18
NEWSCASTSTUDIO.COM
The initial wave of AI tools addresses
specific pain points rather than transform-
ing the entire journalistic process.
What they’re good at is clear: stream-
lining repetitive work, providing faster
insights and reducing production bottle-
necks. Transcription tools convert hours
of interviews into text in minutes. Analytics
systems surface real-time audience data
that once took days to compile. Content
management solutions adapt stories for
multiple platforms without manual refor-
matting. These applications target the ad-
ministrative burdens that drain journalists’
time and energy.
However, how these tools integrate into
newsrooms comes with important caveats.
Implementation requires significant in-
vestment in both technology and training.
Connecting AI systems with legacy infra-
structure often proves more complex than
vendors suggest. Quality control remains
essential as automation introduces new
errors requiring human oversight. Small-
er newsrooms may lack the resources to
adopt these technologies, potentially wid-
ening the digital divide in journalism.
Short-term realities
vs. long-term possibilities
The long-term impact of AI on journal-
ism will likely be more transformative
than current applications suggest but also
more complex.
Newsrooms that effectively integrate
AI or machine learning tools may redirect
resources toward investigative and com-
munity-focused
journalism.
Enhanced
data analysis capabilities could strengthen
reporting on complex topics like climate
change or public finance. Personalization
tools might help rebuild audience relation-
ships and subscription models.
Yet legitimate concerns persist.
AI development primarily serves com-
mercial interests that may not align with
journalistic values. Algorithmic systems
often perpetuate existing biases in news
coverage. Overreliance on automation
could erode essential editorial skills in
newsrooms. Market concentration may
accelerate as resource-rich news organi-
zations outpace smaller outlets.
And, of course, there is the sticky issue
of AI training data, which the legal system
may eventually weigh in on.
A balanced path forward
The most realistic approach for news-
rooms involves neither wholesale rejec-
tion nor uncritical embrace of AI technol-
ogies. But before jumping to AI solutions,
many newsrooms need to address more
fundamental technological challenges.
Cloud transformation represents a more
immediate priority, moving from legacy
on-premise systems to flexible, scalable
infrastructure that can support modern
workflows. This digital foundation — not
AI itself — often delivers the first wave of
efficiency gains.
Adopting hybrid workflows that blend
remote and in-office collaboration has be-
come essential alongside cloud migration.
The pandemic accelerated this shift, forc-
ing newsrooms to develop systems where
journalists, editors,and producers could
coordinate seamlessly across locations.
These hybrid models, when thoughtfully
implemented, provide the flexibility and
resilience that modern news operations
require.
Once this foundation is established, tar-
geted AI implementation should identify
specific workflow problems where auto-
mation offers clear benefits.
Newsrooms must maintain editorial pri-
macy, ensuring technology serves journal-
istic judgment rather than replacing it.
Investment in digital literacy is crucial
to equip journalists to understand both
the capabilities and limitations of these
tools. Clear ethical frameworks and poli-
cies will help protect journalistic integri-
ty. Perhaps most importantly, newsrooms
should measure whether these technolo-
gies actually free up time for higher-value
journalism or simply add another layer of
complexity.
The future of journalism doesn’t hinge
on technological adoption.
It depends equally on business model
innovation, rebuilding audience trust and
recommitting to core civic purposes of the
profession.
Neither cloud transformation nor AI will
single-handedly save journalism. These
technologies represent factors in a com-
plex ecosystem of challenges and oppor-
tunities facing an essential institution. The
newsrooms that navigate this landscape
successfully will approach technology
with openness and skepticism — willing to
evolve while remaining anchored in jour-
nalistic principles.
Continued from previous page
Haivision report highlights broadcast’s tech evolution
Haivision has released its sixth annual
“Broadcast Transformation Report,” provid-
ing insights into technology adoption trends
shaping the industry in 2025.
Based on responses from nearly 900
broadcast and media professionals sur-
veyed between November and December
2024, the report highlights the growing role
of artificial intelligence, 5G, cloud technol-
ogy, and video transport protocols in live
production.
The report shows an increase in Secure
Reliable Transport adoption, with usage
growing from 68% in 2024 to 77% in 2025.
Meanwhile, Real-Time Messaging Protocol
remains the second most-used transport
protocol at 58%.
Broadcasters are also turning to 5G to
improve efficiency, with 76% of those using
cellular networks relying on the technolo-
gy. Key benefits cited include greater band-
width, lower latency, and cost savings.
Artificial intelligence adoption has more
than doubled, with 25% of respondents in-
corporating AI into their workflows, up from
9% the previous year.
Additionally, 64% believe AI will have the
most significant industry impact over the
next five years. Cloud technology continues
to grow steadily, with 86% of broadcasters
using it in some capacity. However, hybrid
models remain dominant, as 49% of respon-
dents reported using cloud technology for
less than a quarter of their workflows.
Video compression technology is also
evolving, with High-Efficiency Video Coding
usage rising to 70%, closing in on the lead-
ing H.264 standard, which is used by 79% of
respondents.
“The findings in this year’s Broadcast
Transformation Report reveal both the ex-
citing innovations and the persistent chal-
lenges facing broadcasters today,” said Mar-
cus Schioler, vice president of marketing at
Haivision. “From the continued expansion
of SRT, 5G, and AI to the measured adoption
of cloud technologies, broadcast ecosys-
tems are evolving to leverage new tools that
drive efficiency, enhance production quali-
ty, and future-proof their operations.”
The report underscores the balance
broadcasters are maintaining between
emerging technologies and legacy infra-
structure. While AI and 5G adoption are on
the rise, many broadcasters remain cau-
tious with cloud migration, reflecting a pref-
erence for hybrid workflows.