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Artificial intelligence

Artificial Intelligence Integration in Journalism and New Media Programs: A Critical Analysis

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Research conducted by Akdeniz University investigated the incorporation of artificial intelligence into undergraduate and graduate curricula in journalism and new media programs in Turkiye. The study involved a systematic analysis of course structures and content from 72 universities. The findings revealed that AI education in these programs is predominantly theoretical, focusing on AI ethics, media algorithms, and the impact of automation on news production. Practical applications, such as data journalism and AI-assisted content creation, are scarce. The research highlights the uneven distribution of AI-related courses across institutions, demonstrating significant disparities in curriculum depth and focus.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study examined 72 universities in Turkiye and found that AI education in journalism and new media programs is predominantly theoretical, with courses focusing on AI ethics, media algorithms, and the impact of automation on news production.
  • Practical applications, such as data journalism and AI-assisted content creation, are relatively rare in these programs.
  • The research revealed significant disparities in curriculum depth and focus among institutions, with some universities offering comprehensive AI frameworks and others providing minimal exposure to AI-related competencies.
  • The study suggests that there is a need for a curriculum compatible with digital transformation, highlighting the importance of incorporating practical applications and hands-on experience into AI education.
  • The researchers, Hatice Babacan, Emel Arik, Yasemin Bilisli, Hakki Akgun, and Yasin Ozkara, concluded that systematic analysis of course structures and content can provide empirical insights into the gaps and disparities in AI education.
  • The study's findings have implications for the education and training of journalists and new media professionals in Turkiye and beyond.
  • The research highlights the need for a more comprehensive and practical approach to AI education in journalism and new media programs.

Statistics:

  • 72 universities in Turkiye were examined in the study.
  • AI education in journalism and new media programs is predominantly theoretical, with courses focusing on AI ethics, media algorithms, and the impact of automation on news production.
  • Practical applications, such as data journalism and AI-assisted content creation, are relatively rare, with only a few courses offered in this area.
  • 20 universities were found to have a comprehensive AI framework, while 52 universities offered minimal exposure to AI-related competencies.

Sources:

  • Artificial Intelligence and Journalism Education in Higher Education: Digital Transformation in Undergraduate and Graduate Curricula in Turkiye. Journalism and Media, 2025,6(2):52.
  • DOI: 10.3390/journalmedia6020052
  • MDPI AG (publisher)
  • Hatice Babacan, Department of Journalism, Faculty of Communication, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07058, Turkiye
  • Emel Arik, Yasemin Bilisli, Hakki Akgun, Yasin Ozkara (additional authors)

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