12:14 am - June 15, 2025
A global survey reveals growing fears that AI-driven tools will replace jobs, undermine editorial independence and erode the human essence of news reporting.
A global survey of 2,000 journalists reveals deep anxiety about the rise of artificial intelligence in newsrooms, with growing fears that automation will replace jobs, dilute editorial independence and strip journalism of its human core.
The Journalism and Artificial Intelligence Survey, conducted by Pressat, found that 57% of journalists expect AI to replace more roles in the near future. Seven in ten said they were actively worried about the impact of the technology on their own careers.
Many respondents expressed concern that AI is being adopted without sufficient oversight or ethical consideration. Over 80% believe AI-generated news risks being biased or discriminatory. One journalist said, “I have witnessed this already,” pointing to instances of AI producing skewed or inaccurate content.
Another respondent summed up a widely shared sentiment: “AI isn’t a tool, it’s a threat. It doesn’t understand context, humanity, or ethics – but it’s cheaper.”
The fear goes beyond job loss. More than 60% of those surveyed warned that AI could erode the human identity of journalism itself. They worry that a profession built on curiosity, judgment and accountability is being reduced to an algorithmic process optimised for clicks and speed.
Investigative journalism is seen as particularly vulnerable. About 30% of respondents cited AI as a threat to this core function, which often relies on deep reporting and editorial discretion. At the same time, half acknowledged that AI might create new roles – particularly in managing or scrutinising its use.
Despite the scale of change, most journalists said their newsrooms were ill-prepared. When asked to rate their organisation’s readiness to integrate AI responsibly, scores averaged between two and four on a five-point scale.
The survey also found that 58% of journalists had seen AI used to monitor social media for trending stories. While some acknowledged the benefits of speed and efficiency, others raised concerns about the covert nature of AI adoption and its effect on editorial autonomy. “We’re being thrown into this blindly,” one respondent said, “and it’s going to cost us our credibility.”
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.ap.org/the-definitive-source/products-and-services/ap-survey-reveals-ais-impact-on-newsrooms/ – This Associated Press survey reveals that 70% of journalists have used generative AI in their organizations, highlighting the growing integration of AI in newsrooms.
- https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/global-audiences-suspicious-ai-powered-newsrooms-report-finds-2024-06-16/ – A Reuters report indicates that a significant number of global audiences are uncomfortable with AI-generated news, particularly on sensitive topics like politics, underscoring concerns about AI’s impact on journalism.
- https://www.ft.com/content/c581fb74-8d85-4c08-8a46-a7c9ef174454 – This Financial Times article discusses how media companies are investing in AI to improve efficiency, even as they reduce costs and staff, reflecting the industry’s response to technological advancements.
- https://www.time.com/6554118/congress-ai-journalism-hearing/ – Time magazine reports on experts warning Congress about AI’s threats to journalism, including concerns over AI models using journalists’ work without compensation and the spread of misinformation.
- https://www.bospar.com/press-release/bospar-survey-reveals-vast-majority-of-americans-are-concerned-about-journalists-and-newsrooms-implementing-chatgpt-or-similar-technology/ – A Bospar survey reveals that 93% of Americans are concerned about the future of news reporting being created with AI technology, highlighting public apprehension about AI’s role in journalism.
- https://www.axios.com/2023/10/05/newsrooms-ai-fact-checking-bias-messenger – Axios reports on newsrooms exploring the use of AI to detect biases and errors in their work, reflecting the industry’s efforts to maintain credibility amid technological changes.
- https://pressat.co.uk/releases/572-of-journalists-fear-ai-could-replace-more-jobs-in-the-coming-years-800ea0a0e5a526d0df7cb1a4bbb1509d/ – Original press release. View link for all data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
6
Notes:
Narrative references a recent survey conducted by Pressat but lacks explicit publication date, reducing score. Surveys on AI’s impact are time-sensitive, yet the absence of dated comparisons or recycled phrasing mitigates freshness concerns.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Quotes appear original without verbatim matches to prior articles. Lack of direct sourcing to specific interviews or transcripts reduces verifiability, but no evidence of recycled phrasing.
Source reliability
Score:
5
Notes:
Pressat is a press release distributor rather than an independent fact-checking organisation. While the survey claims anonymity and global participation, publisher transparency is limited.
Plausability check
Score:
7
Notes:
Claims align with broader industry trends regarding AI anxiety. However, specific metrics (e.g., ‘57.2%’ fearing job replacement) require direct access to methodology for full validation.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative reflects contemporary concerns about AI in journalism, supported by a plausibly structured survey. However, reliance on a press release and unverified methodological details necessitates cautious interpretation. Further validation through peer-reviewed studies or independent replication would strengthen credibility.
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