Artificial Intelligence in Newspaper Newsrooms: a Study of Uses and Concerns

Abstract

Abstract:Artificial intelligence does not provide solutions to all the problems that journalists may encounter in their work, but like all new technologies and innovations when they are first used, they are attracted by two discourses, one for celebrants and the other for naysayers or fearful. A discourse that derives its legitimacy from daily experiences in newsrooms, as these experiences have confirmed that smart algorithms can help journalists in many tasks such as identifying important topics, highlighting some angles of events that may require press coverage, as well as automating some routine tasks. This enables journalists to devote themselves to other tasks that require a human touch and human creativity. In addition, it can make content available on various digital platforms and increase the number of readers. However, the use of these algorithms may raise some issues related to the breach of individual privacy, the exploitation of personal data, and the generation of biased content and false information. This necessitates that media institutions employ artificial intelligence tools cautiously and adopt strategies that involve everyone in their development, based on qualifying journalists and dispelling these concerns. Keywords: artificial intelligence; algorithms; big data; newsrooms; journalistic practice;