Attitudes Towards AI and Its Impact on the Future of Journalism: Where Do Bangladesh and South Asia Stand?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly emerged as a transformative force in the field of journalism, reshaping news production, dissemination, and audience engagement worldwide. In South Asia, particularly Bangladesh, the adoption of AI technologies presents both opportunities and challenges for the media landscape. This study examines the attitudes towards AI among journalists, media professionals, and audiences in Bangladesh and broader South Asia, while exploring the implications of these attitudes for the future of journalism. Drawing on a mixed-method approach that incorporates surveys, interviews, and content analysis, the research highlights the tension between optimism about AI’s potential to enhance efficiency, fact-checking, and personalized content, and concerns regarding job displacement, ethical risks, algorithmic bias, and threats to press freedom. Findings reveal that while younger, tech-savvy journalists and audiences view AI as a tool for innovation and digital transformation, many traditional practitioners remain skeptical, fearing a decline in journalistic integrity and human editorial judgment. In Bangladesh, where media is often entangled with political pressures and economic constraints, the integration of AI into journalism raises further debates on transparency, accountability, and the risk of reinforcing state or corporate control. Comparatively, other South Asian countries demonstrate varying levels of adaptation, shaped by socio-political contexts, digital infrastructures, and policy frameworks. The study argues that the future of journalism in the region will depend not only on technological adoption but also on critical ethical frameworks, inclusive policies, and media literacy among journalists and consumers alike. By situating Bangladesh within a broader South Asian perspective, this research contributes to the global dialogue on AI-driven journalism and underscores the urgent need for balanced approaches that harness AI’s benefits while safeguarding democratic communication.