Roderick Nieuwenhuis Discusses AI and the Future of Journalism
amsterdam, zondag, 13 juli 2025.
In a recent episode of The Incredible Podcast, journalism lecturer Roderick Nieuwenhuis discusses the impact of AI on journalism and society. He delves into the benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations of using AI in the media, and poses the crucial question: what does technology do to our soul? This episode provides a deep insight into how AI can fundamentally change the way we consume and produce information.
Impact of AI on Journalism
In a recent episode of The Incredible Podcast, journalism lecturer Roderick Nieuwenhuis discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on journalism and society. Nieuwenhuis explores the benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations of using AI in the media. He poses the crucial question: what does technology do to our soul? This episode offers a profound look at how AI can fundamentally change the way we consume and produce information [1][2].
Technology and Applications
AI is increasingly being used in journalism for various purposes. One of the most direct applications is the automation of routine news reports, such as sports results and financial updates. By using algorithms, these reports can be generated quickly and accurately, allowing journalists more time to focus on complex and in-depth stories [1]. Additionally, AI can assist in analysing large datasets, leading to insights that would otherwise be difficult to uncover [2].
Benefits of AI in Journalism
The use of AI in journalism offers several advantages. Firstly, AI can significantly speed up the production of news reports, which is crucial in an era where information needs to be updated quickly and constantly. Secondly, AI can help detect fake news and disinformation by recognising patterns in data and identifying unreliable sources [1]. This contributes to a more reliable and transparent media landscape.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
Alongside the benefits, the use of AI in journalism also brings significant challenges and ethical considerations. One of the biggest concerns is the possibility that AI-generated articles may lack the personal touch and empathy found in pieces written by human journalists. This could weaken the bond between readers and news sources. Furthermore, there is fear that AI could lead to job losses in journalism, although some argue that it will more likely result in a change in the role of journalists rather than complete replacement [2].
Ethical Issues and the Human Soul
Roderick Nieuwenhuis emphasises in the podcast that the integration of AI into journalism raises profound ethical issues. He asks: what does technology do to our soul? The way we consume and produce information has an impact on how we perceive and understand the world. There is a growing need for an ethical framework that balances the benefits of AI with the necessity of preserving the human dimension in journalism [1][2].