Exploring the Role of Robotics in News Production and Dissemination within Arab Media Institutions: An Empirical Study

Abstract

This study provides a forward-looking examination of how robotics is being integrated into Arab media institutions, with particular emphasis on its role in news production and dissemination. It investigates the extent to which cutting-edge technologies—specifically robotic systems—can enhance operational efficiency, expedite production processes, and improve content quality across various news platforms. By situating these developments within the broader trajectory of digital transformation, the research illuminates both the potential benefits and the practical hurdles associated with adopting automation tools in the media sector. Methodologically, the study employs a descriptive survey approach, integrating quantitative data from structured questionnaires with qualitative insights gleaned from in-depth interviews with media professionals and communication scholars. The sample encompasses 216 respondents drawn from prominent Arab media outlets that have already implemented robotics in their production pipelines. Geographically, the participants are distributed as follows: Egypt (76), Qatar (26), Saudi Arabia (49), and the United Arab Emirates (65). Findings indicate a prevailing optimism regarding the potential of media robotics to elevate content quality and tailor news output to audience preferences—an orientation that reflects a growing institutional openness toward technological adoption. At the same time, participants voiced concern over several socio-economic and logistical impediments —most notably the scarcity of requisite resources, infrastructural deficits, and the ethical dilemmas posed by algorithmic decision-making in news curation. The study further highlights the need to recalibrate professional training within the sector, emphasizing the imperative of equipping communication practitioners with the digital competencies required to navigate an increasingly automated media environment. In this regard, it advocates for the systematic integration of robotics and AI-focused modules into training curricula and institutional capacity-building programs.