Adrian Hillman

Biography

Dr Adrian Hillman is Assistant Professor of Communication and Associate Director for Enrolment Management in the Faculty of Social Science Northeastern University London. His teaching specialism includes journalism and society, political communication and public speaking.

Qualifications

PGCHE Goldsmiths

PhD Goldsmiths

MA University of Sussex

BA (Hons) University of Malta
FHEA

Research

How data is redefining the way news and information is constructed: A study into data driven revenue models influencing the communication of politics.

It has become increasingly difficult to understand the essence of news construction without a clear understanding of the role of data and intermediaries. We are led to believe that journalism forms an essential part of a flourishing democracy notwithstanding the elements that come together to cloud the way news reflects our reality. This is amplified by numerous authors who recognise that culture, work routines, ownership structure and newsroom organisation do have a significant role to play in manufacturing news.  Together with this we acknowledge that the media environment is in continuous flux because of the development of technology platforms and intermediaries. Over time this has resulted in not only a repositioning of content but also of the economic model that has historically sustained news organisations as well as the way news is chosen. This research will require an understanding of the way data is collected by news organisation.

Future publication

Slaves to the algorithm: How big tech exercise power, and news organisations respond.

(What does this mean for the production and circulation of news? The AI Revolution in News Construction: How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping the Future of Journalism)

“Slaves to the Algorithm” is a thought-provoking and comprehensive exploration of the growing influence wielded by a small group of media giants in the digital age. This book will delve into the intricate relationship between technology, media, and society, shedding light on the implications of this power dynamic. In this work, readers will be taken on a journey through the rise of organisations such as Facebook, Google, Twitter, and others, whose algorithms have become the gatekeepers of information in the modern era. The book unravels the ways in which these algorithms and consequently Artificial Intelligence (AI), driven by profit and engagement, have profoundly shaped the landscape of news and content consumption. Drawing on extensive research and expert analysis, the book will examine how big tech exercise their power through algorithms, curating and prioritizing content based on user preferences, leading to filter bubbles and echo chambers. It will investigate the impact of these algorithmic mechanisms on society, from the spread of misinformation and the erosion of trust to the polarisation of public discourse.

“Slaves to the Algorithm” will explore the response of news organisations to this power imbalance highlighting the strategies employed by these organizations as they navigate the digital landscape, seeking to retain relevance and credibility. From adapting their content to the demands of algorithms to exploring new distribution models and emphasizing fact-checking, the book will showcase the multifaceted approaches undertaken by news organisations to counterbalance the influence of big tech. It will explore the broader societal implications and calls for action noting the ethical considerations surrounding algorithmic control, the role of regulation, and the importance of media literacy in a world heavily influenced by technology. This book will provide a critical examination of the power dynamics in the digital media landscape, serving as an essential guide for scholars, journalists, policymakers, and concerned citizens alike. It will challenge readers to question the impact of tech giants on information flow, and to contemplate the future of a society increasingly dependent on algorithms and digital platforms.

Public Speaking in an Algorithmic Age addresses a critical gap in contemporary public speaking by integrating rhetorical training with the ethical and analytical skills essential for navigating a digitally mediated landscape. Unlike conventional public speaking textbooks that focus primarily on performance techniques and persuasion strategies, this book positions public speaking as both a democratic practice and a critical literacy skill, preparing students to be orators and discerning analysts of contemporary rhetoric.

The book’s conceptual foundation rests on the premise that public speaking in the 21st century requires three interconnected competencies: technical skill in crafting and delivering speeches, ethical judgment in using rhetorical power responsibly, and analytical ability to evaluate the persuasive messages that characterise contemporary media environments. Drawing from classical rhetorical theory, contemporary communication research, and critical media studies, the book examines how public speaking functions within civil societies while addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI), algorithmic mediation, and the spread of misinformation.

Recent publication

Hillman, A. (2025) The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Construction of News: Challenges and Opportunities Facing Journalism in an Age Underlined by Increasing Distrust in Knowledge-Producing Institutions Political Behaviour Vol 15, Issue 38  https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5619371

Hillman, A. (2024) The construction of news in a polarised state New York: Routledge. (ISBN: 1032219955)

Hillman, A. (2023, September 27). Malta: The roots of a polarised state. Social & Personality Psycholoy Journal, 4(156).https://ssrn.com/abstract=4424817 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4424817

Conferences

Hillman, A. (2023). What challenges and opportunities face journalists and journalism in the age of social media? Mancept 23 Workshops in Philosophy of Journalism. Manchester University

Hillman, A. (2023). Understanding of the role of advocacy in a polarized state: Revisiting the construction of news In 9^th Conference of the International Journal of Press/Politics, Edinburgh

Hillman, A. (2025). The role of Artificial Intelligence in the construction of news In Histories, Presents and Futures of Media and Communication, Westminster University.