Abstract:
The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and journalism has revolutionized media, particularly in sports reporting. This thesis explores the growing integration of AI, focusing on Natural Language Generation (NLG), and its impact on sports journalism. AI technologies, such as automated systems for real-time data analysis and content generation, offer sports journalists tools to enhance reporting efficiency, allowing faster coverage and personalized content. However, these advancements raise significant questions about human creativity, journalistic integrity, and the evolving role of journalists. This research critically examines current AI applications in sports journalism, from automated match reports to sentiment-driven sports narratives, and assesses the broader implications of AI's influence on the profession. Ethical considerations, particularly regarding accuracy, bias in algorithms, and the potential decline of in-depth investigative reporting, are also explored. By analyzing both the opportunities and challenges posed by AI, this thesis aims to provide a balanced understanding of how technology is reshaping sports journalism while proposing strategies to maintain journalistic values in an AI-driven future.