New Books Network AI, News, and the State: Reinstitutionalising Journalism in Global China’s Algorithmic Age: A conversation with Dr. Joanne Kuai
Nov 3, 2025
Dr. Joanne Kuai, a Research Fellow specializing in digital journalism and AI, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about the transformation of journalism in China. She highlights how AI is reshaping journalistic roles and governance, particularly the balancing act for Chinese journalists between state interests and watchdog duties. The conversation also examines the differences in AI attitudes across various news organizations, the implications of AI-driven content moderation, and the need for human accountability in algorithmic frameworks. Joanne advocates for a critical public discourse surrounding AI.
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AI As A Socio-Technical Power Shaper
- AI is a socio-technical phenomenon that reflects and reinforces power dynamics between state, tech firms, and journalism.
- In China these actors co-construct journalism to align technology with political authority.
Watchdog Reporting Within Constraints
- Chinese journalists can perform watchdog roles within political constraints and expose private-sector harms.
- They often position the state as a responsible custodian while being less critical of state-developed AI.
People's Magazine Sparks Policy Change
- People's Magazine exposed algorithmic exploitation of food-delivery workers and sparked national policy debate.
- Reporting led to improvements in worker welfare and algorithmic design.
