The current wave of Technocapitalist interest in artificial intelligence is reshaping many industries, including journalism. A day-long discussion is being organized by the Associació Catalana d Editors de Diaris and the UVic Faculty of Business and Communication, gathering media leaders from across Catalonia in Barcelona this Friday. The talks bring together newsroom managers from Prensa Ibérica and other professionals to explore the impact of Generative AI on the field. The conversation features Charlie Beckett, a professor of media and communications at the London School of Economics and Political Science, who directs Polis, a center dedicated to researching journalism innovation.
Newsrooms have relied on artificial intelligence for years. The central question remains: what is generative AI used for, and what changes might it bring to journalism?
Generative AI has long assisted with repetitive, mentally light tasks at scale and speed. It can automate news gathering, headline drafting, and distribution. The potential benefits for newsroom productivity are substantial and widely discussed.
Recent events highlighted the tension between technology and editorial integrity when Sports Illustrated published AI-generated news attributed to fake writers. The real issue was not the technology itself, but editors who misrepresented authorship to readers. Generative AI is expected to become a pervasive tool that can help journalists perform more efficiently, while still requiring professional judgment. As familiarity with the technology grows, its limitations become clearer, and its flaws are more evident month by month.
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Many see potential in anything that improves journalism’s efficiency. Yet there is a counterpoint: if information can be produced by an AI, why would readers turn to traditional reporters? While many large language models provide answers, they often do not link to original media pages, which poses a challenge to the newspaper industry. The rise of AI could mean tougher competition for journalists and publishers alike.
The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism warns that distinguishing fact from falsehood will become harder as misinformation grows more sophisticated. Will AI add another layer of manipulation online?
Yes, misinformation becomes easier to create and harder to detect. Yet misinformation exists already. Addressing its causes—rather than focusing solely on the technology—may be essential. Journalists should remain vigilant and skeptical, but the field also has an opportunity: there is a clear demand for reliable, independent, rational, and well-verified information.
AI is already used in political messaging and propaganda, including discussions around conflicts such as Ukraine and Gaza. The core issue is not a new phenomenon; media literacy and critical thinking remain crucial. AI can be a resource to counter propaganda when deployed responsibly.
Independent, credible information as a public good
AI sometimes produces what is known as a hallucination—content that seems plausible but is fabricated. Heavy reliance on AI could influence how people search for information. Will the disruption of the information ecosystem reinforce the value of professional journalism and trustworthy reporting?
Realistically, journalism faces human factors: some reporters spread misinformation either unintentionally or deliberately, and verification remains essential. The opportunity lies in serving readers who expect independent, serious, logical, and verified thinking. The economics of digital media often reward emotionally engaging content, which can inflate bias. Could AI aggravate partisanship or steer coverage toward opinion rather than analysis?
Over the past decade and a half, journalism brands have trended toward personalization and ideological alignment with audiences. A parallel shift occurred in politics, where values and personal resonance started to matter more than class alone. This trend continues to shape how stories are told and who is considered a trusted voice.
Rethinking coverage of AI and its risks
Media attention on AI sometimes leans toward sensational narratives about machines posing existential threats. The real task is to keep the focus on substantive issues—privacy, surveillance, and social impact—while analyzing the capabilities and limits of AI with accuracy. AI can enable powerful medical research and practical tasks, yet it also requires clear, responsible reporting about what is happening and why it matters to readers.
In regions like Catalonia, concerns have grown about overreliance on corporate sources and a shortage of critical perspectives. Historically, audiences have benefited from multiple viewpoints, including independent voices that scrutinize press releases and corporate messaging. AI can help manage the flood of information and improve transcription, but it cannot replace the need for rigorous journalism. The hope is that AI will empower reporters to become more discerning and independent rather than simply faster at producing content.
Ultimately, the media landscape benefits when journalists maintain the goal of delivering reliable, verifiable information while embracing innovative tools. The ongoing evolution of AI should be guided by professional ethics, transparent sourcing, and a commitment to public discourse that helps readers understand the world with clarity and nuance.
Citations: This summary reflects insights from journalism scholars and industry leaders on the implications of AI in newsrooms. Attribution for ideas and statements is provided where relevant to help readers trace the discussion’s foundations.