Journalists embrace AI, despite threat to jobs

It’s a pragmatic adoption, and a painful one. Australian journalists are embracing Artificial Intelligence – the very technology they fear will undermine the integrity of their craft and the security of their jobs.

Medianet’s latest Australian Media Landscape Report reveals a massive shift in the media industry, as journalists rapidly adopt Generative AI, whilst  simultaneously grappling with its impact on job security and professional integrity.

Despite a whopping 93% of journalists expressing concern about AI’s impact on journalism quality, 54% of journalists now use AI tools in one form or another.

Rather than using AI to write content, most journos are primarily utilising it for research and efficiency.

The report found that 22% of journalists lost work or knew someone who had lost work in 2025 due to the adoption of Generative AI.

This is a significant increase from 16% in 2024 and 12% in 2023.

Freelancers, casual workers and those in radio and podcasting were noted as the most affected groups.

Medianet Managing Director, Amrita Sidhu can see the irony:

“While we are seeing a steady increase in the adoption of AI, the level of concern for the industry’s future has never been higher.”

The general outlook towards the Australian media is sharply divided.

While a narrow majority (53%) feel some level of optimism, 47% are not at all optimistic.

Many describe an industry in crisis, characterised by a transition away from traditional newsrooms towards a more fragmented landscape.

This fragmentation is evidenced by the rise of “news influencers”. The industry remains cautious of this trend; while 26% view influencers as an opportunity to reach younger audiences, 41% see them as a threat. Key concerns cited include a lack of editorial expertise, accountability and a formal code of ethics.

In response to these shifts, 49% of journalists are now considering or running alternative platforms, such as Substack publications, newsletters or podcasts, to seek creative freedom.

“We are at a defining crossroads for Australian media,” says Sidhu. “The data shows an industry in transition and moving away from the traditional, centralised newsroom towards a more fragmented landscape of newsletters, podcasts, and independent creators.”

“The rise of news influencers is a double-edged sword; it offers a way to reach younger audiences, yet it bypasses the traditional editorial guardrails that the vast majority of our respondents are desperate to protect.”

This article is brought to you buy Radio Release.