Introduction: The expansion of artificial intelligence in newsrooms has moved beyond a mere technical shift. It is actively restructuring news production and management while redefining the ethical responsibilities of journalists. As modern newsrooms transition to hybrid environments, the balance between algorithmic efficiency and journalistic integrity becomes critical. This study aimed to identify, categorize, and explain the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence in newsroom management to provide a comprehensive conceptual framework for media researchers and practitioners.

Methods: This research utilized a qualitative meta-synthesis approach based on the seven-step model of Sandelowski and Barroso. A systematic search across reputable scientific databases targeted studies published between 2016 and 2026. After applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria and quality assessment using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool, 53 peer-reviewed articles were selected as the final corpus. Data synthesis was conducted using thematic analysis, and the reliability of the categorization process was confirmed through a strong inter-coder agreement coefficient.

Results: Findings classified ethical challenges into four main themes. The first theme covers normative challenges, including algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, accountability gaps, and privacy threats. The second involves management transformations, comprising automation, role redefinition, algorithmic gatekeeping, and platform dependency. The third theme addresses human-machine interaction, highlighting the necessity of human supervision, combating fake news, and preserving content authenticity. The final theme covers media governance, encompassing ethical frameworks, algorithmic literacy, and policy-making. Frequency analysis revealed that governance frameworks and role redefinition were the most discussed topics with 16 repetitions each, followed by algorithmic bias and fake news with 15 repetitions each. In contrast, content authenticity and media hype received significantly less attention with 6 and 3 repetitions respectively, indicating notable gaps in the current literature.

Discussion: Ethical management of artificial intelligence in newsrooms requires a multilevel, human-centered approach grounded in transparency and proactive governance. Media organizations must implement dynamic ethical codes and prioritize algorithmic literacy to prevent the deskilling of journalists. Establishing robust human-in-the-loop protocols is essential to preserve journalism's democratic functions and maintain public trust. These findings provide a practical roadmap for newsroom leaders navigating the evolving media landscape responsibly.