9.09.2024 Media industry
Artificial Intelligence in the Media. Reuters Digital News Report 2024
Krzysztof Fiedorek
w wydaniu polskim
illustration: bing.com/createThe introduction of AI in news media is a step forward with the potential to transform journalism. The "Digital News Report 2024" by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism discusses numerous examples of AI use in media worldwide. For instance:
- Nordic publisher Schibsted uses AI to generate "highlights" at the beginning of many articles to boost reader engagement;
- in Germany, publisher Axel Springer implemented AI to write over 5% of published articles, using an AI robot called Klara Indernach. Additionally, tools like Midjourney and OpenAI`s DALL-E are used to automate graphic illustration creation;
- in Mexico, Radio Fórmula took it a step further, introducing AI-generated news presenters like Nat, who delivers news on the website and social media.
These are just a few examples of how AI is beginning to play an increasingly important role in journalism.
Data and Audience Reactions
However, the introduction of AI in media is not without controversy. According to the report, most audiences are uncomfortable with the idea of AI creating news content, especially in cases where AI is the primary author with minimal human oversight.
- Only 36% of respondents in the USA and 33% in Europe said they felt comfortable with AI being used to assist journalists,
- while only 19% and 15% in the USA and Europe, respectively, would feel comfortable if AI created content with minimal human input.
There is also a notable difference in reactions to different types of AI-generated content. Audiences are more open to using AI to create fact- and number-based content, such as sports scores or election reports, but are much more skeptical about AI generating political or crime-related content, where human understanding and sensitivity are required.
Issues of Trust and Ethics
The report also highlights that trust in media may suffer due to the introduction of AI. Concerns exist that AI could generate biased, inaccurate, or even false information, exacerbating the misinformation problem.
- 27% of TikTok users had difficulty distinguishing real content from fake. Many of these issues were associated with AI-generated content, which can be harder to verify due to its realistic nature;
- in Indonesia, the use of AI to create news met with mixed reactions. Although AI is used to automate simple reports, many respondents expressed concerns that content might be biased or inaccurate, undermining trust in media as a whole;
- in Germany, the use of AI in media faced criticism when some AI-generated articles contained factual errors, leading to a public debate about the need for greater control and transparency in using such technologies.
In surveys, many respondents stated they would prefer all AI-generated content to be clearly labeled so they could consciously choose whether to engage with it.
The Future of AI in Journalism
However, as the report data shows, there is a need for a cautious approach that considers audience trust and ethical concerns. Media adopting AI must be aware of the risks and approach transparency and content quality responsibly to maintain audience trust.
The introduction of AI in journalism, while offering many benefits, such as automation and content personalization, is also a challenge that requires responsibility and precise control to uphold fundamental journalistic values.
The full Digital News Report 2024 can be downloaded for free from:
https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2024
COMMERCIAL BREAK
New articles in section Media industry
Trust in social media. Youtube beats TikTok and X
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Do we really trust social media? A new study reveals major differences in how top platforms are rated. Trust goes where there's authenticity, not just algorithms. The role of people is growing while brand influence is fading.
Artificial intelligence in newsrooms. Three realities of the AI era in media
Krzysztof Fiedorek
According to a report by the European Broadcasting Union, many newsrooms already use AI but still do not fully trust it. Audiences do not want "robotic" news, and the technologies themselves though fast can be costly, unreliable, and surprisingly human in their mistakes.
Zero-click search 2025. The even bigger end of clicking in search engines
Bartłomiej Dwornik
Google is giving up its role as a web signpost. More and more, it wants to be the destination of the whole journey. ChatGPT and Perplexity are hot on its heels, changing the rules of the search game. AI Overviews is a card from the same deck. Only content creators are losing ground in this race.
See articles on a similar topic:
Music for Overstimulated Children: Research from Polish Kindergartens
OOO
Hyperactivity, impatience, and difficulties with concentration are increasingly common challenges faced by preschool and school-aged children. An excess of stimuli, including digital ones, makes it hard for children to focus on a single task. Is there anything that can be done about it?
Radio Listenership in Poland 2024: Demographics, Trends, and Statistics
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Why do millions of Poles still choose radio? What drives RMF FM's dominance and Eska's surprising results? The latest "Audio Track" report from the National Media Institute reveals listenership data, demographics, and evolving trends. How does the digital revolution affect traditional stations?
Trust in Public Media in Europe. Report by European Broadcasting Union
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Public media in Europe play a significant role in fostering trust and supporting democracy. The EBU 2024 report examines leaders, major challenges, and the impact of media on society. Polish, Hungarian, and Greek media, with results far below the average, face a crucial question: can trust be rebuilt?
Radio, Streaming, and Podcasts. Total Audio 2024 Report about Poland
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Audio content is a daily companion for Poles. According to the Total Audio 2024 study conducted by Adres:Media on behalf of the Radio Research Committee, as many as 90% of respondents listen to audio content at least once a week, and 80% do so daily. The average listening time is nearly five hours per day.
