Friend or foe? Human journalists’ perspectives on artificial intelligence in Chinese media outlets

The development of the artificial intelligence (AI) platform Media Brain and the associated Xinhua AI news anchors have attracted a great deal of media attention. AI’s potential to boost the media value chain has prompted many media organizations to consider its broader applications in the media industry, but has also raised concerns among human journalists that they will be marginalized and ultimately replaced by AI. Using in-depth interviews, this study examined the perceptions of media practitioners working in the Chinese media industry of the impact of AI on media employment. It attempted to shed light on how AI may impact the media workforce, how human journalists understand their adaptability and resilience, and how media institutions strive to create an embracing organizational discourse through material demonstrations and rivalry for influence in the media market.