The recent report, supported by the Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities (TORCH) and the Minderoo-Oxford Challenge Fund in AI Governance, provides a thorough examination of artificial intelligence’s transformative effects on the news industry and the wider information ecosystem. Titled 'AI in the News: Reshaping our Information Ecosystem, ' the project aims to shed light on how AI is redefining journalism, news dissemination, and public interaction with information. In recent years, the convergence of AI and journalism has drawn significant attention from researchers, policymakers, and media professionals. AI tools have introduced major innovations such as automated news writing, improved fact-checking, personalized news delivery, and advanced data analytics in newsrooms globally. However, these advancements also bring challenges concerning misinformation, ethical journalism, and the maintenance of democratic discourse. This commissioned report, enabled by TORCH’s support for interdisciplinary humanities research and the Minderoo-Oxford Challenge Fund’s dedication to AI Governance, represents a collaborative effort to critically assess these emerging trends. Its goal is to understand and navigate the evolving landscape where AI shapes news production, curation, and consumption. One central theme is AI’s role in content creation. Automated journalism now produces news on a large scale, especially in sectors like finance, sports, and weather. While this boosts efficiency and expands coverage, it raises concerns about the accuracy, reliability, and quality of AI-generated content. The report explores case studies balancing human editorial control with algorithmic generation. Another focus is AI’s application in countering misinformation and enhancing fact-checking amid the explosion of fake news and rapid misinformation spread on social media.

The report highlights AI-powered tools—such as natural language processing and image recognition—that aid journalists and fact-checkers but also stresses that human judgment remains crucial due to AI’s limitations. Personalization algorithms, which tailor news feeds to individual preferences, are analyzed as a double-edged sword. Though they increase user engagement and relevance, they risk creating filter bubbles and echo chambers that reduce exposure to diverse viewpoints, impacting societal polarization and the vitality of the public sphere. The governance of AI in news emerges as a critical topic, aligning with the Minderoo-Oxford Challenge Fund’s focus on responsible AI deployment. The report calls for regulatory frameworks, ethical guidelines, transparency in algorithm development, collaborative stakeholder involvement, and accountability to protect journalistic integrity and public trust. Looking ahead, the report considers the rapid pace of AI innovation, the growing complexity of information ecosystems, and the need for adaptable policies and practices. Contributions from TORCH and funding by the Minderoo-Oxford Challenge Fund demonstrate proactive engagement with these ongoing changes. Additionally, the report emphasizes the importance of public education and media literacy to help individuals critically navigate AI-driven news content. It advocates for integrated educational initiatives that enhance understanding of algorithmic functions and the identification of misinformation—essential skills in today’s digital landscape. The multidisciplinary nature of 'AI in the News: Reshaping our Information Ecosystem' combines expertise from humanities, social sciences, computer science, and media studies, offering a comprehensive perspective on AI’s cultural, ethical, and societal impacts within news media. In conclusion, this TORCH- and Minderoo-Oxford-funded report significantly advances discourse on AI’s role in transforming the news landscape. By addressing both opportunities and challenges, it provides valuable guidance for academia, media practitioners, policymakers, and society. Its findings and recommendations are positioned to inform future research, governance, and practices as the global community collectively adapts to the evolving relationship between AI and information flow.