24-803.12 Algorithms and Automation in the Newsroom (digital)

Instructors: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Jessica Kunert

Event type: Project seminar

Displayed in timetable as: MAEMU303

Hours per week: 3

Credits: 8,0

Language of instruction: English

Min. | Max. participants: 6 | 11

Comments/contents:
The seminar investigates how algorithms and automation change journalistic practices. While putting algorithms to work in the newsroom is not controversial per se, some uses have garnered high attention. For instance, algorithms may be used to personalise content to individual users (Kunert & Thurman, 2019), resulting in possible filter bubbles (Pariser, 2011) – a phenomenon that has been criticised heavily in media and academia. Even more controversial is automating the process of writing articles. This works for all beats in which structured and details data are used, e.g. finance, sports, and crime. Studies show that “algorithmic journalism” (Dörr, 2015), “robot journalism” (van Dalen, 2012), or “automated journalism” (Carlson, 2015) is not yet developed enough to make journalists obsolete – but technology is evolving fast, and thus many factual articles in finance are already automated, with other beats such as sports following (see for example the Washington Post’s “Heliograf”).

?We will analyse these developments in detail, and assess whether and how algorithms and automation are a driving force in the evolution of journalistic practices. To do so, we look at cutting-edge research as well as practice works – after all, this development is ongoing and change is omnipresent in this field.

Learning objectives:

• ?Understanding changes in journalism due to digitalisation
  
• Understanding the impact of algorithms and automation on journalistic practices
  
• Introduction to the field of Computational Journalism
  
• Introduction to cutting-edge technologies in journalism
  
• Developing a deep understanding of how technology impacts journalism through continuous reflection, analysis and discussion
  
• Learning how to give an engaging talk using the TED talk format
  
• Learning how to write an academic research article
  

Didactic concept:
We will consider the theoretical background and practical implications together as a seminar group, and discuss specific points in detail. To spark a discussion, each student is required to give a “TED talk” which presents an aspect of the respective seminar session. Furthermore, students will work in small groups on a research project in the area. While methods may be chosen freely, the projects will revolve around the perception of automation in journalism. All groups will present their progress to the class and to the seminar leader in various forms over the course of the seminar.I will guide the students through all the steps necessary, which are
a) how to give a TED talk,
b) how to plan a research project
c) how to conduct a research project,
d) how to write an academic journal article.

Platforms:

• for materials (readings, slides): OpenOlat
  
• for upload of assignments and further material: HiDrive
  
• for synchronous sessions: Zoom
  
• for consultation/(out of) office hours: Skype
  

Literature:
All assigned readings will be available on OpenOlat. 

Additional examination information:
Non-graded assignments 

• Research plan: first written draft (“flash expose”, max. 2 pages, in running text or detailed bullet points) (as a group)
  
• Research plan: oral presentation in class (as a group, in synchronous class via Zoom)
  
• Research plan: extended version after the oral presentation (max. 5 pages, including steps to be carried out)(as a group)
  
• Presentation of key results & open questions for academic journal article (as a group, in synchronous class via Zoom) 
  

• TED-Talk on one of the seminar topics (individual, 18 min. each) (50%)
  
• Academic journal article of the project’s results at the end of semester (as a group) (50%);
  Deadline: 31.03.2021