Public accountability and regulatory expectations for AI in journalism: qualitative evidence from focus groups with Dutch citizens

Public accountability and regulatory expectations for AI in journalism: qualitative evidence from focus groups with Dutch citizens

Morosoli, S., Naudts, L., Cools, H., Venkatraj, K., Helberger, N. & Vreese, C.H. de

AI & Society, 2025

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape society, its integration into journalism raises critical questions about transparency, accountability, and public trust. Existing AI regulations have largely been developed without meaningful public input, prompting concerns about whether current governance approaches adequately address societal expectations. This study investigates the expectations and concerns of Dutch citizens regarding mandatory AI disclosures in journalism through three focus groups (N = 21). We aimed for a broad sample of participants to ensure diversity in terms of age, gender, and education level. Key questions measured the main concerns about AI-generated content, why participants want to know if they are interacting with AI-generated content and which rights individuals would like to have in this context. The results reveal a preference for participatory regulatory processes and standardized transparency measures, such as the disclosure of sources. The results further underscore the wish to be able to hold news organizations and individual AI users accountable when regulations are breached. The findings can inform news professionals and regulators alike, for example, in the context of the implementation of the AI transparency obligations in the European AI Act.

Links

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-025-02591-5

AI Regulation, Journalism

RIS

TY  - GEN
AU  - Morosoli, S.
AU  - Naudts, L.
AU  - Cools, H.
AU  - Venkatraj, K.
AU  - Helberger, N.
AU  - Vreese, C.H. de
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025-09-04
T1  - Public accountability and regulatory expectations for AI in journalism: qualitative evidence from focus groups with Dutch citizens
JO  - AI & Society
DO  - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-025-02591-5
AB  - As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape society, its integration into journalism raises critical questions about transparency, accountability, and public trust. Existing AI regulations have largely been developed without meaningful public input, prompting concerns about whether current governance approaches adequately address societal expectations. This study investigates the expectations and concerns of Dutch citizens regarding mandatory AI disclosures in journalism through three focus groups (N = 21). We aimed for a broad sample of participants to ensure diversity in terms of age, gender, and education level. Key questions measured the main concerns about AI-generated content, why participants want to know if they are interacting with AI-generated content and which rights individuals would like to have in this context. The results reveal a preference for participatory regulatory processes and standardized transparency measures, such as the disclosure of sources. The results further underscore the wish to be able to hold news organizations and individual AI users accountable when regulations are breached. The findings can inform news professionals and regulators alike, for example, in the context of the implementation of the AI transparency obligations in the European AI Act.
K1  - AI Regulation
K1  - Journalism
ER  -

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Bibtex

article{nokey,
	title = {Public accountability and regulatory expectations for AI in journalism: qualitative evidence from focus groups with Dutch citizens},
	author = {Morosoli, S. and Naudts, L. and Cools, H. and Venkatraj, K. and Helberger, N. and Vreese, C.H. de},
	doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-025-02591-5},
	year = {2025},
	date = {2025-09-04},
	journal = {AI & Society},
	abstract = {As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape society, its integration into journalism raises critical questions about transparency, accountability, and public trust. Existing AI regulations have largely been developed without meaningful public input, prompting concerns about whether current governance approaches adequately address societal expectations. This study investigates the expectations and concerns of Dutch citizens regarding mandatory AI disclosures in journalism through three focus groups (N = 21). We aimed for a broad sample of participants to ensure diversity in terms of age, gender, and education level. Key questions measured the main concerns about AI-generated content, why participants want to know if they are interacting with AI-generated content and which rights individuals would like to have in this context. The results reveal a preference for participatory regulatory processes and standardized transparency measures, such as the disclosure of sources. The results further underscore the wish to be able to hold news organizations and individual AI users accountable when regulations are breached. The findings can inform news professionals and regulators alike, for example, in the context of the implementation of the AI transparency obligations in the European AI Act.},
	keywords = {AI Regulation, Journalism},
}

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A nightmare to control: Legal and organizational challenges around the procurement of journalistic AI from external technology providers external link

Piasecki, S. & Helberger, N.

The Information Society, vol. 41, iss. : 3, pp: 173-194, 2025

Abstract

Little research has explored the process of procuring AI systems in the media from the perspective of contractual terms and conditions. It’s importance is underscored by the emerging regulatory framework coming from Brussels that embraces private ordering through mechanisms such as negotiations, instructions, and standardization. This article addresses the following research questions: How are journalistic AI procurement processes perceived by professionals? What are the practical and legal obstacles experienced in negotiating procurement conditions? How to improve media organizations’ contractual negotiation power? The study is grounded in 12 semi-structured interviews with members of media organizations (lawyers, technologists, and managers) and an analysis of 16 terms and conditions of companies providing AI systems. Based on its findings, it strives to propose a contractual counter-power for (especially smaller and local) media actors interested in using journalistic AI.

Links

Artificial intelligence, Journalism

RIS

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Piasecki, S.
AU  - Helberger, N.
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025-03-09
T1  - A nightmare to control: Legal and organizational challenges around the procurement of journalistic AI from external technology providers
JO  - The Information Society
VL  - 41
IS  - 3
SP  - 173-194
UR  - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01972243.2025.2473398
DO  - https://doi.org/10.1080/01972243.2025.2473398
AB  - Little research has explored the process of procuring AI systems in the media from the perspective of contractual terms and conditions. It’s importance is underscored by the emerging regulatory framework coming from Brussels that embraces private ordering through mechanisms such as negotiations, instructions, and standardization. This article addresses the following research questions: How are journalistic AI procurement processes perceived by professionals? What are the practical and legal obstacles experienced in negotiating procurement conditions? How to improve media organizations’ contractual negotiation power? The study is grounded in 12 semi-structured interviews with members of media organizations (lawyers, technologists, and managers) and an analysis of 16 terms and conditions of companies providing AI systems. Based on its findings, it strives to propose a contractual counter-power for (especially smaller and local) media actors interested in using journalistic AI.
K1  - Artificial intelligence
K1  - Journalism
ER  -

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Bibtex

Article{nokey,
	title = {A nightmare to control: Legal and organizational challenges around the procurement of journalistic AI from external technology providers},
	author = {Piasecki, S. and Helberger, N.},
	doi = {https://doi.org/10.1080/01972243.2025.2473398},
	year = {2025},
	date = {2025-03-09},
	journal = {The Information Society},
	volume = {41},
	issue = {3},
	pages = {173-194},
	abstract = {Little research has explored the process of procuring AI systems in the media from the perspective of contractual terms and conditions. It’s importance is underscored by the emerging regulatory framework coming from Brussels that embraces private ordering through mechanisms such as negotiations, instructions, and standardization. This article addresses the following research questions: How are journalistic AI procurement processes perceived by professionals? What are the practical and legal obstacles experienced in negotiating procurement conditions? How to improve media organizations’ contractual negotiation power? The study is grounded in 12 semi-structured interviews with members of media organizations (lawyers, technologists, and managers) and an analysis of 16 terms and conditions of companies providing AI systems. Based on its findings, it strives to propose a contractual counter-power for (especially smaller and local) media actors interested in using journalistic AI.},
	keywords = {Artificial intelligence, Journalism},
}

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FutureNewsCorp, or how the AI Act changed the future of news

Helberger, N.

Computer Law & Security Review, vol. 52, num: 105915, 2024

Abstract

Inspired by scenario writing methods to foster discussion on the societal implications of technology and regulation, the paper develops a ‘legal fiction scenario’ to anticipate the impact of the proposed European AI Act and examine some of the regulatory choices made. The paper tells the story of FutureNewsCorp – the largest news media company in Europe in the year 2043. The story of FutureNewsCorp is used for a critical analysis of the most recent draft of the AI Act and here, in particular, of the role of standardisation bodies and the division of responsibility between providers of AI systems and their professional users. Using the scenario method, the paper demonstrates that regulations like the planned AI Act can result in a shift of the power to decide what responsible use of AI is - from regulators and editors to technology developers and standardisation bodies - and that in doing so it may contribute to changing the structure and workings of an entire sector.

Links

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clsr.2023.105915

AI Regulation, Journalism

RIS

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Helberger, N.
PY  - 2024
DA  - 2024-04-23
T1  - FutureNewsCorp, or how the AI Act changed the future of news
JO  - Computer Law & Security Review
VL  - 52
NV  - 105915
DO  - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clsr.2023.105915
AB  - Inspired by scenario writing methods to foster discussion on the societal implications of technology and regulation, the paper develops a ‘legal fiction scenario’ to anticipate the impact of the proposed European AI Act and examine some of the regulatory choices made. The paper tells the story of FutureNewsCorp – the largest news media company in Europe in the year 2043. The story of FutureNewsCorp is used for a critical analysis of the most recent draft of the AI Act and here, in particular, of the role of standardisation bodies and the division of responsibility between providers of AI systems and their professional users. Using the scenario method, the paper demonstrates that regulations like the planned AI Act can result in a shift of the power to decide what responsible use of AI is - from regulators and editors to technology developers and standardisation bodies - and that in doing so it may contribute to changing the structure and workings of an entire sector.
K1  - AI Regulation
K1  - Journalism
ER  -

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Bibtex

Article{nokey,
	title = {FutureNewsCorp, or how the AI Act changed the future of news},
	author = {Helberger, N.},
	doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clsr.2023.105915},
	year = {2024},
	date = {2024-04-23},
	journal = {Computer Law & Security Review},
	volume = {52},
	number = {105915},
	abstract = {Inspired by scenario writing methods to foster discussion on the societal implications of technology and regulation, the paper develops a ‘legal fiction scenario’ to anticipate the impact of the proposed European AI Act and examine some of the regulatory choices made. The paper tells the story of FutureNewsCorp – the largest news media company in Europe in the year 2043. The story of FutureNewsCorp is used for a critical analysis of the most recent draft of the AI Act and here, in particular, of the role of standardisation bodies and the division of responsibility between providers of AI systems and their professional users. Using the scenario method, the paper demonstrates that regulations like the planned AI Act can result in a shift of the power to decide what responsible use of AI is - from regulators and editors to technology developers and standardisation bodies - and that in doing so it may contribute to changing the structure and workings of an entire sector.},
	keywords = {AI Regulation, Journalism},
}

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Freedom of Expression, the Media and Journalists: Case-law of the European Court of Human Rights external link

McGonagle, T. & Voorhoof, D.

European Audiovisual Observatory, 2023, Strasbourg, Edition: 8th , ISBN: 9789287184351

Abstract

This e-book provides valuable insights into the European Court of Human Rights’ extensive case-law on freedom of expression and media and journalistic freedoms. The first seven editions of the e-book (2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021 and 2022) have proved hugely successful. The new seventh edition summarises over 378 judgments or decisions by the Court and provides hyperlinks to the full text of each of the summarised judgments or decisions (via HUDOC, the Court's online case-law database).

Links

https://rm.coe.int/iris-themes-vol-iii-8th-edition-april-2023-/1680ab1d11

Freedom of expression, Journalism, Media law

RIS

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Towards a Normative Perspective on Journalistic
AI: Embracing the Messy Reality of Normative
Ideals download

Helberger, N., Drunen, M. van, Möller, J., Vrijenhoek, S. & Eskens, S.

Digital Journalism, vol. 10, iss. : 10, pp: 1605-1626, 2022

Abstract

Few would disagree that AI systems and applications need to be “responsible,” but what is “responsible” and how to answer that question? Answering that question requires a normative perspective on the role of journalistic AI and the values it shall serve. Such a perspective needs to be grounded in a broader normative framework and a thorough understanding of the dynamics and complexities of journalistic AI at the level of people, newsrooms and media markets. This special issue aims to develop such a normative perspective on the use of AI-driven tools in journalism and the role of digital journalism studies in advancing that perspective. The contributions in this special issue combine conceptual, organisational and empirical angles to study the challenges involved in actively using AI to promote editorial values, the powers at play, the role of economic and regulatory conditions, and ways of bridging academic ideals and the messy reality of the real world. This editorial brings the different contributions into conversation, situates them in the broader digital journalism studies scholarship and identifies seven key-take aways.

Links

Artificial intelligence, governance, Journalism, Media law, normative perspective, professional values, Regulation

RIS

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Helberger, N.
AU  - Drunen, M. van
AU  - Möller, J.
AU  - Vrijenhoek, S.
AU  - Eskens, S.
PY  - 2022
DA  - 2022-12-22
T1  - Towards a Normative Perspective on JournalisticAI: Embracing the Messy Reality of NormativeIdeals
JO  - Digital Journalism
VL  - 10
IS  - 10
SP  - 1605-1626
UR  - https://www.ivir.nl/publications/towards-a-normative-perspective-on-journalisticai-embracing-the-messy-reality-of-normativeideals/digital_journalism_2022_10/
DO  - https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2022.2152195
AB  - Few would disagree that AI systems and applications need to be “responsible,” but what is “responsible” and how to answer that question? Answering that question requires a normative perspective on the role of journalistic AI and the values it shall serve. Such a perspective needs to be grounded in a broader normative framework and a thorough understanding of the dynamics and complexities of journalistic AI at the level of people, newsrooms and media markets. This special issue aims to develop such a normative perspective on the use of AI-driven tools in journalism and the role of digital journalism studies in advancing that perspective. The contributions in this special issue combine conceptual, organisational and empirical angles to study the challenges involved in actively using AI to promote editorial values, the powers at play, the role of economic and regulatory conditions, and ways of bridging academic ideals and the messy reality of the real world. This editorial brings the different contributions into conversation, situates them in the broader digital journalism studies scholarship and identifies seven key-take aways.
K1  - Artificial intelligence
K1  - governance
K1  - Journalism
K1  - Media law
K1  - normative perspective
K1  - professional values
K1  - Regulation
ER  -

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Bibtex

Article{nokey,
	title = {Towards a Normative Perspective on JournalisticAI: Embracing the Messy Reality of NormativeIdeals},
	author = {Helberger, N. and Drunen, M. van and Möller, J. and Vrijenhoek, S. and Eskens, S.},
	doi = {https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2022.2152195},
	year = {2022},
	date = {2022-12-22},
	journal = {Digital Journalism},
	volume = {10},
	issue = {10},
	pages = {1605-1626},
	abstract = {Few would disagree that AI systems and applications need to be “responsible,” but what is “responsible” and how to answer that question? Answering that question requires a normative perspective on the role of journalistic AI and the values it shall serve. Such a perspective needs to be grounded in a broader normative framework and a thorough understanding of the dynamics and complexities of journalistic AI at the level of people, newsrooms and media markets. This special issue aims to develop such a normative perspective on the use of AI-driven tools in journalism and the role of digital journalism studies in advancing that perspective. The contributions in this special issue combine conceptual, organisational and empirical angles to study the challenges involved in actively using AI to promote editorial values, the powers at play, the role of economic and regulatory conditions, and ways of bridging academic ideals and the messy reality of the real world. This editorial brings the different contributions into conversation, situates them in the broader digital journalism studies scholarship and identifies seven key-take aways.},
	keywords = {Artificial intelligence, governance, Journalism, Media law, normative perspective, professional values, Regulation},
}

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Contribution to the public consultation on the European Media Freedom Act external link

Rucz, M., Irion, K. & Senftleben, M.

2022

Abstract

The announcement of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) has provided an important impulse for the development of new legal rules seeking to safeguard and support a free and pluralistic media environment in the European Union (EU). As indicated by Commissioners Věra Jourov and Thierry Breton, the initiative is set to address a wide range of persisting challenges faced by European media outlets, including political and economic pressures, unjustified interference with editorial independence, failing business models supporting journalism and issues surrounding media pluralism. Considering the broad spectrum of concerns and the centrality of a pluralist media environment for the health of democracies, the European Commission’s commitment to the EMFA is commendable and urgent. With this submission, we would like to take the opportunity to respond to the European Commission’s public consultation on the EMFA.

Links

https://www.ivir.nl/position-paper-european-media-freedom-act-consultation-2/

European Media Freedom Act, favourable environment, frontpage, indepen, independence, Journalism, media freedom, media plurality, news publisher

RIS

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Rucz, M.
AU  - Irion, K.
AU  - Senftleben, M.
PY  - 0328
DA  - 2022-03-28
T1  - Contribution to the public consultation on the European Media Freedom Act
UR  - https://www.ivir.nl/position-paper-european-media-freedom-act-consultation-2/
AB  - The announcement of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) has provided an important impulse for the development of new legal rules seeking to safeguard and support a free and pluralistic media environment in the European Union (EU). As indicated by Commissioners Věra Jourov  and Thierry Breton, the initiative is set to address a wide range of persisting challenges faced by European media outlets, including political and economic pressures, unjustified interference with editorial independence, failing business models supporting journalism and issues surrounding media pluralism. Considering the broad spectrum of concerns and the centrality of a pluralist media environment for the health of democracies, the European Commission’s commitment to the EMFA is commendable and urgent. With this submission, we would like to take the opportunity to respond to the European Commission’s public consultation on the EMFA.
K1  - European Media Freedom Act
K1  - favourable environment
K1  - frontpage
K1  - indepen
K1  - independence
K1  - Journalism
K1  - media freedom
K1  - media plurality
K1  - news publisher
ER  -

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Bibtex

Article{Rucz2022b,
	title = {Contribution to the public consultation on the European Media Freedom Act},
	author = {Rucz, M. and Irion, K. and Senftleben, M.},
	year = {0328},
	date = {2022-03-28},
	abstract = {The announcement of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) has provided an important impulse for the development of new legal rules seeking to safeguard and support a free and pluralistic media environment in the European Union (EU). As indicated by Commissioners Věra Jourov  and Thierry Breton, the initiative is set to address a wide range of persisting challenges faced by European media outlets, including political and economic pressures, unjustified interference with editorial independence, failing business models supporting journalism and issues surrounding media pluralism. Considering the broad spectrum of concerns and the centrality of a pluralist media environment for the health of democracies, the European Commission’s commitment to the EMFA is commendable and urgent. With this submission, we would like to take the opportunity to respond to the European Commission’s public consultation on the EMFA.},
	keywords = {European Media Freedom Act, favourable environment, frontpage, indepen, independence, Journalism, media freedom, media plurality, news publisher},
}

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Journalistische Schreibwerkstatt für Schüler mit Migrationshintergrund external link

Bastian, M.

Migranten als Journalisten? Eine Studie zu Berufsperspektiven in der Einwanderungsgesellschaft, Pöttker, H. and Kiesewetter, C. and Lofink, J. (eds): Migranten als Journalisten? Eine Studie zu Berufsperspektiven in der Einwanderungsgesellschaft. Springer VS, 0101, pp: 128-137

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immigration, Journalism, journalistic profession, migration

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Einstellungen von Jugendlichen mit Migrationshintergrund zum Journalistenberuf external link

Bastian, M.

Migranten als Journalisten? Eine Studie zu Berufsperspektiven in der Einwanderungsgesellschaft, Pöttker, H. and Kiesewetter, C. and Lofink, J. (eds): Migranten als Journalisten? Eine Studie zu Berufsperspektiven in der Einwanderungsgesellschaft. Springer VS, 0101, pp: 128-137

Links

immigration, Journalism, journalistic profession, migration

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The Ukraine Conflict and the European Media: A Comparative Study of Newspapers in 13 European countries external link

Fengler, S., Kreutler, M., Alku, M., Barlovac, B., Bastian, M. & et al.

Journalism, vol. 5, 2018

Links

DOI: https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/1464884918774311

Comparative research, content analysis, foreign correspondence, Journalism, Ukraine crisis

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Case note: EHRM (nr. 61496/08: Barbulescu / Roemeni external link

Dommering, E.

num: 15, 2018

Links

België, case study, disinformation, Fake news, Journalism, Media law

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