WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Center for News, Technology & Innovation (CNTI) released the first briefing from its newly launched Global AI & Journalism Research Working Group, aimed at synthesizing what international research indicates about issues at the intersection of AI and journalism — as well as where there are gaps and inconsistencies.

This first briefing focuses on recurring insights about communication between journalists and their audiences around AI, which can inform how newsrooms report on, use and educate their audiences about the growing use of this technology. It draws upon more than 80 studies that focus on at least 40 countries, with input from 15 working group members. The research consistently found:

• There is a dearth of public understanding about not only AI in news but also journalists’ methods and values more broadly. This is important to address before successful communication about uses of AI itself can be realized.
• There is an increasing consensus that the public needs more knowledge about the different types of AI systems, what the systems can and can’t do, and how to critically evaluate their output. Journalism has long played an essential role in helping people learn about new technologies — with AI no exception.
• To cover AI systems effectively, newsrooms might consider developing a deeper understanding of the technology itself and the wide range of stakeholders involved.
• AI systems have disrupted long-held assumptions about “how technology works” because these systems often have inconsistent outputs, and users may not even be aware when they’re interacting with them. 
• When it comes specifically to labels for AI use in journalism, there is often a disconnect between what the public says it wants and how it responds to actual labels. While more research is warranted, our working group noted that explaining how AI was used, rather than a simple label, can carry more meaning.
• It would be valuable for news producers to collaborate and build consensus around how to best operationalize shared values such as transparency and verification.

“Following our CNTI/Thomson Foundation AI disclosure meeting in Brussels last year, it became clear that for existing research to be a helpful for journalists working with or covering AI, the research community needed to do a better job of making sense of the wide range of emerging information related to AI and news,”  said CNTI Executive Director Amy Mitchell. “Audience trust, relevance and understanding must be at the core of these discussions, so it was a natural first area of exploration in building a broader consensus for AI in the news industry.”

CNTI also updated its “Artificial Intelligence in Journalism” issue primer which sets the stage for exploring how newsrooms can enable the benefits and manage the harms of AI with their work.

The full Global AI & Journalism Research Working Group briefing is available here, and other journalists and experts are encouraged to contact CNTI to join these discussions. The Working Group will continue its research on AI and journalism and will produce three to four more briefings over the next year.

“A lot of high-profile research is being done on English-speaking media in relatively wealthy countries, but we should not presume that those findings can be applied globally,” said CNTI Senior Research Manager Jay Barchas-Lichtenstein. “The working group includes representation from a broad set of countries, which means this briefing shines a light on cultural and institutional differences so that we can take a broad, international view of applying AI concepts to journalism.”

About the Center for News, Technology & Innovation: CNTI is an independent global policy research center that seeks to encourage independent, sustainable media, maintain an open internet and foster informed public policy conversations. CNTI’s cross-industry convenings espouse evidence-based, thoughtful but challenging conversations about the issue at hand, with an eye toward feasible steps forward. The Center for News, Technology & Innovation is a project of the Foundation for Technology, News & Public Affairs. Learn more at https://cnti.org/.

Contact: info@cnti.org

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“Estas encuestas globales revelan oportunidades para cerrar importantes brechas en la actitud de los periodistas y el público frente al periodismo y el acceso a información hoy en día. Además, existe un creciente consenso en que la creación de periodismo ya ha trascendido las salas de redacción profesionales”, declaró la directora ejecutiva del CNTI, Amy Mitchell. “La encuesta a periodistas también evidencia datos importantes sobre el estado de las relaciones con los Gobiernos y la seguridad de los periodistas en medio de las crecientes amenazas a las libertades de los medios de comunicación en todo el mundo”. 

Principales hallazgos:

• Tanto el público como los periodistas encuestados consideran que el periodismo desempeña un papel valioso en la sociedad; sin embargo, aun cuando el público expresa con claridad lo que hace que el periodismo se distinga, los periodistas no creen que puedan hacerlo.
  La mayoría de las personas (más del 76 % en todos los países encuestados) dicen que “las organizaciones de noticias que emplean reporteros son una parte fundamental de una sociedad informada”, y entre el 40 % y el 65 % opinan que hay una diferencia entre las noticias y el periodismo. En cambio, la mitad de los periodistas (51 %) dicen que el público no puede notar la diferencia entre el periodismo y otros tipos de noticias e información que encuentran en línea, y casi la misma cantidad (45 %) opinan que la industria no está haciendo un buen trabajo en lo que respecta a comunicar su valor.
• Reconocer el valor del periodismo no implica necesariamente consumir contenido producido por las organizaciones de noticias. Aproximadamente la mitad o más del público en cada país (49-74 %) piensa que “las personas que no son periodistas pueden producir periodismo”, en consonancia con el 58 % de los periodistas que opina lo mismo. Porcentajes aun mayores del público opinan que “la gente común” puede producir periodismo, mientras que una minoría significativa del público (20-30 %) afirma que recurre más a las personas para informarse, en lugar de a las organizaciones de noticias. El público restante dice que recurre más a las organizaciones (lo que no siempre significa organizaciones de noticias). 
• La tecnología se entrelaza tanto en el consumo de noticias del público como en la forma en que los periodistas producen estas noticias. La mayoría de las personas en cada país (57-85 %) dice que la tecnología digital es muy importante para su capacidad de mantenerse informadas. Asimismo, más de cuatro de cada cinco periodistas indican que la tecnología digital es muy importante para comunicarse con las fuentes, recopilar información y llegar a sus audiencias.
• El público y los periodistas están de acuerdo en gran medida en que los desarrollos tecnológicos tendrán un efecto positivo en la cobertura y el consumo de noticias, pero los del Norte Global expresan mucho más pesimismo cuando se les pregunta específicamente sobre la IA. 
  • Entre el público: La mayoría de encuestados en Australia (58 %), Brasil (85 %) y Sudáfrica (74 %) piensan que la tecnología digital continuará teniendo un efecto positivo en su capacidad para informarse en el futuro, en comparación con el 46 % de los estadounidenses. No obstante, mientras que aproximadamente la mitad de los brasileños (46 %) y los sudafricanos (49 %) piensan que la IA tendrá un efecto positivo en su capacidad para informarse, solo un tercio de las personas en Estados Unidos o Australia (15-16 %) están de acuerdo.
  • Entre los periodistas: Dos de cada tres periodistas piensan que la tecnología digital tendrá un efecto positivo en su capacidad para informar, pero solo uno de cada tres cree que la IA tendrá un efecto positivo en la capacidad del público para informarse. En el Sur Global, el 77 % de los periodistas tienen una actitud positiva con respecto a la tecnología digital y aproximadamente la mitad (48 %) tiene una actitud positiva sobre los efectos de la IA. En el Norte Global, estos números son más débiles: 54 % y 16 %, respectivamente.
• Los públicos también expresan percepciones bastante positivas sobre la pervivencia de una Internet abierta como un lugar para compartir y encontrar noticias. Entre el 62 % y el 79 % del público en cada país confía al menos en cierta medida en que Internet seguirá siendo un lugar para obtener y compartir noticias. Los sudafricanos son por mucho los más propensos a tener mucha confianza; 60 % de los encuestados dicen que se sienten de esta manera, aproximadamente el doble que en cualquier otro país. 
• Ahora bien, el 50 % de los periodistas encuestados dicen que han sufrido alguna extralimitación gubernamental en el último año. La mitad de los periodistas encuestados informan haber sufrido extralimitación de Gobierno en el último año, desde quejas sobre el contenido hasta arrestos o detenciones. Solo el 9 % afirma que su Gobierno ofrece un apoyo importante al periodismo, mientras que el 54 % afirma que su Gobierno pretende tener demasiado control. Además, al menos tres de cada cuatro expresan que es inaceptable que los gobiernos definan qué es el periodismo (78 %) o quiénes son periodistas (87 %).
• Cuando se trata de la seguridad de los periodistas, poco más de un tercio de los encuestados (37 %) dicen que enfrentan riesgos graves al menos con cierta frecuencia, y el 31 % dice que lo mismo les ocurre a sus fuentes. Al mismo tiempo, solo la mitad (15 %) utiliza aplicaciones cifradas como su principal método de comunicación con sus fuentes. En las democracias liberales, los periodistas suelen utilizar el correo electrónico para comunicarse con las fuentes. Mientras tanto, los periodistas de los otros tipos de regímenes no tenían un claro favorito, pero sí tenían la misma probabilidad de usar muchas modalidades de comunicación diferentes.

“Los dos estudios demuestran el valor de analizar estos temas y preguntas a través de una lente global. Entre las opiniones del público y de los periodistas surgen algunas diferencias regionales claras y es importante que los investigadores y demás personas que trabajan en la intersección entre el periodismo, la tecnología y el entorno informativo las tengan en cuenta” (Amy Mitchell, directora ejecutiva del CNTI)

Estos informes de las encuestas son parte de la iniciativa “Definir la Noticia” del CNTI, que explora la evolución del ecosistema de noticias y el papel que desempeña la tecnología en él. A finales de este mes, el CNTI publicará un tercer informe en esta serie, dedicado al público estadounidense que obtiene noticias a través de influencers y creadores de contenido. Actualmente se están elaborando interesantes informes adicionales. 

Lea los informes:

• Qué significa hacer periodismo en la era de la IA: Opiniones de los periodistas sobre la seguridad, la tecnología y el Gobierno
• Qué quiere el público del periodismo en la era de la IA: una encuesta en cuatro países

Contacto: press@innovating.news

The post Percepciones globales: impresiones de los periodistas y el público sobre el periodismo en la era de la IA y las crecientes amenazas a la independencia de la prensa appeared first on Center for News, Technology & Innovation.

“Influencers and individual content creators are filling information gaps, including reporting from places where professional journalists do not have access, but whether they hold themselves to the same mission and reporting standards of more traditional journalism is less clear. Understanding the news preferences of the people who turn to them most helps journalists and other relevant stakeholders explore how news providers can work together to best provide the public with fact-based information while promoting innovation and technological advancements,” said CNTI Executive Director Amy Mitchell. 

Some key findings about Americans who rely on content creators or influencers for news: 

• These adults are actively engaged in issues and events, and more positive than other Americans about their ability to keep up.
• Like other Americans, they value the role of journalism in society, while also believing non-journalists can create it.
• They prioritize speed in getting informed comparably to hearing from professional journalists; all others say hearing from professional journalists is more important.
• They have more technology-driven media habits than other Americans, but do not rely solely on social media.
• They are more optimistic than others about developments in technology and artificial intelligence.

Each finding is discussed in detail in the full report available here. This survey is part of CNTI’s Defining News Initiative, which explores the evolving news ecosystem and the role technology plays in the industry. CNTI will continue its research on the evolving news and journalism landscape and consumer’s perceptions and preferences, to encourage independent, sustainable media, maintain an open internet and foster informed public policy conversations.

Read the full report here.

About the Center for News, Technology and Innovation: The Center for News, Technology & Innovation (CNTI), an independent global policy research center, seeks to encourage independent, sustainable media, maintain an open internet and foster informed public policy conversations. CNTI’s cross-industry convenings espouse evidence-based, thoughtful but challenging conversations about the issue at hand, with an eye toward feasible steps forward. The Center for News, Technology & Innovation is a project of the Foundation for Technology, News & Public Affairs. Learn more at https://cnti.org/. 

Contact: press@innovating.news

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“These global surveys reveal opportunities to address important gaps in how journalists and the public approach journalism and the process of getting informed today, alongside a growing consensus that journalism creation is no longer limited to professional newsrooms,” said CNTI Executive Director Amy Mitchell. “The journalist survey also surfaces important data on the state of government relations and journalistic security amid increasing threats to media freedoms around the world.” 

Key Findings:

• Both the public and journalists surveyed see a valuable role for journalism in society, but even as the public articulates what makes journalism distinct, journalists don’t think they are able to do so. Most people (76%+ in all countries surveyed) say “news organizations that employ reporters are a critical part of an informed society,” and between 40% and 65% say that there is a difference between news and journalism. Meanwhile, half of journalists (51%) say the public cannot tell the difference between journalism and other kinds of news and information online — and almost as many (45%) say the field is not doing a good job communicating its value.
• Seeing a value in journalism does not necessarily lead to consuming news organizations’ content. Roughly half or more of the public in each county (49-74%) say “people who are not journalists can produce journalism — in line with the 58% of journalists who say the same. Even larger percentages of the public say “everyday people” can produce journalism. And significant minorities (20-30%) of the public say they turn most to individuals to get informed, rather than news organizations; the remainders say they turn more to organizations (which may not always mean news organizations). 
• Technology is intertwined in both the public’s news consumption and journalists’ production of it. Majorities, 57-85%, of people in each country say that digital technology is very important to their ability to stay informed. And more than four-in-five journalists say digital technology is very important to communicating with sources, information gathering and reaching their audiences.
• The public and journalists largely agree that technological developments will have a positive impact on news reporting and consumption, but those in the Global North express much more pessimism when asked specifically about AI. 
  • Among the public: Majorities in Australia (58%), Brazil (85%), and South Africa (74%) think digital technology will continue to have a positive impact on their ability to get informed in the future, compared with 46% of Americans. But while about half of Brazilians (46%) and South Africans (49%) think AI will have a positive impact on their ability to get informed, only a third as many people in the U.S. or Australia (15-16%) agree.
  • Among journalists: Two-in-three journalists think that digital technology will have a positive impact on their ability to report, but only one-in-three think AI will have a positive impact on the public’s ability to get informed. In the Global South, 77% are positive about digital technology and about half — 48% — are positive about AI. In the Global North, these numbers are more muted: 54% and 16%, respectively.
• Publics are also quite positive about the perseverance of the open internet as a place to share and find news. Between 62% and 79% of the public in each country are at least somewhat confident that the internet will remain a place to get and share news. South Africans are by far the most likely to be very confident, with 60% who feel this way, about twice as many as any other country. 
• Meanwhile, 50% of journalists surveyed say they have experienced government overreach in the past year. Half of the journalists surveyed report experiencing government overreach within the last year, ranging from complaints about content to arrest or detention. Just 9% say their government offers important support for journalism, while 54% say their government seeks too much control. And at least three-in-four say it’s unacceptable for governments to define what journalism is (78%) or who journalists are (87%).
• When it comes to journalistic safety, slightly more than a third of journalists (37%) say they face serious risks at least somewhat often, with 31% who say their sources do. At the same time, only about half as many, 15%, primarily communicate with sources using encrypted apps. In liberal democracies, journalists most commonly use email to communicate with sources. Meanwhile, journalists in the other regime types had no clear favorite; instead, they were about equally likely to use many different modes of communication.

“The two studies demonstrate the value of taking a global lens to these topics and questions. Among both the public and journalists, some clear regional differences emerge that are important for researchers and others working at the intersection of journalism, technology and the information environment  to take into consideration.” – CNTI Executive Director Amy Mitchell.

These survey reports are a part of CNTI’s Defining News Initiative which explores the evolving news ecosystem and the role technology plays in it. Later this month, CNTI will release a third report in this series, that details the American public who get news from influencers and content creators. Additional exciting reports are currently in the works. 

Read the reports:

• What It Means to Do Journalism in the Age of AI: Journalist Views on Safety, Technology and Government
• What the Public Wants from Journalism in the Age of AI: A Four Country Survey

About the Center for News, Technology and Innovation: The Center for News, Technology & Innovation (CNTI), an independent global policy research center, seeks to encourage independent, sustainable media, maintain an open internet and foster informed public policy conversations. CNTI’s cross-industry convenings espouse evidence-based, thoughtful but challenging conversations about the issue at hand, with an eye toward feasible steps forward. The Center for News, Technology & Innovation is a project of the Foundation for Technology, News & Public Affairs. Learn more at https://cnti.org/. 

Contact: press@innovating.news

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The digital era has disrupted the traditional business models of journalism with many news organizations facing significantly decreased revenue alongside continued newsroom layoffs and emerging news deserts. In response, global policymakers have proposed and implemented various measures to provide financial support to the industry. 

“Revenue streams are crucial for journalistic reporting to thrive, and these legislative efforts recognize the importance of journalism to functioning societies, which is good to see. At the same time, a sustainable news ecosystem requires broader thinking,” said Amy Mitchell, Executive Director for the Center for News, Technology and Innovation. “CNTI’s framework analyzes these types of legislation to help find the best way to ensure a future where journalism can serve the public effectively.”

CNTI’s latest analysis reviews 23 legislative proposals affecting more than 30 countries, first grouping them into seven legislative models which bring to light the serious questions at hand about what a sustainable news media means and will look like in the years to come: 

• Ancillary copyright around content
• Required negotiation with businesses
• Local usage fee around link distribution
• Platform support for news organizations
• Government tax credits
• Third-party government grants
• Hazard tax by government upon platforms

CNTI then uses this framework to explore potential impacts on key aspects of a sustainable news ecosystem. Among the key conclusions:

• Appropriate Compensation: It is important to address parameters around the use and sharing of digital content, but the way this legislation has begun to define it is problematic. These policies presume a specific threshold for appropriate compensation but disagree on where that threshold lies, creating challenges due to the variety of ways digital content is accessed and shared. This includes disagreements about whether basic digital interaction amounts to usage; inconsistent handling and application of how digital elements such as URLs/links and small “snippets” of content should be addressed; and a disconnect regarding the exact beneficiaries of this proposed digital usage. Additionally, there is no consideration of how parameters would be applied beyond the scope of news and technology platforms.
• Diversity: Digital content creation has opened new avenues for small, independent, creative, and/or minority-focused journalism, but a piecemeal approach to supporting journalistic diversity in these policies risks taking steps backwards in this regard. Some legislative models favor larger organizations while others have limited references to minority ethnic media, and only two speak directly about future innovation.
• Independence: In the global context of declining revenues and press freedoms, some policies raise concerns about journalistic independence from government and technology. While much of this legislation aims to reduce news organizations’ dependence on tech companies, its effectiveness is uncertain and could increase that dependence in other ways.
• Public Service: This legislation does not fully consider how the public stays informed and the kinds of journalism it values. While they aim to provide revenue streams for journalistic content, they may not effectively serve the public if the content is not accessed or valued, while also raising concerns about public data and privacy.

The question the report then poses is what is the best way towards full sustainability? CNTI does not lobby or propose specific legislation and instead is dedicated to helping surface these answers through further research and collaborative, multi-stakeholder discussions. Some recommended next steps include taking a more deliberative and comprehensive approach to the legal parameters for digital usage and access to content; considering what combination of policies may need to advance simultaneously in order to create the strongest mix of safeguards possible; and applying a comparative analysis of legal definitions and the obligations of journalism to other journalism-related policies, such as artificial intelligence.  

“In working towards a fully sustainable news ecosystem, CNTI’s core mission is to facilitate informed policy deliberations that safeguard an independent, diverse news media and public access to a plurality of fact-based news,” Mitchell adds. “By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of current legislation, policymakers can develop more effective and equitable policies to support the future of journalism. We hope this analysis encourages deep and deliberative discussions about the best policy options, and CNTI looks forward to helping facilitate those in the weeks and months to come.” 

Read the full report here.

About This Research: In working towards a fully sustainable news ecosystem, CNTI’s core mission is to facilitate informed policy deliberations that safeguard an independent, diverse news media and public access to a plurality of fact-based news. To that end, we hope this examination of 23 recently enacted or proposed legislative efforts from 2018 through 2024 offers a fulsome method for analyzing possible paths forward. As with all CNTI research, this report was prepared by the research and professional staff of CNTI.

About the Center for News, Technology and Innovation: The Center for News, Technology & Innovation (CNTI), an independent global policy research center, seeks to encourage independent, sustainable media, maintain an open internet and foster informed public policy conversations. CNTI’s cross-industry convenings espouse evidence-based, thoughtful but challenging conversations about the issue at hand, with an eye toward feasible steps forward. The Center for News, Technology & Innovation is a project of the Foundation for Technology, News & Public Affairs. Learn more at https://cnti.org/. 

Contact: press@innovating.news

The post New Analysis: Exploring Media Remuneration Policies Through the Lens of Journalism Sustainability appeared first on Center for News, Technology & Innovation.

For 2024, a year of a record-number elections globally, we focused our efforts on three of CNTI’s priority issues:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Journalism
• Disinformation
• Online Safety and Security

Uniting our leadership and the many experts we’ve engaged with, these priority issues are part of an overarching initiative around how news and journalism will be defined for the 21st century and beyond.

Some highlights of the work in these areas include:

AI in Journalism

• Co-hosted several convening events in multiple locations with global thought leaders in news, technology, policy and research, the first on definitional considerations and the second on ways to communicate various uses of AI to the public. Each resulted in reports of next steps which informed further CNTI work.  
• Created issue primers on critical areas for the future of journalism in the AI era, laying out the complexities, synthesizing existing data and examining where there are gaps in the research.
• Guest essays on “Helping the Public Navigate the Role of AI in News” and “The Ticking Clock: Rethinking Journalism’s Core in an AI-Driven World.”
• Held a series of focus groups in 4 countries which included exploration of how the public thinks about journalistic use of AI.
• Our work has been cited in policy work around the globe, including input for policymakers in corridors of power in Europe, Asia and on Capitol Hill.

Disinformation

• Analyzed 32 “fake news” laws in 31 countries and found that unclear definitions risk empowering government censorship, doing more harm than good amid a record number of elections in 2024.
• Researched issue primers on synthetic media and deepfakes and addressing disinformation.
• Guest essays on “The Role of Media in Democracy” and “Ethical AI in Journalism: A Discerning Eye in Times of War and Elections.”

Online Safety and Security

• Warned of a resurgence in media censorship and journalist harassment, declining back  to levels last seen in 1993.
• Co-hosted a convening event to consider concrete steps that could be taken to protect journalists and journalism in the face of security threats in Mexico and other areas of Latin America.
• Laid out existing research and nuanced complexities of journalists and online abuse and cyber threats.

We’ve also aggregated journalism and innovation data for 179 countries from independent global institutions and participated in dozens of insightful and inspiring conversations with journalists, tech experts, academics, policymakers and so many more at conferences, small briefings, podcasts and one-on-meetings.

Simultaneously, developments in journalism, the tech industry and political debates have underscored why CNTI’s work is more important than ever: more newsroom layoffs, closures and mergers along with dozens of policy proposals at the intersections of journalism and technology, millions in licensing deals and billions of eyes and ears on the news.

So What’s Next?

We’re excited about CNTI’s debut global field research project, aimed at understanding how the public defines “news,” “journalism” and “journalists,” views of AI in journalism, and soon-to-come pieces on how these publics obtain their news including the role played by technology. These focus groups helped inform major quantitative surveys in all four countries that are getting underway now. That will be accompanied by a major international survey of journalists to determine how they define these critical terms as well as their experiences with technology and with online safety security.

Survey partners include the Online News Association, Global Forum for Media Development, Centre for Journalism Innovation & Development, FT Strategies, Internews, Society of Freelance Journalists, Frontline Freelance, Global Investigative Journalism Network and Organización Editorial Mexicana. CNTI is thrilled to have such a high-level and wide-reaching group of partner organizations, and we look forward to the valuable survey findings.

Also, please stay tuned for our soon-to-be-released major analysis of 23 policies aimed at creating new revenue streams for journalism, which speaks to a number of other elements that will shape our digital news ecosystem in the decades to come. This fall, CNTI will host our 4th convening in Brussels with the Thomson Foundation and M100 on AI disclosure models for news.

We’ve only scratched the surface of the work we have set out to do, and the nature of CNTI’s mission means that we are continuously discovering new ideas and angles for research and data-gathering. Thank you to everyone who has been part of CNTI’s progress in Year One.

Looking forward, there is so much more to come from CNTI. We are thrilled to be working with our advisors, board members and other friends of the organization in pursuit of a sustainable, independent press and an open internet. Thank you for continuing to encourage others to get involved. 

Sincerely,

Amy Mitchell – Executive Director and Craig Forman – Executive Chairman

Additional CNTI Highlights

Below are additional press, research and collaboration highlights for CNTI this past year. Find our full scope of work across various parts of our website. 

Press Coverage

• Axios (Sara Fischer): Exclusive: Media heavyweights form new research group to support free press
• Politico (Caitlin Oprysko): Media bigwigs launch a news policy nonprofit
• Tech Policy Press (Amy Mitchell): Journalism Meets AI: Shaping the Future with Smart Policies
• The Conversation (Samuel Jens): ‘Fake news’ legislation risks doing more harm than good amid a record number of elections in 2024
• Tech Policy Press (Amy Mitchell): Journalists Need To Be Protected From Cyber Threats
• Poynter (Amy Mitchell): Opinion | As AI use grows, we must articulate ‘the enduring principles that define journalism’
• Pluribus (Austin Jenkins): Deepfake election bills cruise through legislatures
• Tech Policy Press (Craig Forman & Jamie Neikrie): The Rise of Artificial History 
• Nieman Lab (Samuel Jens): “Fake news” legislation risks doing more harm than good amid a record number of elections in 2024
• LatAm Journalism Review (Mariana Alvarado): How will Mexico (and the world) sustain journalism in the face of digital and physical security threats to journalists?
• SciencesPo (Craig Forman): [INTERVIEW] WHAT IMPACT WILL AI HAVE ON MEDIA? INTERVIEW WITH CRAIG FORMAN
• Foreign Press Podcast (Amy Mitchell): What We Know About Online Abuse Targeting Journalists: A Conversation with CNTI’s Amy Mitchell
• Digiday (Marty Swant): AI Briefing: How the AI race could play a role in Google’s antitrust trial

Issue Primers

• Journalists & Online Abuse
• Modernizing Copyright Law
• Algorithms & Quality News
• Addressing Disinformation
• Synthetic Media & Deepfakes
• Journalists & Cyber Threats
• Artificial Intelligence in Journalism
• Building News Economic Sustainability
• Enhancing Algorithmic Transparency
• Protecting an Open Internet

Guest Essays

• Taylor Barkley: Media, Technology, and Civic Institutions are Up to the Task of Dealing with Negative AI Generated Election Content
• Emily Wright: Impacts of the Digital Services Act on Critical Voices in Serbia
• Sérgio Spagnuolo: Journalists Have Yet to Build Products With AI
• Gaven Morris: Winter in the Deep, Deep South – A Challenging Season for Broadcast Media in Australia and New Zealand
• Paul Cheung: The Ticking Clock: Rethinking Journalism’s Core in an AI-Driven World
• Felix M. Simon: Helping the Public Navigate the Role of AI in News
• Tanit Koch: The Role of Media in Democracy
• Anna Bulakh: Ethical AI in Journalism: A Discerning Eye in Times of War and Elections

The post One Year In: Looking Back and Looking Forward Since CNTI’s Launch appeared first on Center for News, Technology & Innovation.

“With a record-breaking number of national elections around the globe this year, discussions about ways to curb disinformation are critical, but must also be fully thought-through,” says Amy Mitchell, Executive Director of the Center for News, Technology & Innovation. “Even in democratic countries, legislation without clear definitions can create opportunities for government press control and harm citizens’ ability to make informed decisions – now or in the future.”

The study analyzed definitional language in 32 “fake news” policies proposed or enacted in 31 countries between 2020 to 2023. Eleven of the countries have elections scheduled for 2024. Key discoveries include:

• “Fake” or “false” news is explicitly defined in less than 25% (7 total) of these pieces of legislation, leaving them open to interpretation by whomever has given that authority.
• 14 of the 32 policies clearly designate the government with the authority to decide what is or is not “fake news.” The remaining 18 policies provide either vague or no language about who has that control, ceding it to the government by default. Putting this power in the hands of the government — whether explicitly or by default — introduces greater risk of governmental press and message control.
• Definitional issues and a lack of clarity are found in legislation from both autocratic and democratic regimes. Of the 31 countries studied, 19 are autocratic and 12 are democracies.
• Criminal penalties for the publication of “fake news” vary dramatically, from fines to suspension of publications to imprisonment. Among the 27 policies with clearly noted penalties, ~75% (20 policies) include imprisonment, ranging from less than one month in Lesotho to up to 20 years in Zimbabwe.

A majority of the countries examined in the study are considered autocracies, and more than half rank in the bottom of the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index. These findings indicate a majority of these policies may not be intended to promote democratic values like an independent press or free expression.

When considering policy development to curb disinformation, CNTI lays out 5 key questions to guide a careful and deliberate approach:

• Are legislative policy or other non-governmental methods the best approach to address disinformation?Alternative options may include human rights or information risk assessments, content moderation or data sharing on digital platforms, news and media literacy initiatives or other related efforts.
• Are specific, independent oversight of these definitions included in policy? This can be designated via self-regulatory bodies or through independent government agencies designed to protect against undue political influence.
• Are there clear adjudication processes for these definitions? Can journalists, news entities or civil society formally challenge definitional decisions by oversight bodies and if so, how?
• Who is the subject of the policy? Who would be liable? Solely individuals? Publishers? Platforms? Some combination based on the circumstances? While complex, it is important to fully consider who the law would implicate and why.
• What potential future and global implications might emerge? These decisions have global consequences, as policies in one country inherently impact those in others. And, as new technologies for disinformation and digital manipulation emerge, new tactics for addressing them may be necessary. 

This study is the first report in a series of work CNTI will be doing around how journalism and news are defined in today’s global, digital news environment. “At the same time that we’re having more policy discussions related to journalism and news in our digital environment, it is getting harder to put solid borders around what news and journalism entail,” said Mitchell. “Sorting that out matters, which is why it is at the center of CNTI’s focus for 2024.” 

About the Center for News, Technology and Innovation: The Center for News, Technology & Innovation (CNTI), an independent global policy research center, seeks to encourage independent, sustainable media, maintain an open internet and foster informed public policy conversations. CNTI’s cross-industry convenings espouse evidence-based, thoughtful but challenging conversations about the issue at hand, with an eye toward feasible steps forward. The Center for News, Technology & Innovation is a project of the Foundation for Technology, News & Public Affairs. Learn more at https://cnti.org/. 

Contact: media@innovating.news

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The report details discussions from CNTI’s recent convening, Defining AI in Journalism, which is the first in a series designed to foster a globally focused, cross-industry dialogue on the implications of AI use in journalism. 

The event, co-sponsored by the Computer History Museum, brought together legal and intellectual property experts from OpenAI, Google and Microsoft; leading journalists from the Associated Press, Axios, Brazil’s Núcleo Jornalismo and Nigeria’s Premium Times; researchers in AI and intellectual property law; and technology policy and industry experts. The event was moderated by CNTI board member Marietje Schaake, International Policy Director at the Stanford Cyber Policy Center and a former Member of the European Parliament.

Panelists considered questions related to defining AI in the news, including: How should policy define “artificial intelligence” in journalism, and what should fit into that bucket? How do we use language that plans for future technological changes? What are the important complexities related to copyright considerations around AI in journalism?

Key takeaways from the discussion, detailed in the report, include several recommendations:

1. Better articulation, categorization and understanding of AI is essential for productive discussions.
2. The line between a particular AI use as a benefit or harm to society often depends on its context and degree of use, making specificity vital to effective policy.
3. Even as policy is groundbreaking, it must also take into account how it relates to and builds on prior policy.
4. One policy goal should be to address disparities in the uses and benefits of AI as a public good. 
5. Both inputs and outputs, at all stages of building and using AI, need to be considered thoroughly in policy development.

This event was held under a modified Chatham House Rule in which CNTI agreed to publicly list all participants and their affiliations but would not explicitly or implicitly identify who said what during the discussion. Participants may also speak about the event, barring any direct statements about or made by participants.   

This was CNTI’s inaugural event convening leaders in journalism, technology, policy and research for evidence-based, solutions-oriented discussions, and is the first in a series of AI-focused convenings focused on the benefits and challenges of AI in Journalism and ensuring the public’s access to fact-based news.

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The MacArthur Foundation’s grant will help CNTI strengthen its work at the intersection of news, technology and public policy. With this funding, CNTI will be able to support independent, cross-country research and host convenings globally. CNTI’s reports and policy discussions are intended to be a resource for all of those who are involved in debating, covering and shaping tech and media policy.

“We are incredibly grateful to receive this substantial grant from the MacArthur Foundation,” said Amy Mitchell, CNTI’s Executive Director. “This funding will help us support high-quality research and bring together leaders from the media, technology and policy worlds globally for convenings on some of the most important issues facing societies today.”

CNTI’s other financial supporters include Craig Newmark Philanthropies, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Lenfest Institute for Journalism and Google.

‘The recognition of CNTI’s mission and independence as we address these news and technology issues is an important step forward,’ added Craig Forman, CNTI’s Executive Chairman. ‘We appreciate the confidence reflected in this support and we intend to solely make it stronger.’

About the Center for News, Technology & Innovation:

At CNTI’s foundation is a broad array of independent, multi-disciplinary experts in news, technology, public policy and research, who care deeply about addressing complicated, pressing issues and worry about the consequences if we accept the status quo. We believe independent media and an open internet lead to better informed citizens, and we believe they reinforce the democratic principles of open societies. Where there are challenges, we look to tackle such challenges as an organization, with respect for each other’s expertise, varied perspectives and honest differences. We also believe that media and technology-related policy in one country can have an impact in many others, and as such, CNTI assesses internet policy from a global perspective. For more information, visit www.cntitransfer.wpenginepowered.com.

About the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation:

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur is placing a few big bets that truly significant progress is possible on some of the world’s most pressing social challenges, including advancing global climate solutions, decreasing nuclear risk, promoting local justice reform in the U.S., and reducing corruption in Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria. In addition to the MacArthur Fellows Program and the global 100&Change competition, the Foundation continues its historic commitments to the role of journalism in a responsive democracy as well as the vitality of our headquarters city, Chicago. 

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CNTI conducts, synthesizes and commissions high-quality research on media and technology policy and convenes global experts across industries for thoughtful conversations about potential solutions to the most pressing challenges of our digital era. CNTI’s reports and policy discussions are intended to be a resource for all involved in debating, covering and shaping policy. 

“I am honored to work with CNTI’s founding Board members, advisors, funders and other champions to lead this essential work,” said Amy Mitchell, executive director of CNTI, who previously served as Director of Journalism Research at the Pew Research Center. “I have spent my career researching the changing landscape of news and the impact of new technologies on news habits, and I am excited by this opportunity to help tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our global society in a way that is grounded in research, is collaborative, deliberative and solutions-oriented.”

CNTI board members are Marty Baron, former executive editor of the Washington Post; Sangu Delle, CEO of CarePoint (formerly Africa Health Holdings); Craig Forman, partner at NextNews Ventures and former President and CEO at McClatchy; Richard Gingras, Vice President of News at Google; Paula Miraglia, CEO and co-founder of Nexo Jornal; Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa, co-founder and CEO of Rappler; and Marietje Schaake, international policy director at Stanford University’s Cyber Policy Center and former member of European Parliament.

“CNTI launches at a critical moment for people around the world,” said Craig Forman, CNTI’s executive chair. “News and journalism are changing as technology evolves and societies are dealing with fundamental questions about the future of news and its convergence with those technologies. I am excited about the world-class CNTI team tackling these opportunities and challenges head-on.”

CNTI’s staff, board and advisors have already been working hard. The group identified 15 priority issues and already developed issue primers for many of them, which serve as resources to those working on these issues and as starting points for CNTI convenings. The remaining briefings will be available in the coming months.

CNTI plans to launch its first convening series this fall on generative artificial intelligence technologies, focusing on several specific challenges within the broader question of how to enable the benefits and manage the harms of AI in journalism. 

More than two dozen industry and civil society leaders have also joined CNTI as advisors. CNTI’s financial supporters include Craig Newmark Philanthropies, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Lenfest Institute for Journalism and Google.

About the Center for News, Technology & Innovation:

At CNTI’s foundation is a broad array of independent, multi-disciplinary experts in news, technology, public policy and research, who care deeply about addressing complicated, pressing issues and worry about the consequences if we accept the status quo. We believe independent media and an open internet lead to better informed citizens, and we believe they reinforce the democratic principles of open societies. Where there are challenges, we look to tackle such challenges as an organization, with respect for each other’s expertise, varied perspectives and honest differences. We also believe that media and technology-related policy in one country can have an impact in many others, and as such, CNTI assesses internet policy from a global perspective. For more information, visit www.cntitransfer.wpenginepowered.com.

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Many of CNTI’s board and advisory group members were on hand to celebrate the event and introduce the organization more broadly to the journalism and technology communities. 

One of the highlights of the evening was the speech delivered by Melissa Fleming, the Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications at the United Nations. Her words resonated deeply, emphasizing the critical role that CNTI will play in shaping the future of news, technology and their intersection globally. 

The event also featured insightful remarks from CNTI’s Executive Director Amy Mitchell and Executive Chair Craig Forman and a video featuring CNTI’s board members. Both leaders spoke passionately about CNTI’s commitment to advancing a more informed and responsible media and technology ecosystem through independent research and insightful convenings.

During the event, CNTI launched its new website — cntitransfer.wpenginepowered.com — as well as eight issue primers that delve into crucial topics such as AI and journalism, disinformation and copyright reform. The primers represent the heart of what CNTI does: fostering a deeper understanding of the complex issues at the intersection of technology and journalism globally. 

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