Abstract

This chapter explores media ethics regarding the use of artificial intelligence in journalism. It first highlights how algorithms are redefining processes of news production and distribution, giving rise to what is commonly referred to as automated journalism. Key ethical concerns emerging from the increased use of machines in journalistic routines are then discussed, with an emphasis on algorithmic opacity, bias and discrimination, and accountability. The chapter also elaborates on how transparency has gained importance in journalism to become an ideal principle, it is argued, that can help address most of algorithm-related ethical concerns, in addition to restoring news media credibility. The limitations of transparency’s ability to build an understanding of algorithmic systems and to enable accountability are then examined. The chapter concludes by reaffirming the importance of transparency in media ethics and calls for more discussion about embedding ethical principles into algorithmic design as a complementary action to information transparency.