JOURNAL ARTICLE

Invisible journalists and dominant algorithms: AI-generated news and its implications for Australian media pluralism.

  • Published In: Australian Journalism Review, 2025, v. 47, n. 2. P. 151 1 of 3

  • Database: Communication Source 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Koskie, Timothy 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines the role of Microsoft Copilot, an AI-powered assistant embedded in Windows and powered by OpenAI's GPT-4, as a news source within Australia's media ecosystem, which is characterized by concentrated ownership, limited media sustainability, and underrepresentation of diverse communities. Analyzing 434 AI-generated news responses over 31 days, the study finds that Copilot predominantly reinforces dominant international news sources—especially from the United States and United Kingdom—while marginalizing Australian local, regional, and independent media, as well as the visibility of individual journalists and diverse communities. Although Copilot offers a streamlined and accessible news experience, it introduces new digital gatekeeping by privileging large platforms like Microsoft's MSN and provides limited support for the sustainability of struggling domestic media. The findings highlight the need for ongoing scrutiny, policy intervention, and design choices to ensure AI-driven news tools enhance rather than undermine media pluralism and diversity in Australia.

Additional Information

  • Source:Australian Journalism Review. 2025/12, Vol. 47, Issue 2, p151
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Communication and Mass Media
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0810-2686
  • DOI:10.1386/ajr_00183_1
  • Accession Number:190444051
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