AI Reshaping Global Media, Creating Opportunities and Risks

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the global information ecosystem and communication landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges, according to a report by a Chinese think tank.

The Xinhua Institute report, titled “AI Plus Media: Global Development Report 2026”, says generative AI is enriching content production while also making it easier to fabricate information.

The report highlights several key challenges. AI-powered platforms are opening new channels for reaching audiences while potentially weakening direct connections between media organisations and their readers. AI tools are improving production efficiency but also requiring higher organisational standards. Meanwhile, the wider adoption of AI is creating opportunities for many while widening technological divides between regions.

The report calls on global news media to play several roles: promoting technological inclusiveness, leading efforts on digital ethics, helping establish rules for AI applications, protecting digital rights and encouraging mutual learning to build a trustworthy and fair communication order.

The report was released at the 7th World Media Summit, held in Beijing from November 5 to 9 under the theme “Media in the Intelligent Age: From Consensus to Action”.

The summit brought together nearly 500 representatives from around 330 media outlets, think tanks and organisations across 112 countries and regions, as well as the United Nations.

Initiated in 2009, the summit has developed into a major platform for international media cooperation.