The Reconstruction of Journalism in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: A Preliminary Exploration of Theoretical Paradigm Transformation and Educational Innovation

Abstract

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, has triggered profound transformations within the global journalism industry, fundamentally challenging traditional news production models, professional norms, and educational paradigms. This comprehensive study examines the multidimensional impact of AI technologies on contemporary journalism through theoretical analysis, industry observation, and educational case studies. The paper first explores the emergence of "Journalistic Taylorism]"(Hindy Lauer Schachter,2020). A phenomenon characterized by the standardization of news production processes through algorithmic intervention, resulting in journalist deskilling and professional alienation. It then analyzes how news organizations are navigating the tension between platform dependency and professional autonomy, creating what scholars term "functional infotainment" on social media platforms. The educational dimension receives particular attention, with examination of innovative "three-stage" training models that balance foundational skills with AI literacy development. By synthesizing international research perspectives with empirical data from China's growing digital publishing sector (which reached ¥1.7485 trillion in revenue in 2024), this paper proposes a holistic framework for understanding journalism's evolution in the AI era. The findings suggest that successful adaptation requires neither wholesale rejection nor uncritical embrace of technology, but rather the cultivation of journalists who possess both critical thinking capabilities and technological fluency – professionals capable of leveraging AI's efficiencies while preserving journalism's essential democratic functions. The study concludes with recommendations for institutional, educational, and ethical reforms that might enable journalism to maintain its public service mission amidst technological disruption.