A master’s thesis titled “Standards for Using Artificial Intelligence in Iraqi Satellite News Bulletins from the Perspective of News Professionals” was discussed at the College of Mass Communication, University of Baghdad. The thesis was submitted by Taif Yas Khudair, a researcher in the Department of Radio and Television.
The discussion committee was chaired by Prof. Dr. Hussein Ali Noor, with Prof. Dr. Adel Abdul Razzaq as supervisor. Assistant Professor Dr. Hussein Jassim served as a committee member, while Assistant Professor Dr. Haider Faleh was an external committee member.
The thesis sought to assess the level of knowledge among staff working in the newsrooms of Iraqi satellite channels regarding artificial intelligence technologies used in news production, as well as to measure the extent to which these technologies are used in preparing news bulletins. It also examined the applications and tools used in producing television news bulletins and identified the professional, ethical, technical, and organizational standards governing their use in news verification and content production.
The researcher adopted the survey method within a descriptive research framework, using a questionnaire to collect data from a purposive sample of 320 respondents working in Iraqi satellite television newsrooms, including editors, correspondents, presenters, camera operators, technicians, and information technology and digital analysis specialists within media organizations.
The findings showed a growing trend toward the use of artificial intelligence technologies in Iraqi satellite television newsrooms, particularly in news text generation, data analysis, automated audio and video editing, audience engagement analysis, and speech-to-text conversion.
The findings also confirmed that media professionals recognize the importance of adhering to professional and ethical standards when using artificial intelligence, particularly with regard to information accuracy, source verification, human review, privacy protection, and avoiding bias and the dissemination of false or misleading information. The study also found a statistically significant positive correlation between the level of AI technology use and adherence to ethical, professional, technical, and organizational standards, with a correlation coefficient of 0.78.
The findings further revealed a strong relationship between the use of artificial intelligence technologies and improvements in the quality and efficiency of news production, with a correlation coefficient of 0.81. This indicates that these technologies contribute to accelerating news bulletin production, improving the quality of visual, audio, and written content, supporting editorial creativity, and analyzing audience engagement.
The thesis recommended developing a code of ethics specifically governing the use of artificial intelligence in Iraqi media organizations, with clear guidelines for applying these technologies at different stages of news production. It also emphasized the need to disclose content generated or modified using artificial intelligence, strengthen human oversight of media outputs, and subject the systems and algorithms used in newsrooms to regular assessment and evaluation.
The recommendations also stressed the importance of providing continuous training programs for newsroom staff, developing appropriate technological infrastructure, strengthening information security, and establishing clear organizational policies to ensure the professional and ethical use of artificial intelligence while maintaining professional standards, content accuracy, and accountability in news production.
The thesis aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4: Quality Education, through developing the skills of media professionals; Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, through the use of modern technologies to advance media work; and Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, by emphasizing information accuracy, transparency, and professional responsibility in news production.
