The News Ecosystem in the Age of AI: Evidence from the UAE

ABSTRACT

While there is a growing body of literature on the use of algorithms in journalistic principles and professional practices in general, there is a gap in the literature regarding the adoption of AI, algorithms, and automation in the journalistic field in the United Arab Emirates. This paper explores the journalistic field by providing empirical perspectives on algorithmic adoption and its relationship between journalistic values and algorithmic innovation. Through semi-structured interviews, we explore how AI adoption amongst journalists explains the gaps between journalistic values and journalistic practices empowered by algorithms. The findings suggest that, in large part, the journalists and news organizations have recognized the strategic value of AI for journalism and journalistic quality. However, the future of AI journalism depends on balancing algorithms with editorial and ethical parameters. To maintain the integrity and trustworthiness of the content, news organizations and journalists themselves need to be able to define how AI is used in the field.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Norita Ahmad

Norita Ahmad is a Professor of Information Systems and Analytics at the American University of Sharjah. Her research interest includes innovative uses of information technology, decision analysis, and technology adoption. She published in a variety of scholarly journals such as IT and People, IS Frontiers, and Journal of Knowledge Management.

Sabir Haque

Sabir Haque is an Assistant Professor of Mass Communication at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah. He is a multi-faceted academician with over 15 years of experience in academics, broadcast media and filmmaking. He received his Ph.D. in Journalism & social media from Manipal University India.

Mohammed Ibahrine

Mohammed Ibahrine is a Professor of Mass Communication at the American University of Sharjah. He is a transdisciplinary social scientist by training with a Ph.D. in International Relations, University of Hamburg, Germany. He has published widely on digital technologies, human behavior and culture as well as innovation and entrepreneurship.