The Impacts of Automation on Journalists

Abstract:

We examined journalists’ tasks as described on the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) website. The tasks we analyzed specifically are those assigned to reporters and correspondents (27-3022.00 - Reporters and Correspondents). From the tasks, we developed a workflow diagram for journalist’s work. Reviewing the previous relevant literature, we made predictions to explore which journalism tasks are more automatable and which are less automatable, and how the trending advent of technologies such automatic content generation may change journalists’ roles. Highlighting research and practical implications, we conclude the paper with limitations and areas for further research.