunities)
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