Axel Springer SE, the parent company of Bild, a popular German tabloid newspaper, has announced plans to replace a significant number of its editorial staff with artificial intelligence (AI) and automated processes. The move is part of the company’s shift from print to digital journalism, along with a $109 million earnings-boosting plan. According to reports, around 200 jobs will be cut starting in July, and roles like editors, proofreaders, photo editors, print production journalists, and assistants will no longer exist. The decision comes as the rapid development of AI continues to spark concerns over job losses in numerous industries.
Bild was founded in 1952 and reportedly sold more than five million copies per day in the 1980s. However, its print circulation had fallen to just over one million by 2022. McKinsey & Co. predicts that generative AI may fully automate up to 50% of all work activity conducted in workplaces today, including tasks related to decision-making, management, and interfacing with stakeholders. In May, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna noted that approximately 30% of the firm’s workforce could be replaced by AI and automation over the next five years, representing around 7,800 jobs.
The Deployment of AI in Media
The deployment of AI in media is not new, and its integration into newsrooms has been ongoing for some time. AI tools have helped journalists generate stories, fact-check information quickly, streamline workflows, and personalize content delivery. While many media organizations recognize the benefits of AI, others are concerned about the societal implications of replacing human workers with machines. Nonetheless, the trend toward automation and machine learning is expected to continue, with potentially far-reaching consequences for employment globally.