Speaker: Yi-Chieh Lin, Associate Professor, Department of Journalism, National Chengchi University; HYI Visiting Scholar, 2024-25

Chair/Discussant: John P. Wihbey, Associate Professor, Media Innovation and Technology, Northeastern University

This study explores journalists’ perspectives on the perils and possibilities of using generative AI tools in Taiwanese newsrooms, comparing specific applications across news reporting processes in Taiwan and the United States. Through semi-structured interviews with Taiwanese journalists, the talk examines how AI reshapes journalistic practices, focusing on its impact on efficiency, ethics, organizational culture, and audience engagement.

Drawing on journalism ethics as a conceptual framework, it addresses opportunities and challenges such as maintaining editorial oversight, mitigating bias, and establishing boundaries for AI’s role in journalistic decision-making. For instance, some Taiwanese organizations enforce strict human verification for AI-generated content and implement safeguards to prevent the misuse of sensitive data.

This research further explores how AI adoption influences media brands, deepens audience understanding, and reshapes the relationship between technology and journalistic integrity. This ongoing study underscores the need for cautious yet innovative approaches to generative AI, balancing its transformative potential with ethical accountability.