Search Results (34)

This study explores how institutional- and ideological-level pressures affect both the gatekeeping role and mental well-being of journalists reporting on traumatic incidents, particularly war, conflict, and crime in Pakistan. Using a qualitative research design, the study draws on in-depth interviews with (n = 50) journalists, including Directors, Reporters, Editors, NLEs, Cameramen, and Photographers from print, broadcast, and online media outlets across Pakistan. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Thematic analysis was applied, and the data were interpreted through the Hierarchy of Influences (HOI) model, an extension of gatekeeping theory. Findings reveal that official/unofficial sources, government agencies, interest groups, and cultural norms significantly influence journalistic decision-making. Importantly, participants also reported emotional distress, moral injury, and institutional neglect when covering traumatic stories. The study concludes that journalists’ dual pressures from media owners driven by ratings and audience interest in sensationalism not only shapes news content but also contributes to psychological strain and burnout. The head office’s demand for emotionally charged coverage often clashes with reporters’ ethical limits, intensifying the internal conflict between professional duty and emotional resilience. The study argues that traumatic event coverage in Pakistani media is not only ethically complex but also psychologically stressful. It highlights the need for trauma-informed newsroom policies, organizational support, and ethical editorial leadership to protect journalists and their mental health. It contributes to the broader discourse on mental well-being in high-risk journalism, especially in conflict zones. Full article

This systematic review examines how emotional well-being in journalism has been de-fined, experienced, and supported between 2010 and 2025. It draws on 15 peer-reviewed empirical studies identified in Web of Science and Scopus and evaluated using PRISMA 2020 and the MMAT. The review addresses three main gaps in the field: unclear definitions, limited synthesis of risk and protective factors, and scarce assessment of support interventions. Across studies, emotional distress emerges from structural pressures, such as overwork, trauma exposure, online harassment, job precarity, and the erosion of collegial networks. These pressures, rather than inherent traits of journalistic work, shape vulnerability. Protective factors include social support, editorial autonomy, professional experience, purpose-driven motivation, and practices like mindfulness or digital disconnection. Yet their impact is often limited by weak organizational infrastructures. Vulnerability is higher among women, freelancers, and early career journalists, although intersectional analyses remain rare. Sectoral and organizational responses—peer networks, resilience programs, trauma-informed training, and emerging digital safety policies—show promise but remain fragmented. The review concludes that emotional well-being should be framed as an ethical and structural responsibility within journalism, and that sustainable progress requires systemic measures that foster psychological safety and professional dignity. Full article

This essay offers a comparative reading of Antonio Di Benedetto’s Los suicidas and Leila Guerriero’s Los suicidas del fin del mundo through the lens of the “suicidal archive.” Drawing on literary criticism, trauma studies, and biopolitical theory, it explores how both works transform suicide into a problem of representation, where writing functions as an aesthetic mediation against the chaos of reality. In dialogue with the ideas of Mbembe, De Martelaere, and Caruth, I argue that Di Benedetto and Guerriero move beyond the rational frameworks of scientific or journalistic discourse to probe the ethical and affective dimensions of suicidal acts. While Di Benedetto’s text renders repetition as a metaphysical and introspective structure, Guerriero’s transforms it into a collective, polyphonic archive of trauma. In both cases, literature emerges as a symbolic space of containment that, rather than closing off meaning, keeps the wound open. Ultimately, the essay concludes that the suicidal archive does not seek to explain or domesticate death but to inhabit its enigma—affirming writing as an act of resistance against silence and disappearance. Full article

Misinformation circulating on social media presents a critical challenge for journalism and media education in the digital age. Beyond individual news consumption, it reflects broader concerns about cognitive processing and the cultivation of transversal competencies that underpin responsible digital citizenship. This study examines how foundational literacy shapes online fact-checking behavior through the mediating role of news literacy and whether this relationship is moderated by heuristic–systematic processing within social media environments. An online survey of South Korean college students was conducted, and moderated mediation analysis revealed that foundational literacy indirectly fosters fact-checking through enhanced news literacy. However, reliance on heuristic shortcuts weakened this pathway, highlighting how cognitive biases can undermine critical verification in digital contexts. These findings suggest that journalism education would benefit from moving beyond functional skills to incorporate awareness of platform-driven information flows, reflective media engagement, and critical evaluation into curricula. By positioning news literacy as a core competency for contemporary digital environments, this study contributes to ongoing discussions on how higher education can prepare future journalists and media users to navigate complex, technology-mediated information ecosystems with ethical and epistemic responsibility. Full article

The rapid integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) into newsroom workflows has transformed journalistic writing. Still, selecting reliable co-writing tools remains a multi-criteria challenge as it involves technical, ethical, and economic trade-offs. This study develops a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework that integrates the Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to the Compromise Solution (MARCOS) model with Entropy, CRITIC, MEREC, CILOS, and Standard Deviation objective weighting methods fused through the Bonferroni operator to reduce subjectivity and enhance robustness. Nine generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot, were evaluated against sixteen benefit- and cost-type criteria encompassing accuracy, usability, transparency, risk, and scalability. The decision matrix was normalized and benchmarked against ideal and anti-ideal profiles. The MCDM model was validated through correlation and sensitivity analyses using Spearman’s and Kendall’s coefficients. The results indicate that Gemini and Claude achieved the highest overall performance due to superior factual accuracy, transparency, and workflow integration, while ChatGPT demonstrated high linguistic versatility. The hybrid model achieved a stability index above 0.9 across perturbation scenarios, confirming its consistency and reliability. Overall, the proposed MARCOS–objective weight framework provides a mathematically transparent and reproducible decision protocol for newsroom technology evaluation, supporting evidence-based selection of generative AI co-writing systems. Full article

This article analyses journalistic decisions in the face of disinformation, focusing on the case of Vaza Jato in Brazil. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach—combining critical discourse analysis of online articles with semi-structured interviews with two editors—the study explores how two ideologically contrasting newspapers (Folha de S.Paulo and Gazeta do Povo) framed and justified their editorial positions regarding the publication of hacked content. The findings reveal distinct narrative strategies, degrees of epistemological openness, and levels of institutional trust in the judiciary and political actors. The results also show how editorial decisions are shaped by broader concerns about professional legitimacy, audience trust, and the ambiguous boundary between journalism and disinformation. This article contributes to research on disinformation, editorial ethics, and media trust, proposing an analytical framework applicable to other high-risk communication contexts. Full article

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into journalism is rapidly transforming the way news is produced, raising important questions about ethics, transparency, and professional standards. This study examines how Spanish journalists perceive and manage the use of AI in their work. A mixed methods research design is used, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative component consists of a survey administered to a sample of 50 journalists working in newsrooms in various Spanish provinces, selected by random sampling. The qualitative component involves eight in-depth interviews with journalists representing various perspectives on AI use. Although AI improves efficiency in news production, it also introduces ethical concerns, particularly about transparency, authorship, and content accuracy. In the absence of formal regulation, some media and scientific institutions have begun to develop self-regulation protocols. The findings reveal widespread use of AI tools among journalists, although a minority strongly opposes them. Most media outlets lack internal policies on AI use, leading to reliance on personal self-regulation. Transparency is a major concern, as AI involvement is rarely disclosed, raising issues of trust, intellectual property, and editorial responsibility. The lack of clear internal guidelines creates uncertainty and inconsistent practices. Journalists are calling for defined regulatory frameworks to ensure ethical and transparent integration of AI. Without transparency, audience trust can be eroded and journalistic integrity can be compromised. Full article

Media organizations are experiencing ongoing transformation, increasingly driven by the advancement of AI technologies. This development has begun to link journalists with generative systems and synthetic technologies. Although newsrooms worldwide are exploring AI adoption to improve information sourcing, news production, and distribution, a gap exists between resource-rich organizations and those with limited means. Since ChatGPT 3.5 was released on 30 November 2022, Greek media and journalists have gained the ability to use and explore AI technology. In this study, we examine the use of AI in Greek newsrooms, as well as journalists’ reflections and concerns. Through qualitative analysis, our findings indicate that the adoption and integration of these tools in Greek newsrooms is marked by the lack of formal institutional policies, leading to a predominantly self-directed and individualized use of these technologies by journalists. Greek journalists engage with AI tools both professionally and personally, often without organizational guidance or formal training. This issue may compromise the quality of journalism due to the absence of established guidelines. Consequently, individuals may produce content that is inconsistent with the media outlet’s identity or that disseminates misinformation. Age, gender, and newsroom roles do not constitute limiting factors for this “experimentation”, as survey participants showed familiarity with this technology. In addition, in some cases, the disadvantages of specific tools regarding qualitative results in Greek are inhibiting factors for further exploration and use. All these points to the need for immediate training, literacy, and ethical frameworks. Full article

This article presents a comparative study of content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) and articles authored by professional journalists, focusing on the perspective of a Kazakhstani audience. The analysis was conducted based on several key criteria, including the structure of the article, writing style, factual accuracy, citation of sources, and completeness of the information. The study spans a variety of topics, such as politics, economics, law, sports, education, and social issues. The results indicate that AI-generated articles tend to exhibit greater structural clarity and neutrality. On the other hand, articles written by journalists score higher in terms of factual accuracy, analytical depth, and the use of verified sources. Furthermore, the research explores the significance of journalistic ethics in ensuring transparency and information completeness in content production. Ultimately, the findings emphasize the importance of upholding rigorous journalistic standards when integrating AI into media practices. Full article

Global data reveal ongoing inequalities faced by minorities, often reinforced by media portrayals that depict them as threats, victims, or passive individuals without agency. While media framing has been extensively studied, especially in terms of media content and representation, few studies have examined how journalists perceive and navigate the coverage of minorities. This study addresses that gap by examining how Greek journalists perceive mainstream media coverage of refugees and migrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with mental health challenges, with particular attention to their sourcing practices and sense of ethical responsibility. Fourteen journalists participated in semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was applied to identify key patterns. Journalists described dominant media narratives as fragmented, stereotypical, and dehumanizing, noting the frequent use of linguistic inaccuracies, misinformation, and the absence of personal stories. At the same time, they reported opportunities within their own sourcing practices to promote more inclusive and accurate coverage. Ethical concerns were expressed on three levels—union; corporate; and personal—with calls for clearer editorial guidelines and dedicated training. Many participants emphasized the role of personal ethics as a guiding compass in navigating complex newsroom pressures. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how news is produced, curated, and consumed, challenging traditional gatekeeping theories rooted in human editorial control. We develop a robust theoretical framework to reconceptualize gatekeeping in the AI era. We integrate classic media theories—gatekeeping, agenda-setting, and framing—with contemporary insights from algorithmic news recommender systems, large language model (LLM)–based news writing, and platform studies. Our review reveals that AI-driven content curation systems (e.g., social media feeds, news aggregators) increasingly mediate what news is visible, sometimes reinforcing mainstream agendas, according to Nechushtai & Lewis, while, at other times, introducing new biases or echo chambers. Simultaneously, automated news generation via LLMs raises questions about how training data and optimization goals (engagement vs. diversity) act as new “gatekeepers” in story selection and framing. We found pervasive Simon’s theory that reliance on third-party AI platforms transfers authority from newsrooms, creating power dependencies that may undercut journalistic autonomy. Moreover, adaptive algorithms learn from user behavior, creating feedback loops that dynamically shape news diversity and bias over time. Drawing on communication studies, science & technology studies (STS), and AI ethics, we propose an updated theoretical framework of “algorithmic gatekeeping” that accounts for the hybrid human–AI processes governing news flow. We outline key research gaps—including opaque algorithmic decision-making and normative questions of accountability—and suggest directions for future theory-building to ensure journalism’s core values survive in the age of AI-driven news. Full article

Social media use is commonplace for journalists in newsgathering, including reporting newsworthy deaths. Journalists have revised their death knock practice of physically doorknocking bereaved families to a preference for digital methods to solicit comment and context for stories about fatal incidents. This is gleaned from social media. A 2021–2022 Australian mixed-methods study, including a survey and semi-structured interviews, found that journalists use social media as a tool to find, contact, and interview people, and as a source of facts, photographs, and comments for stories. Journalists are at risk of moral injury, which occurs when they breach their own moral code, including through institutional betrayal. This article argues the digital death knock increases the risk of moral injury because unfettered access to, and sanctioned use of, social media material creates new ethical complexities. It proposes that fundamental to the journalist’s risk of moral injury is their view of the journalist–source relationship, which might in turn reflect their underlying ethical framework. The journalist who preferences utilitarian ethics—the greatest good for the greatest number—may see a source as means to an end; however, the journalist who preferences deontological ethics—respect for persons as an end in themselves—may owe the source a greater duty of care, which, if breached, may make them vulnerable to moral injury. Full article

The transformative influence of digitalization on journalism is evident across multiple dimensions of the industry. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how news is produced, distributed, and consumed, from small local newsrooms to global media organizations, offering benefits such as increased speed, efficiency, and personalization. However, the most critical role AI can play lies in upholding the high standards of accuracy, credibility, and depth that define quality journalism. The ongoing digital transformation prompts a re-evaluation of journalistic norms and practices, positioning quality at the forefront of discussions. This paper focuses on Greece’s media market that encountered a severe economic crisis and, more specifically, to the Greek local media landscape to investigate the complex relationship between AI and journalism in regional media organizations. More specific, the study explores how Greek local journalists believe AI can contribute to quality journalism, while upholding the core principles of ethics and integrity. It highlights their perspectives on AI, exploring both their hopes for its potential to improve journalistic practices and their concerns about its impact on journalistic values. Through semi-structured interviews with local media industry stakeholders in Greece—including editors, editors-in-chief, and journalists—this study assesses AI’s influence on journalistic quality in local newsrooms. The findings underscore the necessity of employing AI to elevate content standards rather than compromise them. Our research contributes to the discourse on AI in journalism and offers valuable insights for journalists, local news organizations, and policymakers navigating the ethical implications of AI adoption in the pursuit of high-quality journalism in Greek local media. Full article

Artificial intelligence has made its mark on the media industry in Romania, and television is one of the sectors most affected by its development. This paper analyzes through a quantitative method the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on television from the perspective of media industry professionals in Romania. The research was conducted usinga quantitative method based on a structured questionnaire. The study focuses on the responses of 128 journalists working in local and national TV stations directly involved in content creation and editorial or production processes. We selected this sample because media specialists have the knowledge to express informed opinions on this subject. The survey results show that artificial intelligence is increasingly used in Romanian newsrooms. Television professionals believe that artificial intelligence tools are helpful and that they can improve the quality of content. However, at the same time, there are serious concerns about the possibility that jobs could be affected. In addition, the risk of misinformation is growing with the increasing use of artificial intelligence tools. Findings suggest that strategic, industry-wide regulations and ethical guidelines are essential to balance AI adoption while safeguarding media integrity. This research may serve media organizations, policymakers, and academia in formulating informed approaches toward AI. Full article

This study aims to explore the perceptions of Greek journalists and academics on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Greek journalism, focusing on its benefits, risks, and potential ethical dilemmas. In particular, it seeks to (i) assess the extent of the use of AI tools by Greek journalists; (ii) investigate views on how AI might alter news production, work routines, and labor relations in the field; and (iii) examine perspectives on the ethical challenges of AI in journalism, particularly in regard to AI-generated images in media content. To achieve this, a series of 28 in-depth semi-structured interviews was conducted with Greek journalists and academics. A thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes and patterns. Overall, the findings suggest that AI penetration in Greek journalism is in its early stages, with no formal training, strategy, or framework in place within Greek media. Regarding ethical concerns, there is evident skepticism and caution among journalists and academics about issues, such as, data bias, transparency, privacy, and copyright, which are further intensified by the absence of a regulatory framework. Full article