Ethics, transparency, and algorithmic accountability in broadcast media

Abstract

This chapter examines the transformation of the broadcast media industry, driven by digitalization and artificial intelligence, to evaluate the urgent need for ethical standards, transparency, and algorithmic accountability. By analyzing the shift from human gatekeepers to data-driven systems, the text demonstrates how automated decisions prioritize user engagement metrics over the public interest. The opacity of these systems raises critical concerns, notably algorithmic bias and echo chambers that restrict diverse viewpoints essential for a healthy public sphere. Through an evaluation of legal frameworks and case studies, structural solutions are proposed to restore media integrity. Specifically, implementing mandatory institutional standards, qualitative transparency models, and independent public oversight are recommended. Ultimately, algorithmic accountability is framed as a vital societal obligation necessary for a sustainable broadcast media ecosystem.