Conversational AI and Journalistic Ethics: Emerging Concerns in Pakistani Newsrooms

The penetration of artificial intelligence into journalism worldwide raises many ethical issues, particularly in fledgling media systems such as Pakistan. The country is home to many visually impaired communities, serving as a valuable case for studying both the positive and negative aspects of AI's influence on journalism. Based on a national survey of 202 professionals working in print, broadcast, and online media, the study aims to explore the potential and challenges of integrating Conversational AI (CAI), which encompasses technologies such as chatbots and automated news writing tools, into journalistic practices. While CAI could help personalize content and streamline newsroom operations, its uses could also lead to even greater difficulties for journalists in upholding the profession's ethical standards and values. The study found that journalists have widespread concerns about the potential for CAI to introduce even greater algorithmic bias into their content while safeguarding the data. Journalists are now ethically bound to protect and ensure audiences can distinguish between legitimate journalism and AI-augmented fabrications.