Most people who consume news in the US and the UK are wary of journalism that is primarily created by artificial intelligence (AI), according to a survey.

A study by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism revealed that only 23% of respondents in the US and 10% in the UK would feel comfortable with AI-generated news, especially when it involves sensitive subjects such as politics and crime.

More than half of the survey participants in the US and 63% in the UK expressed discomfort with AI-driven news, while 18% chose a neutral stance.

Respondents showed the least resistance to AI’s use in generating text-based content, illustrations, and stylized graphics, while opposing its use in creating realistic-looking photos and videos.

"Our findings indicate that audiences are more accepting of AI in backend operations and in improving their news experience with more personalized and accessible content," the institute stated in its annual Digital News Report that accompanies the survey. "They are less comfortable with AI-produced public-facing content, especially in important or sensitive areas, and with synthetic videos or images that could be perceived as real, where errors would have serious implications. There's a general consensus that a human should always oversee these processes, and full automation should be avoided."

These results emerge as newsrooms globally are turning to AI amidst falling revenues and significant job cuts. Various media organizations worldwide are utilizing AI for tasks like research, transcribing interviews, and content creation.

Last year, Michael Miller, the executive chair of News Corp Australia, disclosed that the company was using AI to produce approximately 3,000 articles weekly.

In a bid to implement a cost-reduction programme of 100 million euros ($107m) last year, the German tabloid Bild warned its staff about possible further cuts due to "the opportunities of artificial intelligence."