Global Perspectives on Journalism and Technology in the Age of AI

The Center for News, Technology & Innovation (CNTI) has released the findings from two groundbreaking international surveys, shedding light on the public's perception of journalism and the views of journalists themselves in the evolving digital news ecosystem.

The first report, titled "What the Public Wants from Journalism in the Age of AI: A Four-Country Survey," explores the attitudes of over 4,000 respondents from Australia, Brazil, South Africa, and the United States.

The survey addresses key questions surrounding who should produce journalism, how people access news, and public sentiment about the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in news production.

The second report, "What It Means to Do Journalism in the Age of AI: Journalist Views on Safety, Technology and Government," presents insights from a global survey of journalists.

It also examines their opinions on the use of technology in journalism, government involvement, and the challenges posed by cyber threats.

Key Findings

Both the public and journalists recognize the crucial role journalism plays in modern society. However, there is a noticeable gap in how journalists feel their value is perceived.

Over 76% of respondents from the four countries agree that news organizations employing professional reporters are essential for maintaining an informed society. Despite this, 40% to 65% of the public distinguish between news and journalism as two separate concepts.

The divergence in understanding is reflected among journalists as well, with 51% expressing concern that the public struggles to differentiate between legitimate journalism and other online content. Furthermore, 45% of journalists worry that the industry is not effectively communicating its importance.

Changing Views on Journalism Production

The study shows an evolving perspective on who should be responsible for producing journalism. Between 49% and 74% of respondents believe non-journalists are capable of creating credible journalism, a sentiment shared by 58% of journalists themselves.

Director and journalist at Australia’s leading tech news site, Mr Giannelis suggests there is a growing acceptance of citizen journalism, particularly in a world increasingly influenced by social media and user-generated content.

 

The Role of Technology

Technology's influence on journalism is undeniable. A significant majority (57% to 85%) of the public in the surveyed countries believes that digital technology is essential for staying informed.

Journalists also agree, with more than 80% acknowledging its importance for communication with sources, information gathering, and audience engagement.

However, opinions on the role of artificial intelligence in journalism are more divided. In countries like Brazil and South Africa, a majority of respondents are optimistic about AI's impact, with 85% of Brazilians and 74% of South Africans believing it will positively affect journalism in the future. In contrast, only 46% of Americans share this optimism, and even fewer Australians (15-16%) link this positive outlook to AI.

Among journalists, 66% agree that digital technology has improved journalistic practices. However, fewer than one-third believe AI will positively impact public information, with journalists in the Global South (48%) showing more optimism than their counterparts in the Global North (16%).

Government Influence and Journalist Safety

Governmental influence on journalism is another critical issue. About 50% of journalists reported experiencing government overreach in the past year, with very few acknowledging support from governments for the journalism sector.

Additionally, many journalists oppose the idea of governments defining who qualifies as a journalist or what constitutes journalism itself.

Safety is a major concern for journalists, with 37% of journalists and 31% of their sources facing significant risks on a regular basis. Despite these dangers, only 15% of journalists use encrypted communication tools, with email remaining the most widely used method, especially in liberal democracies.

Public perceptions are evolving, and journalism is facing increasing pressure to adapt to a changing media environment. Meanwhile, journalists continue to navigate threats to their safety and the ever-present influence of government oversight.