Algorithms in digital media as a factor in the transformation of journalistic practices in the Republic of N. Macedonia

This paper analyzes the role of the so-called algorithms in digital media as a key factor in the transformation of journalistic practices in the Republic of N. Macedonia. In the context of digitalization and the dominance of social media platforms, traditional editorial mechanisms are increasingly being replaced or supplemented by algorithmic systems for the selection, ranking, and distribution of content. This scientific paper focuses on examining the changes in news production, whereby media outlets adapt their strategies to the logic of visibility, engagement, and optimization for digital platforms. Through theoretical analysis and a review of relevant literature, the paper examines the concepts of algorithmic strategy, the economy of social platforms, and digital mediation. Additionally, the implications for journalistic autonomy, professional standards, and ethical principles are analyzed, especially in conditions where algorithms indirectly influence the decisions made by editors. The effects are presented through a questionnaire for examining the opinions of journalists employed or engaged in Macedonian traditional and online media. Particular emphasis is placed on the risk of sensationalism, homogenization of content, and the prioritization of quantity over quality. The conclusions indicate that algorithmic mediation does not represent merely a technological change, but also an essential reorganization of the journalistic process. In the Macedonian media context, this raises questions regarding the sustainability of professional journalism, the need for adaptation of ethical frameworks, and the code of journalists. The paper contributes to the understanding of contemporary media dynamics and provides a basis for further empirical research.
Keywords: algorithms, digital media, transformation, journalism