Use of generative AI in news production in Türkiye: ‘A threat or an opportunity?’

This article examines journalists’ perspectives on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in their journalism practices in Türkiye. This study analyzes the integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence tools in Turkish newsrooms, explores journalists’ attitudes toward these technologies, and investigates the ethical dilemmas and their impact on journalism practices and the news production process. Data from in-depth interviews with 26 journalists from various media organiza tions in Türkiye were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that although Generative Artificial Intelligence tools save considerable time on journalism tasks such as translation, summarization, and fact-checking, they have not significantly reduced journalists’ overall workload. Additionally, the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence tools in reporting on sensitive, complex issues (e.g. foreign news, women’s and children’s rights) raises serious ethical concerns, particularly regarding bias in news coverage. It also seems that Generative Artificial Intelligence tools are failing to replace the essential human qualities of emotion, empathy, and contextual understanding that journalists bring to their work. Finally, the Integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence into journalism is viewed both as an opportunity and a threat to various journalistic roles, such as online journalism and editing, yet it is perceived as inevitable in the journalism profession, much like in many other fields.