As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to permeate newsrooms, its implications for journalism are becoming increasingly significant. During a virtual seminar hosted by the Nieman Foundation in November 2025, four Nieman Fellows discussed the technology’s potential, limitations, and ethical concerns. The conversation, moderated by Tyler Dukes (NF ’17), lead editor for AI innovation at McClatchy Media Co., included Uli Köppen (NF ’19), chief AI officer at Bayerischer Rundfunk in Munich, Ron Stodghill (NF ’01), a professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, and Jaemark Tordecilla (NF ’24), a Philippine journalist and media adviser focused on AI and newsroom innovation.
The panelists began by sharing successful uses of AI in their professional experiences. Tordecilla highlighted a project in Manila where he used AI to automatically download data from a government website listing flood-control projects, which was then shared with various media organizations and NGOs. This initiative led to a crowdsourced effort that allowed communities to engage with the data meaningfully.
Köppen described how his organization developed an AI assistant for its 20,000 journalists, enhancing productivity by reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks. He noted a specific success with a chatbot created for Oktoberfest that integrated content from multiple publishers, improving the quality of responses. Such collaborations underscore the potential for AI to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of news reporting.
As the discussion shifted, Dukes raised concerns regarding the reliance on major tech companies like Meta and Google for AI tools. Tordecilla emphasized a lack of partnerships for newsrooms in the Global South, where many face financial struggles and political pressures. He argued that newsrooms often have no choice but to engage with these tech giants, as they offer the most accessible tools, despite the ethical dilemmas involved.
Stodghill reflected on his experiences teaching journalism students, noting a certain resistance to integrating AI into their storytelling processes. He expressed concern that the traditional, purist approach to journalism among students could hinder their adaptability in an evolving media landscape. He advocated for teaching students how to utilize AI ethically and responsibly, recognizing the deadlines and pressures of modern journalism.
Contrastingly, Tordecilla suggested that AI should not be dismissed as a tool for writing, especially in non-English-speaking regions. He likened the future of writing to chocolate—where mass-produced options coexist with artisanal quality—implying that AI can serve a purpose in content creation if leveraged properly. This perspective highlights the need for adaptability in journalism curriculum, emphasizing reporting skills over traditional writing in contexts where AI can fulfill the latter.
The panelists discussed the challenges of integrating AI in newsrooms, particularly the balance between harnessing technology and maintaining journalistic integrity. Tordecilla pointed out that initial hype often dissipates when journalists use AI tools practically, as many discover their limitations. Köppen added that journalists should view AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for their craft, advising against the use of generic outputs that dilute the quality of journalism.
Looking toward the future, Köppen stressed the importance of aligning AI usage with journalistic missions, urging newsrooms to carefully consider how technology can enhance their work without compromising ethical standards. Tordecilla echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that technology is not a panacea and should be approached with caution. Stodghill concluded with a call for thoughtful integration of AI into journalism, recognizing its potential as a tool for progress while ensuring that humanity remains at the forefront of journalistic endeavors.
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