Women Journalists in Surabaya: Role Interpretation in AI-Driven Media Transformation
Abstract
Background: The increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) over the past few years has significantly changed the operation of newsrooms, which accelerates production and changes decision-making processes. Previous research has focused on the technology and/or organization features of AI with little attention on the reporters, especially local women journalists in Surabaya, where regional newspapers urgently need change. Purpose: The objective of this study is to examine how women journalists in Surabaya interpret and negotiate their professional roles within the framework of AI-driven media transformation using Media Feminism Theory. Methods: The current study used a qualitative critical ethnography study design. The data were collected by in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document review. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis with open, axial, and selective coding. Results: The results indicate four main themes, such as how AI is changing newsroom routines, how it is contributing to the efficiency of journalistic work, how it is shaping the visibility of women-related issues through the logic of algorithms, and how it is creating new professional pressures for women journalists. Even with the productivity gains that AI can offer, participants stressed that editorial judgment, ethical vetting and professional autonomy are still vital. The results also suggest that algorithmic editorial practices might amplify gender inequalities. Conclusion: A media feminist perspective still has relevance to understanding the dynamics of the contemporary digital media industry, especially as algorithms play a greater role in deciding which issues matter and deserve public attention. Implications: The study contributes to Media Feminism Theory by showing how AI’s transformation of newsrooms intersects with already existing gender structures, and gives recommendations for how to make AI more gender-sensitive.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.24198/jkj.v10i1.70637
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