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JOURNALISTS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE – A FEW REFLECTIONS AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE OLD AND NEW ORDER
Joanna HOŁDA1
Publication language: Polish
scientific paper
Guest Editor of the Issue Dominika Popielec
Transformations No. 1(128)2026, Publication date: 31 March 2026
Keywords: journalist, artificial intelligence, ethics, law, standards
Abstract Journalists are the avant-garde bringing freedom; they perform a special profession in a free, democratic world for the benefit of society. Technological development and the increasing availability of artificial intelligence (AI) are changing the media environment, directly affecting their work. This poses challenges in terms of existing standards (rights and obligations, professional ethics) in the new digital reality. This raises the question of the relevance and effectiveness of such standards. This is also important in view of the unclear definition and status of a journalist. Therefore, it is difficult to determine who is actually subject to these standards. In view of technological developments and new media, this may adversely affect freedom of speech, security, and the quality of information. In this regard, it seems interesting to analyze the concept of “journalist” as used in current legislation, especially in the context of digital transformation and the dynamic development of new media, where podcasters, influencers, YouTubers, and independent journalism are becoming increasingly popular. In this context, it is crucial to reflect on established standards (usually in relation to conventional, traditional media) and their relationship to artificial intelligence, with regard to new media and the new forms of communication emerging there. In the context of the relationship between journalists and AI, it is important to refer to freedom of speech and safe, high-quality information. This is also important in view of the spread of disinformation and declining trust in the media and journalists. The above seems interesting from the perspective of legal regulations and ethical principles, also taking into account not only national regulations, but also those of the European Union. It is also important to be aware of the international cooperation that has recently been observed in the field of AI. The security standards developed will also apply to the work of journalists, which may result in a positive perception of their work.
Wydział Politologii i Dziennikarstwa UMCS w Lublinie, Insty-tut Nauk o Komunikacji Społecznej i Mediach, dr nauk prawnych, ekspertka w za-kresie przemysłów kreatywnych, mediów i komunikacji, a także strategii miejskich. Autorka publikacji naukowych z obszaru m.in. przemysłów kreatywnych, mediów, prawa nowych technologii
ORCID: 0000-0001-9334-8441
E-mail: joanna.holda@mail.umcs.pl