Harmonizing Traditional Journalistic Values With Emerging AI Technologies: A Systematic Review of Journalists’ Perception

This study investigates how news organizations perceive the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in news production, focusing on the synthesis of traditional journalistic values with AI advancements. By conducting a meta-analysis of 59 scholarly articles published between 2020 and 2024 in the field of journalism, the research examines the perceptions of journalists, editors, and decision-makers regarding AI. The primary research question explores the general findings of previous studies on journalists’ perceptions of AI in their workflows and the frameworks used to reconcile AI with journalistic values. The findings indicate that AI is regarded as a transformative tool, enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and fostering a new organizational culture. However, it raises concerns about costs and job security. Attitudes toward AI are polarized, with optimism about efficiency gains and skepticism due to potential impacts on employment and ethical standards. Three theoretical models—field theory, human–machine communication, and the technology acceptance model—are employed to understand these dynamics, with field theory addressing power shifts and human–machine communication and the technology acceptance model examining human–AI interaction. To effectively integrate AI with journalistic values, the study proposes three strategies: AI technologists should embed journalistic ethics into their processes, journalists should acquire basic AI technical skills, and collaborative platforms should be established to bridge gaps between journalists and technicians. These strategies aim to create a balanced framework where AI-driven news production can uphold essential journalistic standards while embracing technological innovation.