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But when algorithms can write entire articles — and at the same time flood the internet with fake news — one question grows louder: are the media keeping up with a technology that is reshaping their very mission?

Across Europe, more and more newsrooms are turning to AI. Some see it as a chance to boost efficiency, others as a dangerous gamble. The most promising approach so far seems to be the hybrid model — using the speed and power of automation while keeping humans in the loop for critical judgment. This mix could be the best defense against misinformation. Yet the reality is tricky: as much as AI helps, it also creates new risks — from biased algorithms to doubts about whether any news can still be trusted.

So, is this hybrid model a long-term solution, or just a temporary fix delaying an even bigger crisis of trust?

The human factor – essential or outdated?

Research leaves no doubt: humans remain central to journalism. Not only in writing stories, but also in building the tools that fact-check them. Without human oversight, fighting disinformation would be close to impossible.

The challenge? Many newsrooms lack strong tech skills. That gap makes it harder to adapt to the rapid rise of AI. More media professionals are now calling for widespread AI training for journalists, warning that without it, reporters risk becoming dependent on technology they don’t really understand. And if journalists can’t explain the tools they use — can they truly claim independence?

The disinformation loop – can we break it?

The problem with disinformation isn’t only about supply, but also demand. As Susan D’Agostino noted in The Bulletin, algorithms amplify content that creates the most clicks and engagement — whether it’s true or not.

Marshall Van Alstyne argues that we need a double strategy: blocking the creation of AI-generated fake news while also reshaping the way people consume information. That means technological, cultural, and even psychological change. But how realistic is that? And if we fail, how long before society loses the ability to tell truth from digital illusion?

Algorithmic bias – glitch or system failure?

Another major issue: bias built into algorithms. Ramaa Sharma stresses that tackling it requires diverse teams, broader data sets, and clear ethical standards built into AI design from the start.

Some solutions include monitoring metadata, developing bias-detection tools, promoting transparency, and cross-newsroom collaboration. But even the best technical fixes won’t matter if the industry doesn’t face a painful truth: tolerating biased AI could mean sacrificing credibility — the very core of journalism.

Chatbots as a new line of defense

Some newsrooms are experimenting with their own AI tools to push back. Journalist Rowan Philip describes how certain outlets have created internal chatbots that only answer questions using verified archives.

Unlike public AI systems like ChatGPT, which pull from unverified internet content, these closed models rely solely on trusted sources. They give audiences accurate answers and rebuild trust through transparency. The question is: can these smaller, local solutions survive against the global platforms that dominate with profit-driven algorithms?

Journalism in the AI era – can democracy survive?

AI is already woven into European journalism, and its influence will only grow. The opportunities are big — but so are the risks. Left unchecked, automated journalism could supercharge disinformation and erode trust in all media. And if citizens stop believing in information altogether, the very foundation of democracy is at risk.

That’s why experts argue that technical fixes alone aren’t enough. We need a joint effort — legal, ethical, and cultural — to ensure AI strengthens journalism instead of undermining it. European newsrooms, together with policymakers, should commit to transparency, fairness, and independent oversight.

Because without these safeguards, journalism might not be saved by AI — but lost to it.

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