The algorithmic automation of media processes has produced machines that perform in roles that were previously occupied by human beings. Recent research has probed various theoretical approaches to the agency and ethical responsibility of machines and algorithms. However, there is no theoretical consensus concerning many key issues. Rather than setting out with fixed conceptions, this research calls for a closer look at the considerations and attitudes that motivate actual attributions of agency and responsibility. The empirical context of this study is legacy media where the introduction of automation, together with topical considerations of journalistic ethics and responsibility, has given rise to substantial reflection on received conceptions and practices. The results show a continuing resistance to attributions of agency and responsibility to machines. Three lines of thinking that motivate this stance are distinguished, and their potential shortcomings and theoretical implications are considered.

媒体过程的算法自动化已经产生了机器，这些机器执行的工作以前是人类所占据的。最近的研究探索了各种有关机器和算法的代理和道德责任的理论方法。但是，在许多关键问题上没有理论上的共识。这项研究没有提出固定的概念，而是要仔细研究激发代理和责任的实际归因的考虑因素和态度。这项研究的经验背景是传统媒体，在这些媒体中，自动化的引入以及新闻工作者的道德操守和责任感方面的话题性考虑，已经引起了人们对所接受的观念和实践的实质性反思。结果表明，对机构的代理和责任的归属持续存在抵制。区分了激发这种立场的三种思路，并考虑了它们的潜在缺点和理论含义。