AI implementation strategies in the Spanish press media: organizational dynamics, application flows, uses and future trends

Abstract

This research analyses the artificial intelligence application strategies adopted by the Spanish press media at the height of the generative AI boom, extending previous studies on integrating AI technology into journalistic routines. We studied the dynamics of implementation of AI solutions in the main newspapers in Spain, determining the departments or professionals involved, the current uses, and how AI affects their organization chart and professional profiles, as well as providing insights into the future trends of this technology in the sector. For this purpose, a qualitative methodology was employed, based on interviews with a purposive sample of executives from the 10 newspapers with the largest circulation in Spain: El País, La Vanguardia, Marca, La Voz de Galicia, As, ABC, El Mundo, El Correo, El Diario Vasco and Mundo Deportivo. The results reveal that AI is conceived in the Spanish press media as an assistant aimed at optimizing all kinds of mechanical processes and existing products, not at amplifying coverage or generating final pieces that reduce the standard of quality essential to their subscription model. Groups such as Prisa, Vocento or Unidad Editorial centralize their AI strategy, while Grupo Godó delegates this management to its headers. These newspapers consider that AI will boost the renewal of job profiles in their structures, despite the fact that they do not currently have strictly specialized professionals.