Ninth International Conference on Communication & Media Studies

Abstract

The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in news production processes has sparked a debate on the impact of technology on journalism practices and the professional identity of journalists. Journalists now partially delegate their decision-making authority and human agency in news production to AI algorithms, which guide decisions throughout the process. This shift raises concerns about the erosion of journalists’ control over knowledge ownership and the structuring of core professional principles. The struggle to maintain or redefine journalism’s boundaries revolves around key tenets such as the public interest, integrity, and editorial independence. Failure to uphold these principles leads to a reduction in journalists’ authority over news, with journalistic priorities being increasingly influenced by commercial interests. This study reviews international literature on the influence of AI on journalistic identity and practices. It examines the impact on journalism’s foundational normative claims and proposes strategies to safeguard these claims. The research provides a theoretical framework for empirical studies on the subject and offers practical recommendations.