Transformation of Journalistic Autonomy in the Context of Media Space Algorithmization: a Theoretical Discourse

Abstract

Article’s purpose is to provide a comprehensive theoretical comprehension and actualization of the factor of a journalist's professional autonomy under the conditions of intensive implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

Research methodology. The study employs the method of theoretical analysis and synthesis to systematize scientific perspectives on the problem of journalistic independence. Additionally, a comparative method is used to contrast classical content production models with new practices mediated by AI. For the analysis of ethical challenges and strategies for regulating the use of algorithms in journalism.

Results. This scientific study is dedicated to a comprehensive analysis of the impact of generative artificial intelligence on the professional independence of media specialists.

In the article it has been established that under the conditions of algorithmization, journalistic autonomy ceases to be an isolated category and acquires a relational character. Professional independence is now determined not only by internal editorial rules but also by interaction with the global socio-technical infrastructure, technical frameworks, and platforms. Within this context, journalistic agency becomes a dynamic phenomenon that depends on the policies of technology corporations that control the algorithms.

The research revealed a significant shift in the boundaries of professional identity due to the emergence of the «functional agency» of artificial intelligence systems. It shows that algorithms increasingly function as «communicative agents» that influence editorial decisions and the story-creation process. The delegation of routine tasks to machines leads to a blurring of the boundaries of responsibility between humans and algorithms. Despite the high speed of data processing, AI systems lack the refinement of judgment, deep understanding of context, and moral responsibility required for high-quality journalism, leaving the human with the central role in content production.

The study substantiates the necessity of transitioning to a «controlled change» model in editorial policy. This concept posits that journalists should not passively adopt technologies but should actively define the conditions and limits of AI utilization while maintaining control over the final product.

Novelty.The work analyses the specifics of journalist work autonomy. Also in the article provides a first-time conceptualization of the challenges regarding the algorithmization of the media space, framing them not merely as a technical issue but as a threat to the displacement of the media professional's identity within the Ukrainian reality.

The practical significance. The research results can be used during the further study of journalism autonomy, implementation AI tools in media work.

Key words: autonomy, artificial intelligence, algorithmic challenges, editorial independence, media ethics.