Journalists cautiously optimistic about the effect of AI on the profession, our new report finds

Our new TRF Insights report sheds light on the opportunities and challenges of AI in journalism in the Global South and emerging economies.

A new report from the Thomson Reuters Foundation finds that journalists in the Global South and emerging economies are cautiously optimistic about the effect of artificial intelligence (AI) on journalism. 

From enhanced efficiency to personalised reporting, AI is changing how we produce, distribute and consume news. Yet the adoption of AI by newsrooms varies around the world, as does the access to this technology, and attitudes towards it.

A global survey

Journalism in the AI era: Opportunities and challenges in the Global South and emerging economies amplifies the voices of journalists in the Global South and emerging economies, to provide a unique and timely snapshot of AI in journalism in more than 70 countries

From October to November 2024, we surveyed more than 200 journalists – all alumni of our training programmes – to explore their use of the technology and their hopes and fears for the future. 

Their perspectives are published today in the first in our TRF Insights series, which draws on our extensive global network to take the pulse of major developments in the profession and provide data-led insights for the sector. 

What we found

The journalists that we spoke to were cautiously optimistic about AI in journalism, with over 80% using it for a wide variety of tasks. 

42% were positive about the future use of the technology, despite over half expressing high levels of ethical concerns. 

Nonetheless, journalists in the Global South and emerging economies reported distinct challenges, including a lack of training, unequal digital access, concerns about the loss of human-centred skills, and reduced transparency for audiences. For example, despite widespread adoption, just 13% reported that their employer had a policy on AI use.

Authored by Professor Damian Radcliffe, Chambers Chair in Journalism at the University of Oregon, Journalism in the AI era concludes with recommendations for stakeholders including journalists, media development organisations and funders. Responding to the needs highlighted by journalists, the recommendations are designed to enable newsrooms to harness the benefits of AI in journalism, while ensuring the ethics, standards and values of the profession remain intact. 

For more than 40 years, the Thomson Reuters Foundation has supported independent media and trained more than 20,000 journalists around the world. This legacy has allowed us to develop a global community of media professionals, giving us unique insights into the complex issues facing journalism. 

Today we enable world-class journalism by equipping journalists with the skills to uphold high reporting standards, while navigating rapid technological change.

Find out more about our training and resources.