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
New generations and the end of traditional news. Reuters Institute report
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Traditional news media are losing touch with the youngest generation of audiences, who grew up in a digital environment. Young people aged 18 to 24 spend time online continuously and expect publishers to take a fresh approach to presenting reality, according to a report by the Reuters Institute.
TVs in Europe, the USA and China. What and how we watch on them
Paweł Sobczak
The Living Room Study shows significant differences in video content consumption across different regions of the world. This is the result of diverse media ecosystems shaped by decades of local broadcasting, channel availability, and strong cultural factors.
Cinema in the era of algorithms and AI
Arkadiusz Murenia
Will artificial intelligence kill the creativity of filmmakers? The most honest answer is: no, AI is unlikely to kill the creativity of filmmakers, but it will very clearly change the place where this creativity manifests itself and, above all, how.
See articles on a similar topic:
Influencers and social video rule information. Digital News Report 2025
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Seconds of vertical clips set the future of news. TikTok, YouTube and an army of influencers pull viewers away from TV sets and newspaper pages. Whoever masters this new pulse seizes not only attention but also control of the story.
User Generated Content. A minefield for journalists and media
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Over 40% of internet users judge information credibility by likes and views. Only 20% use traditional news channels as a main and first source. A Reuters Institute report highlights the scale and risks of User Generated Content and offers advice on how media can avoid falling into its trap.
Russian Propaganda. Debunk.org Report on Moscow's Disinformation Scale
BARD, PAP Mediaroom
In 2022, the Russian Federation allocated approximately 143 billion rubles to mass media (equivalent to 1.9 billion US dollars), exceeding the planned budget by 25%. For the current year, the Kremlin's budget for this sector is set at 119.2 billion rubles (1.6 billion dollars).
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?




























