“Between hype and dystopia? How journalists report on artificial intelligence

With the increasing spread of artificial intelligence (AI), media coverage of it has also increased significantly. It is undisputed that journalism plays a crucial role in the public perception of new technologies. Journalists make a significant contribution to how AI is negotiated in societies. Especially when it comes to artificial intelligence, it is currently crucial not to follow AI hype without thinking or to draw dystopian future scenarios, but rather to deal with the effects of AI technologies in a differentiated and well-founded manner. This is exactly what experts will do on November 27, 2024 at a panel discussion organized by the FHWien der WKW and the Austrian Commission for UNESCO.

How does media influence the perception of AI?

The event will open with a keynote by Melissa Heikkilä (MIT Tech Review). The subsequent panel discussion (in German) will focus on the following questions:

How can journalists present complex technical and social issues in an understandable and balanced way?
What ethical considerations need to be taken into account in reporting to promote responsible debate?
How does media representation influence public opinion and political decision-making on AI?

Experts on the podium

The following experts will deepen and discuss the topics:

Marcus Anhäuser (TU Dortmund)
Elisabeth Gamperl (Süddeutsche Zeitung)
Verena Krawarik (APA)
Felix M. Simon (Oxford Internet Institute)

Moderation: Jakob Winter (Profile)

The keynote will be held in English, the subsequent panel discussion will take place in German. Participation is free. If you have any questions about the event or if you need support for your participation (e.g. a wheelchair space), please contact: oeuk@unesco.at

Datum: Wednesday, November 27, 2024, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m

Ort: Audimax, FHWien der WKW, Währinger Belt 97, 1180 Vienna

Media representatives are cordially invited to take part in the event.

Registration is possible at the following link:

The event is a cooperation between the Austrian UNESCO Commission and the FHWien der WKW. It is part of the “(Quality) Journalism and Artificial Intelligence” series of the Austrian Commission for UNESCO and is financed by the Federal Chancellery of the Republic of Austria and the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research.

FHWien of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce (WKW)

The FHWien der WKW is Austria’s leading university of applied sciences for management and communication. Its bachelor’s and master’s degree programs offer practical academic training to over 2,800 students. Around 900 people complete a further training program there. Two thirds of the teachers come directly from business. The close collaboration with local companies in teaching and research prepares students optimally for their careers. Since it was founded in 1994, FHWien der WKW has produced over 15,100 graduates.

Austrian UNESCO Commission

The Austrian UNESCO Commission (ÖUK) is the national coordination and liaison office of UNESCO. It advises the responsible authorities in Austria on all issues arising from Austria’s membership in UNESCO and implements UNESCO programs at the national level. In addition, it informs the public about the work of UNESCO and connects institutions, specialist organizations and experts with the organization.

UNESCO is the United Nations educational, scientific and cultural organization. In the “Communication and Information” sector, UNESCO addresses, among other things, the importance of plural media landscapes for democratic societies. In 2021, the organization also adopted a recommendation under international law on the ethics of artificial intelligence.