Publication Trends in Artificial Intelligence and Journalism

Abstract

This study examines the publication trends, dominant research topics, and regional disparities in academic knowledge production on artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism. Using a scientometric approach, we analyze 269 Scopus-indexed articles published between 2017 and 2024. Methods include bibliometric analysis, topic modeling with CiteSpace, and co-authorship network analysis with VOSviewer. The findings reveal a sharp increase in AI-journalism research, with the majority of publications concentrated in North America and Western Europe. Thematic analysis identifies five key research clusters, including algorithmic governance, data-driven journalism, and AI-assisted newsroom decision-making. Despite the growing volume of publications, citation rates per article have declined, suggesting saturation in the field. The study highlights the structural imbalance in knowledge production, with minimal representation from Global South scholars. Future research should focus on interdisciplinary collaborations, the ethical implications of AI-driven journalism, and strategies for increasing academic inclusiveness in non-Western contexts.