Matt Carlson

Papers

Total Citations

499

H-Index

About

Matt Carlson is a leading scholar in journalism studies, whose work critically examines the intersection of technology, professional identity, and journalistic authority. His key research areas include the sociology of news, journalistic roles, and the impact of automation on media practices. Carlson is best known for his foundational work on automated journalism, most notably through his highly influential paper "The Robotic Reporter" (2014), which has garnered over 499 citations. In this seminal piece, he introduced the concept of algorithmic processes converting data into narrative news texts with minimal human intervention, framing it as a potentially disruptive force within the industry. This contribution has shaped ongoing debates about the boundaries of journalistic labor and the evolving definition of news production. Beyond this, Carlson has made significant contributions to understanding journalistic metadiscourse—how journalists talk about their own work—and the shifting sources of authority in a digital age. His research is widely cited and has been instrumental in guiding scholars and students through the complex transformations facing contemporary journalism.