Learning and Unlearning: Emerging Journalistic Competencies in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Review

This systematic review draws on the concepts of continuous learning and unlearning to examine the emerging competencies journalists need in the AI-driven news environment, focusing on the need to both learn new AI-related skills and unlearn outdated practices. The study reviewed 90 peer-reviewed studies and 10 industry reports published between 2000 and 2025 on AI literacy, data-driven reporting, algorithmic understanding, and AI ethics. The findings reveal a significant gap between the traditional competencies emphasised in journalism training and the evolving demands of AI-enabled newsrooms. The study suggests that journalists must not only learn new skills such as algorithmic reasoning and data analysis but also unlearn legacy practices, including linear workflows and traditional gatekeeping roles. The study identifies continuous learning and unlearning as essential for journalists to maintain editorial autonomy, critical engagement, and ethical responsibility in AI-mediated environments. The study underscores the importance of integrating both learning and unlearning into ongoing professional development to ensure sustainable, effective journalism in the age of AI.