The sustainability of the media and the implementation of artificial intelligence have been the two challenges of journalism analyzed by a group of experts from committee of Europe. Ramón Salaverría, Full Professor of Journalism at the University of Navarra and president of the group of experts, presented the conclusions of the two reports at the association of the Press of Madrid together with Mónica Tourón, administrative assistant general of the APM. 

The committee of Experts for Increasing Media Resilience (MSI-RES) of committee in Europe has been working for two years on two reports, with the goal to establish a mapping of media financing and sustainability best practices, and to establish common standards on artificial intelligence issues and to serve as guide in view of the impact and scope of these technologies. The guidelines are recommendations and proposals for the 46 member states, with indications for journalists, media companies and governments.

Best practices for sustainable financing of news media

Based on an analysis of cases in the 46 member states of committee in Europe, the document aims to offer guidelines for the regeneration of the journalistic industrial fabric in Europe. To this end, in addition to analyzing examples of success that can serve as model to the newspaper industry, it proposes several recommendations to public authorities, so that they contribute to the economic sustainability of the media without interfering in their independence. 

The report collects examples of good practices on media sustainability at European level and trend analysis. The goal is to help anticipate scenarios and generate appropriate policies to ensure media sustainability and plurality in a changing status .

Experts point out that one of the keys to success in the financial sustainability of the media, in the current ecosystem, is the diversification of financial sources. The advertising and payment continue to be the hegemonic sources, but the core topic is to be able to support them with other sources. Among the thirteen options highlighted by experts are donations, public subsidies, crowdfunding models, among others.

It also highlights the relevance of transparent government support, tax incentives and adaptation to the challenges of the digital era as keys to media resilience and sustainability in today's changing media landscape.

Guidelines for the implementation manager of artificial intelligence systems in journalism

 The goal of report is to establish common standards on artificial intelligence issues and to serve as guide to address the impact and scope of these technologies on human rights and fundamental freedoms. They address the risks and opportunities of the irruption of these technologies in the newsrooms and also the areas in which they can add value and streamline processes.

The experts emphasize that many key decisions in the journalistic process cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence systems. They establish the critical elements of journalism and also which processes can be subordinated to new technologies. These processes can be at any point in the chain, from production to dissemination and outreach. 

The use of AI systems can be a competitive factor in the digital market and help strengthen journalism, but it is essential to be able to access and use these tools from agreement with human rights and professional values, such as independence publishing house.

Additional documentation:

 summary executive media sustainability 

 summary executive artificial intelligence and journalism

 report full media sustainability

 report full artificial intelligence and journalism